U.S. Department of Defense Secures $200M AI Contracts with OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, xAI for National Security
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) announced on July 14 it has awarded up to $200 million in AI contracts to OpenAI, Google parent company Alphabet, Anthropic, and xAI, aiming to accelerate the deployment of advanced AI capabilities across national security systems. The contracts, managed by the DoD’s Chief Digital and AI Office (CDAO), will fund the development of "agentic AI workflows" to address critical defense challenges, including cybersecurity, intelligence analysis, and operational decision-making .
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Musk Debuts Grok 4 as 'PhD-Level' AI, Achieves 44.4% on Humanity's Last Exam, Perfect AIME Score
lon Musk's xAI unveiled Grok 4 on July 9, positioning it as the "world's strongest AI" with PhD-level reasoning capabilities and multimodal advancements. The fourth major iteration of xAI's foundational model introduces five new voice modes, cuts response latency by half, and integrates real-time image/video processing, enabling culturally sensitive content analysis for social media platforms like X
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EU Unveils Final AI Code of Conduct to Guide Compliance with AI Act
The European Commission on July 10 released the final version of the General-Purpose AI Code of Conduct, a voluntary framework designed to help companies adhere to the EU’s landmark Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act) set to take effect on August 2. The guidelines apply to mainstream generative AI models like ChatGPT, Gemini, Llama, and Grok, outlining requirements for transparency, copyright compliance, and systemic risk management.
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New Zealand Unveils First National AI Strategy to Boost Competitiveness
The New Zealand government on July 8 launched its first national AI strategy, outlining a roadmap to accelerate AI adoption, enhance productivity, and strengthen global competitiveness. The initiative comes as the country lags behind other advanced economies in AI readiness, with many businesses yet to plan AI adoption. Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Shane Reti stated the government will provide regulatory guidance to encourage responsible AI use, along with the Responsible AI Guide to help businesses use, develop and innovate AI in an ethical, transparent way that meets internati
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UK Startup Allotrope Energy Secures $6.7M for Revolutionary Supercapacitor, Partners with Brazilian Pulp Firm
UK-based Allotrope Energy, a 2016-founded battery capacitor startup, has unveiled a groundbreaking super EDLC (electrochemical double-layer capacitor) set to disrupt automotive tech. It secured $6.7 million from Brazil’s Suzano Ventures, partnering with the pulp producer—known for paper products—to manufacture the innovation.
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"Exploration - 3" Commissioned in Sanya, Boosting Manned Deep - sea Diving to Cover the Entire Sea Area
Xinhua News Agency, Sanya, December 29th – The "Exploration - 3", a multi - functional scientific research vessel independently built by China, arrived at the Nanshan Port Public Scientific Research Wharf in Sanya Yazhou Bay Science and Technology City on December 29th, 2024, and was officially commissioned. This event marks a significant breakthrough in China's deep - sea exploration capabilities.
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Mixed Reality: Merging VR and AR to Reshape Tech Landscape
Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies have sparked immense enthusiasm in the consumer electronics market, with tech giants rushing to enter the space. After acquiring Oculus VR in 2014, Facebook is set to launch its first VR headset this year, while Samsung, Sony, and HTC also plan to roll out their VR products. The influx of capital signals that VR is poised to become the next mainstream entertainment technology.
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Hong Kong Unveils Ambitious Digital Asset Policy 2.0 to Lead Global Race
Hong Kong has launched its Digital Asset Policy Statement 2.0, marking a pivotal upgrade from its 2022 predecessor to solidify its position as a global leader in digital assets. The June 27 announcement emphasizes stablecoin regulation and asset tokenization as core priorities, aligning with the U.S. Senate’s recent passage of the Genius Act to regulate stablecoins, signaling intensified global competition in this burgeoning sector.
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Anthropic Data Shows Minimal Demand for AI Emotional Support via Claude
Anthropic’s latest report reveals only 2.9% of users turn to its AI model Claude for emotional companionship, with conversations involving companionship or role-playing accounting for less than 0.5%. This contrasts sharply with perceptions of surging demand for AI companionship.
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TOPPAN Acquires Italian Manufacturer of High Performance BOPP Films
Japanese corporate TOPPAN and its Indian subsidiary TOPPAN Speciality Films announced they are acquiring 80% of shares in Irplast, an Italian high-performance Biaxially Oriented PolyPropylene (BOPP) film manufacturer.
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Patent Index 2024: European Innovation Remains Strong Despite Global Economic Uncertainty
The European Patent Office (EPO) has released its 2024 edition of the "Patent Index" report. Looking at the latest numbers, companies and inventors around the world filed close to 200 thousand patent applications with the EPO in 2024, on part with 2023 numbers.
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Nanotech Raises $25.5 Million for Sustainable Lithium Extraction Technology
Calgary-based Summit Nanotech, a sustainable lithium extraction technology company, has secured $25.5m in funding for the commercialisation of its direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology.
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The United States: Dominating the Nobel Prize Landscape
As the world’s sole remaining superpower, the United States has long reigned supreme on the global stage of scientific achievement, and its unparalleled success at the Nobel Prize ceremonies stands as a testament to its dominance. With a staggering 409 Nobel laureates to date, the U.S. accounts for nearly 40% of all global award recipients, firmly establishing itself as the uncontested leader in the pursuit of Nobel - worthy research.
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Latigo saddles up with $150M to spur non-opioid pain drugs through the clinic
About 8.6 million Americans reported misusing prescription opioids in 2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The huge market for pain relief and urgent public health need for nonaddictive treatment options has led numerous biotechs to attempt developing opioid alternatives.
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Sweden's Nobel Triumphs: A Showcase of Innovation and Heritage
As of the end of 2023, Sweden has seen 33 of its citizens honored with Nobel Prizes, a remarkable achievement rooted in the nation’s long - standing dedication to education and scientific research, as well as its rich cultural fabric. This accomplishment not only highlights the individual brilliance of Swedish laureates but also underscores the country’s holistic approach to fostering intellectual growth and innovation.
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