Key Internet developments Archives | Page 15 of 45

Eli Lilly and NVIDIA invest in AI-driven pharmaceutical innovation

NVIDIA and Eli Lilly have announced a joint AI co-innovation lab aimed at advancing drug discovery by combining AI with pharmaceutical research.

The partnership combines Lilly’s experience in medical development with NVIDIA’s expertise in accelerated computing and AI infrastructure.

The two companies plan to invest up to $1 billion over five years in research capacity, computing resources and specialist talent.

Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, the lab will support large-scale data generation and model development using NVIDIA platforms, instead of relying solely on traditional laboratory workflows.

Beyond early research, the collaboration is expected to explore applications of AI across manufacturing, clinical development and supply chain operations.

Both NVIDIA and Eli Lilly claim the initiative is designed to enhance efficiency and scalability in medical production while fostering long-term innovation in the life sciences sector.

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Morocco outlines national AI roadmap to 2030

Morocco is preparing to unveil ‘Maroc IA 2030’, a national AI roadmap designed to structure the country’s AI ecosystem and strengthen digital transformation.

The strategy seeks to modernise public services, improve interoperability across digital systems and enhance economic competitiveness, according to officials ahead of the ‘AI Made in Morocco’ event in Rabat.

A central element of the plan involves the creation of Al Jazari Institutes, a national network of AI centres of excellence connecting academic research with innovation and regional economic needs.

A roadmap that prioritises technological autonomy, trusted AI use, skills development, support for local innovation and balanced territorial coverage instead of fragmented deployment.

The initiative builds on the Digital Morocco 2030 strategy launched in 2024, which places AI at the core of national digital policy.

Authorities expect the combined efforts to generate around 240,000 digital jobs and contribute approximately $10 billion to gross domestic product by 2030, while improving the international AI readiness ranking of Morocco.

Additional measures include the establishment of a General Directorate for AI and Emerging Technologies to oversee public policy and the development of an Arab African regional digital hub in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme.

Their main goal is to support sustainable and responsible digital innovation.

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Young people worry about jobs and inflation

Rising living costs and economic instability are the biggest worries for young people worldwide. A World Economic Forum survey shows inflation dominates personal and global concerns.

Many young people fear that AI-driven automation will shrink entry-level job opportunities. Two-thirds expect fewer early career roles despite growing engagement with AI tools.

Nearly 60 per cent already use AI to build skills and improve employability. Side hustles and freelance work are increasingly common responses to economic pressure.

Youth respondents call for quality jobs, better education access and affordable housing. Climate change also ranks among the most serious long-term global risks.

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Concerns grow over planned EU-US biometrics deal

The EU has agreed to open talks with the US on sharing sensitive traveller data. The discussions aim to preserve visa-free travel for European citizens.

The proposal is called ‘Enhanced Border Security Partnership‘, and it could allow transfers of biometric data and other sensitive personal information. Legal experts warn that unclear limits may widen access beyond travellers alone.

EU governments have authorised the European Commission to negotiate a shared framework. Member states would later settle details through bilateral agreements with Washington.

Academics and privacy advocates are calling for stronger safeguards and transparency. EU officials insist data protection limits will form part of any final agreement.

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Google expands AI shopping through Gemini

Google is expanding shopping features inside its Gemini chatbot through partnerships with Walmart and other retailers. Users will be able to browse and buy products without leaving the chat interface.

An instant checkout function allows purchases through linked accounts and selected payment providers. Walmart customers can receive personalised recommendations based on previous shopping activity.

The move was announced at the latest National Retail Federation convention in New York. Tech groups are racing to turn AI assistants into end-to-end retail tools.

Google said the service will launch first in the US before international expansion. Payments initially rely on Google-linked cards, with PayPal support planned.

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Meta backs US nuclear projects for AI growth

A series of agreements has been announced by Meta to support nuclear energy projects in the US, aiming to secure up to 6.6 gigawatts of clean and reliable electricity for data centres and AI infrastructure by 2035. The company said the move supports grid stability while reinforcing domestic energy capacity.

The agreements include support for existing nuclear facilities operated by Vistra in Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as commitments to advanced reactor developers TerraPower and Oklo.

Meta stated that the arrangements are intended to extend the operational life of current plants while accelerating the deployment of next-generation nuclear technologies.

According to Meta, the projects are expected to generate thousands of construction roles and hundreds of long-term operational jobs, while contributing to the firm’s power to regional electricity grids.

The company added that energy costs associated with its data centres are fully covered through corporate agreements, instead of being passed on to US consumers.

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xAI plans $20 billion data centre investment in Mississippi

The US AI company, xAI, plans to establish a large-scale data centre in Southaven, Mississippi, representing an investment of more than $20 billion. The project is expected to create several hundred permanent jobs across DeSoto County.

xAI has acquired an existing facility that will be refurbished to support data centre operations, located near additional energy and computing infrastructure already linked to xAI.

Once operational, the Southaven site in the US is expected to expand the company’s overall computing capacity significantly.

State and local authorities approved incentive measures for the project, including tax exemptions available to certified data centres.

Officials indicated that the investment is expected to contribute to local tax revenues supporting public services and infrastructure, while operations are scheduled to begin in February 2026.

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Robotics industry sets out key trends for 2026

The global market for industrial robot installations has reached a record value of $16.7bn in 2025. The International Federation of Robotics expects further growth through technological change and labour pressures.

AI-driven autonomy is becoming central to robotics development, enabling machines to learn tasks and operate independently. Agentic AI combines analytical and generative models to improve decision-making in complex environments.

Robots are also becoming more versatile as IT and operational systems converge across factories and logistics. Humanoid robots are moving beyond prototypes, with reliability and efficiency now critical for industrial adoption.

Safety, cybersecurity and workforce acceptance remain key challenges for the sector. Industry leaders see robots as allies addressing labour shortages while governments expand skills and retraining programmes.

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CES 2026 showcases AI and robotics innovations

CES 2026 has already revealed a range of groundbreaking technologies, from AI-powered holograms to autonomous vehicles. The event highlights how AI and robotics are increasingly shaping both entertainment and everyday life.

Razer introduced an all-in-one anime waifu hologram for desktops, while ASUS showcased extended reality glasses that act as a 240Hz gaming monitor. LEGO unveiled a Smart Brick capable of lighting up, playing sounds, and detecting characters.

Robotics took centre stage, with Boston Dynamics revealing its next-generation Atlas robot integrated with Google DeepMind AI, signalling rapid progress in humanoid robotics.

NVIDIA announced Alpamayo, a reasoning AI for autonomous vehicles, while Lucid partnered with Uber and Nuro to showcase a robotaxi.

Health and lifestyle innovations were also prominent. Withings launched Body Scan 2, an at-home longevity station offering AI-powered insights on blood pressure and over 60 biomarkers. Gaming hardware included the 8BitDo FlipPad, a flip-style controller optimised for mobile gaming.

Samsung teased a slim 3D display that delivers depth without bulky hardware, signalling a new generation of immersive screens. Alongside it, a pen with three cameras showed advanced spatial tracking for precise motion capture and object scanning.

CES 2026 emphasises the blending of AI, robotics, and interactive devices, highlighting how technology is increasingly personal, intelligent, and integrated into everyday life.

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Global AI adoption reaches record levels in 2025

Global adoption of generative AI continued to rise in the second half of 2025, reaching 16.3 percent of the world’s population. Around one in six people now use AI tools for work, learning, and problem-solving, marking rapid progress for a technology still in its early years.

Adoption remains uneven, with the Global North growing nearly twice as fast as the Global South. Countries with early investments in digital infrastructure and AI policies, including the UAE, Singapore, and South Korea, lead the way.

South Korea saw the most significant gain, rising seven spots globally due to government initiatives, improved Korean-language models, and viral consumer trends.

The UAE maintains its lead, benefiting from years of foresight, including early AI strategy, dedicated ministries, and regulatory frameworks that foster trust and widespread usage.

Meanwhile, open-source platforms such as DeepSeek are expanding access in underserved markets, including Africa, China, and Iran, lowering financial and technical barriers for millions of new users.

While AI adoption grows globally, disparities persist. Policymakers and developers face the challenge of ensuring that the next wave of AI users benefits broader communities, narrowing divides rather than deepening them.

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