Russia has unveiled plans to create an AI alliance with BRICS countries Brazil, China, India, and South Africa along with other interested nations. President Vladimir Putin made the announcement at a major AI conference in Moscow, highlighting the initiative as a key step to challenge the dominance of the United States in the rapidly advancing field of AI.
The AI Alliance Network will promote joint research, technology development, and regulation among member nations. Despite Western sanctions that have hampered Russia’s access to essential AI hardware like microchips, domestic leaders like Sberbank and Yandex are driving innovation with generative AI models such as GigaChat and YandexGPT.
Russia also has ambitious plans to integrate AI across its economy, targeting a contribution of 11.2 trillion roubles to GDP by 2030 and training 80% of its workforce in AI skills. While the country currently lags behind global leaders like the US and China in AI development, this alliance could mark a turning point in its technological aspirations.
Amazon is establishing the Amazon AGI SF Lab in San Francisco to develop cutting-edge AI agent technology. This new initiative will be led by David Luan, co-founder of the AI startup Adept, which Amazon effectively acquired earlier this year. The lab’s primary focus will be creating agents capable of performing complex tasks across various software, web browsers, and even real-world applications.
Amazon’s move builds on its broader efforts in artificial general intelligence (AGI) and aligns with its recent acquisition of talent and technology from Adept. Luan will work alongside robotics expert Pieter Abbeel, who joined Amazon through its deal with Covariant. The lab plans to start with Adept’s existing team while adding a few dozen researchers from fields like quantitative finance and physics.
The company aims to develop AI agents that can learn from human feedback, self-correct, and intuit user goals, advancing a vision of intelligent systems that go beyond static tools. This initiative positions Amazon in the competitive “agentic AI” sector, which industry analysts estimate could grow to $31B by year-end.
Amazon’s AGI SF Lab comes amid a broader push by major tech players to develop similar autonomous systems. With competitors such as OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google already making strides in this field, Amazon’s new lab highlights its commitment to being a leader in the next wave of AI innovation.
Amazon has successfully conducted its first drone delivery test in Italy, marking the country as its initial European market for this innovative service. The trial took place on 4 December in San Salvo, Abruzzo, using Amazon‘s new MK-30 drone equipped with advanced computer vision for obstacle detection and safety.
The e-commerce giant aims to launch Prime Air drone deliveries in Italy and the United Kingdom by late 2024, subject to regulatory approvals. The service is already operational in select areas of Texas and Arizona, with plans for expansion.
Italy joins the UK as a focal point for Amazon’s European drone delivery ambitions, supported by local aviation regulators. Amazon’s technology promises safer, more efficient package delivery while navigating complex airspaces.
Enron Corporation has announced its relaunch with a focus on tackling global energy challenges through technology and sustainable solutions. The company plans to invest in renewable energy infrastructure, advanced energy storage, and innovative power distribution systems to improve energy sustainability, accessibility, and affordability. Enron aims to address evolving demands such as renewable energy integration and climate resilience while maintaining a commitment to ethical business practices, transparency, and sustainability.
The company’s leadership has acknowledged its troubled past but now focuses on integrity and innovation. Enron’s new vision includes embracing decentralised technology, with hints of potential engagement with blockchain, which could play a significant role in reshaping the energy sector. It aligns with trends in permissionless innovation and could have broad implications for the crypto community.
While Enron’s new direction has sparked interest, a token called “Enron” has recently launched, but it appears to be an unofficial meme coin with no official ties to the company. Despite this, the launch of various Enron-related tokens has caught the attention of the crypto market. As the company redefines its role, Enron’s emphasis on integrating cutting-edge technology with sustainable energy solutions could offer opportunities for the energy and blockchain industries alike.
Once a prominent energy player, Enron’s downfall in 2001 due to accounting fraud led to one of the largest bankruptcies in US history. However, the company reemerged in 2004 as Enron Creditors Recovery Corp. Since then, it has focused on asset liquidation. Enron’s latest plans aim to rebuild and contribute to the global transition to renewable energy, marking a significant shift in the company’s legacy.
Apple and Google face growing scrutiny in the UK over allegations of stifling competition in mobile web browsers. The UK Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) claims that both companies use their dominant positions to restrict consumer choice, citing Apple’s limits on progressive web apps as a barrier to innovation on iOS devices. Progressive web apps could bypass app stores and their fees, offering faster and more secure browsing.
The CMA’s report also points to a revenue-sharing deal between Apple and Google that discourages competition in mobile ecosystems. Both companies have responded, with Apple defending its privacy and security measures and Google emphasising the openness of its Android platform.
This investigation is part of a broader crackdown on Big Tech, with regulators in the US and UK aiming to curb monopolistic practices. The CMA plans to finalise its report in March and use upcoming digital competition laws to address these concerns.
Amazon has resumed its drone delivery programme, bringing its Prime Air service to select customers in the Phoenix, Arizona area. After recently ending the service in California, Amazon is now offering drone deliveries for products weighing five pounds or less, covering around 50,000 items. Customers in the West Valley Phoenix Metro Area can choose their delivery spot at checkout, with most items arriving within an hour from a nearby take-off site.
Using the advanced MK30 drone, Amazon has ensured improved delivery capabilities, with the Federal Aviation Administration recently allowing it to fly beyond the operator’s visual line of sight. The MK30 is quieter, can fly further, and operates in light rain, although it is limited to daylight and favourable weather conditions. The MK30 is also being used in College Station, Texas, where Amazon has piloted prescription medicine deliveries since 2023.
Amazon, aiming for efficient and cost-effective operations, has integrated drone deliveries into its same-day delivery network. While the company previously announced plans to expand drone delivery to the UK and Italy by the end of the year, no new updates were provided on these international expansions.
The Blockchain Association, an advocacy group for cryptocurrency and blockchain, reported that the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has cost crypto firms over $426 million in legal expenses since Gary Gensler became chair. According to the group, SEC actions against digital asset companies have increased since 2021, with 104 cases filed over two years. Industry leaders argue that this ‘regulation by enforcement’ approach has hindered growth and cost jobs.
Calling for change, the Blockchain Association stated that voters want fair regulations and an end to what it describes as the SEC’s “anti-innovation crypto crusade.” The association’s CEO, Kristin Smith, urged the public to support new SEC leadership, echoing complaints from other industry advocates and some lawmakers about Gensler’s strict approach.
The association further hinted that crypto could play a significant role in the upcoming election, with 18% of voters reportedly open to supporting candidates favouring digital asset innovation. As Election Day nears, political parties may increasingly see crypto regulation as a key issue in attracting undecided voters.
Presight and Colombia’s Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation have forged a significant partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration primarily focuses on advancing research and development in AI, data analytics, and innovation, particularly within emerging smart cities, energy transition, and climate action technologies.
To foster interaction among institutions in both regions, the partnership plans to organise seminars and conferences and establish mechanisms for technology transfer, thereby accelerating the adoption of AI and big data in Colombia. Consequently, this strategic alliance aligns with Colombia’s ambitions to enhance operational efficiency in smart cities while advancing its bioeconomy goals.
Furthermore, it represents a key step in Presight’s international expansion, reflecting Colombia’s desire to become a significant player in Latin America’s tech landscape. Leaders from both organisations have expressed their enthusiasm for this partnership.
It has been described as a milestone for advancing research and innovation in Colombia and the broader Latin American region. Additionally, the importance of the MoU in strengthening ties with the UAE has been emphasised, along with a commitment to ethical and sustainable AI initiatives. Together, Presight and Colombia aim to harness the potential of AI and big data to address pressing global challenges, thereby positioning themselves as leaders in innovation and technology in their respective regions.
The US government has launched the National Spectrum Research and Development Plan, aiming to boost America’s leadership in wireless spectrum innovation. Developed by the Wireless Spectrum R&D Interagency Working Group, the plan was initiated under the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, with significant contributions from the US National Science Foundation (NSF). The plan outlines strategies to address the rising demand for wireless spectrum, which is critical for national security, economic growth, and technological advancement.
The plan builds on President Joe Biden’s call for a coordinated national strategy to modernise spectrum policy. Key research areas include agile antennas, spectrum sharing, and interference resilience, with contributions from various federal agencies such as the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, and the Federal Communications Commission. The NSF’s involvement highlights the plan’s focus on fostering interdisciplinary research and cross-sector innovation.
By providing a roadmap for future spectrum technologies, the National Spectrum R&D Plan opens new commercialization opportunities and encourages international cooperation, ensuring the US remains competitive in the global spectrum landscape.
The UK is setting up a Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) to fast-track the approval of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, drones, and healthcare advancements. This initiative is a key part of the Labour government’s efforts to boost economic growth by reducing bureaucratic barriers and supporting innovation in critical sectors. By easing regulatory hurdles, the RIO aims to encourage businesses to bring cutting-edge technologies to market more quickly, stimulating growth and job creation.
The launch of the RIO comes ahead of a major investment summit on 14 October 2024, where Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Finance Minister Rachel Reeves will meet with global investors. The government hopes to demonstrate that the UK is open for business and committed to fostering a thriving tech and innovation sector. The summit will target infrastructure and clean energy investment as part of the country’s transition to a net-zero economy.
Science and Technology Minister Peter Kyle emphasised that the RIO will help industries such as bioengineering and healthcare, enabling earlier diagnosis of diseases, the development of cleaner fuels, and more sustainable agricultural practices. The new office will collaborate with existing regulators to reduce red tape and unlock economic potential, creating more jobs and strengthening the UK economy.
