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Tag: AI

  • Meta partners with Midjourney on AI image and video models

    Meta partners with Midjourney on AI image and video models

    Meta is partnering with Midjourney to license the startup’s AI image and video generation technology, Meta Chief AI Officer Alexandr Wang announced Friday in a post on Threads. Wang says Meta’s research teams will collaborate with Midjourney to bring its technology into future AI models and products.

    “To ensure Meta is able to deliver the best possible products for people it will require taking an all-of-the-above approach,” Wang said. “This means world-class talent, ambitious compute roadmap, and working with the best players across the industry.”

    The Midjourney partnership could help Meta develop products that compete with industry-leading AI image and video models, such as OpenAI’s Sora, Black Forest Lab’s Flux, and Google’s Veo. Last year, Meta rolled out its own AI image generation tool, Imagine, into several of its products, including Facebook, Instagram, and Messenger. Meta also has an AI video generation tool, Movie Gen, that allows users to create videos from prompts.

    The licensing agreement with Midjourney marks Meta’s latest deal to get ahead in the AI race. Earlier this year, CEO Mark Zuckerberg went on a hiring spree for AI talent, offering some researchers compensation packages worth upwards of $100 million. The social media giant also invested $14 billion in Scale AI, and acquired the AI voice startup Play AI.

    Meta has held talks with several other leading AI labs about other acquisitions, and Zuckerberg even spoke with Elon Musk about joining his $97 billion takeover bid of OpenAI (Meta ultimately did not join the offer, and OpenAI denied Musk’s bid).

    While the terms of Meta’s deal with Midjourney remain unknown, the startup’s CEO, David Holz, said in a post on X that his company remains independent with no investors; Midjourney is one of the few leading AI model developers that has never taken on outside funding. At one point, Meta talked with Midjourney about acquiring the startup, according to Upstarts Media.

    Midjourney was founded in 2022 and quickly became a leader in the AI image generation space for its realistic, unique style. By 2023, the startup was reportedly on pace to generate $200 million in revenue. The startup sells subscriptions starting at $10 per month. It offers pricier tiers, which offer more AI image generations, that cost as much as $120 per month. In June, the startup released its first AI video model, V1.

    Techcrunch event

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital, Elad Gil — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $600+ before prices rise.

    Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda

    Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They’re here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don’t miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise.

    San Francisco
    |
    October 27-29, 2025

    REGISTER NOW

    Meta’s partnership with Midjourney comes just two months after the startup was sued by Disney and Universal, alleging that it trained AI image models on copyrighted works. Several AI model developers — including Meta — face similar allegations from copyright holders, however, recent court cases pertaining to AI training data have sided with tech companies.

    Got a sensitive tip or confidential documents? We’re reporting on the inner workings of the AI industry — from the companies shaping its future to the people impacted by their decisions. Reach out to Rebecca Bellan at rebecca.bellan@techcrunch.com and Maxwell Zeff at maxwell.zeff@techcrunch.com. For secure communication, you can contact us via Signal at @rebeccabellan.491 and @mzeff.88.

    We’re always looking to evolve, and by providing some insight into your perspective and feedback into TechCrunch and our coverage and events, you can help us! Fill out this survey to let us know how we’re doing and get the chance to win a prize in return!

  • Mistral, the French AI giant, is reportedly on the cusp of securing a B valuation

    Mistral, the French AI giant, is reportedly on the cusp of securing a $14B valuation

    Mistral AI’s Huge Funding Deal

    Here’s the scoop on the latest buzz in the AI world.
    French startup Mistral AI is closing a round that could be worth up to €2 billion.
    That will put its value over a dozen times higher than it was last year.
    With this deal, Mistral will be one of Europe’s richest tech companies.

    Who Is Mistral?

    Mistral is young, only two years old.
    It was born by people who used to work at DeepMind and Meta.
    They knew how to build language models, so they started Mistral.
    The company makes open‑source models.
    That means anyone can look at the code and use it.
    Not everyone is a fan of closed, locked AI.
    Open source feels more fair.
    It also lets creators tweak things for their own needs.

    Mistral’s main chat partner is called Le Chat.
    It’s a chatbot that talks to European users.
    It knows how to speak in many European languages.
    It’s designed for people in France, Germany, Spain, and more.
    That’s a big advantage: a chatbot that understands local slang.

    What’s Happening Now?

    The new funding will be announced in a few weeks.
    Rumours come from Bloomberg.
    The investors think Mistral is worth about $14 billion after the new cash.
    Mistral hasn’t said much yet.
    It is the first big raise since June 2024.
    In June, the company had a valuation of around €5.8 billion.

    Before the new money, Mistral had already pulled in more than €1 billion.
    The backers on that round made sure to name Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst.
    These are some of the top tech venture funds in the world.
    They love companies that push boundaries.

    The Funding Round

    The new investors will bring €2 billion to Mistral.
    That is a mega sum for a startup.
    It means Mistral has a lot of cash to grow.
    It can hire more engineers, expand its product, and play a bigger game.

    It is not a trivial piece.
    You had to convince the world that your models are not just good.
    You had to prove they can help businesses and people.
    And they did that.
    Now, investors are showing confidence.

    Why This Matters

    Europe has a gap day.
    U.S. companies often get millions of dollars quickly.
    Now, European companies are catching up.
    Mistral showing that upgrades the entire ecosystem.
    If a French company can reach $14 billion, it gives a boost to the idea that Europe can build AI.

    Open source is also key.
    Apple, Google, Amazon have their own big models.
    Open source forces them to finish the puzzle.
    If Europeans can keep the market competitive, it sets up new rivalries.

    Mistral is a follow‑up to a trend.
    Many startup founders are leaving mainstream giants.
    They bring behind them the tech they learned there.
    They form new families and take their knowledge.
    Now, new teams launch their own models.

    The Rising Tide of European AI

    Big numbers speak the story.
    In the first quarter of 2025, European AI companies raised 55 % more money than the same period last year.
    Dealroom, a data company, tracked the money.
    The growth is huge.

    Unicorn Boom

    When a startup hits a valuation of a billion dollars, we call it a unicorn.
    In the first half of the year, 12 European startups hit this mark.
    That’s the best list yet.
    The number is a sign of confidence.
    New money is flowing in.
    The ecosystem is strong.

    Other Stories

    Sweden’s Lovable is a standout.
    It launched its first product just eight months ago.
    It made $1.8 billion in July.
    Lovable is an AI coding tool.
    It writes code automatically.
    Developers love it because it speeds up their work.

    In addition, Mistral is learning to compete.
    It wants to fill a different niche.
    Where Lovable is code generation, Mistral focuses on natural language.
    Both companies are propelled by the same funding pulse.
    They show there is a gap to fill.

    Futures and Challenges

    Innovation Paths

    Open source is the moving furniture.
    If the community can build on it, they can create better models.
    They can also train them on new data.
    It creates an ecosystem that grows together.
    Mistral is a great ally.

    Applying models to local needs gives a bigger picture.
    Language models can help with non‑English rights.
    They can do translation, local document generation, and cultural context.
    These features matter for local businesses.

    Market & Regulation

    AI isn’t just about tech.
    Governments are busy.
    Europe wants rules to keep people safe.
    The EU is working on AI Act.
    It will set expectations.
    Companies may have to comply.
    That adds cost but also trust.

    Competition from the U.S. is still strong.
    OpenAI and other firms that invest large amounts.
    Although this give European companies a chance.
    They can form alliances.
    E.g. OpenAI’s free model, ChatGPT, has found some European partner.
    But for open source, that partnership is still brittle.

    Why Investors Love Mistral

    First, the talent.
    Former DeepMind and Meta people.
    They know how to create a top‑tier model.
    Second, open source.
    They do not hide their code.
    Third, local focus.
    They are building for European users.
    All that makes the model more usable for a lot of people.

    Funding comes from a global top fund, Andreessen Horowitz and General Catalyst.
    Both are angels who love risk.
    They want to see a strong model that can compete in a huge market.

    Take‑aways

    • Money is pouring into Europe’s AI companies.
      They are achieving unicorn status more than ever.
    • Mistral AI is building top‑grade, open source models.
      Its funding will keep it going hard.
    • Open source means a level playing field for all startups.
      It replaces the closed, black‑box solutions.
    • European policies will shape how AI operates in the market.
      Lifestyle and safety become a top aim.
    • Strong talent from the biggest tech firms is a key advantage.
      They bring real expertise.
    • Changing the language model from just English to many European languages is a big win.
      It lets local companies handle responsibilities in its own dialect and culture.
    • By giving a platform to developers, the entire ecosystem grows.
      Mistral can help other startups and businesses.

    So that’s the main story.
    Mistral’s upcoming funding shows Europe can create powerful AI companies.
    The open‑source vibe keeps it honest, and the world will watch what they do next.
    If Mistral continues this pace, it will set a new benchmark for European AI startups.
    Follow the journey; it’s sure to be fascinating.

  • How Nerovet AI Dentistry Is Transforming Smiles Forever – Health Cages

    How Nerovet AI Dentistry Is Transforming Smiles Forever – Health Cages

    Introduction

    Dentistry has always been more than just fixing teeth. It’s about health, confidence, and smiling. Through Nerovet AI Dentistry the field of dental care is about to step into a new age that is revolutionizing the way that patients receive dental treatment. From accurate diagnosis to customized treatments, this latest technology is making visits to the dentist more comfortable, safer, and more efficient.

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    What Is Nerovet AI Dentistry?

    At its heart, Nerovet AI Dentistry is a cutting-edge method that utilizes artificial intelligence to aid dentists with diagnostics, treatment planning, and patient care. Instead of relying solely on human judgment, AI systems analyze dental images, medical histories, and patient information to provide precise information. The AI system doesn’t replace dentists but instead enhances their knowledge and ensures that every patient receives the most precise and efficient treatment.

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    The Evolution of Dental Technology

    A few years ago, dentistry was heavily reliant on tools that were manual and inspections using visuals. Although effective, these methods were often prone to human errors. With AI and digital imaging becoming more prevalent, the landscape is changing drastically. As AI has changed industries like transport and finance as well as dentistry, dentistry is now benefiting from machine learning as well as real-time analysis of data, making dental care more effective and more efficient.

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    Key Features of Nerovet AI Dentistry

    AI-Powered Diagnostics

    By scanning X-rays or photographs, AI can identify issues such as gum diseases, cavities and bone loss, which could be missed in the eyes of a human.

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    Predictive Treatment Planning

    Utilizing data-driven insights, AI predicts future dental issues and recommends preventive strategies.

    Precision in Dental Surgery

    AI systems aid dentists in delicate procedures, which ensures the highest accuracy and minimizes risk.

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    How AI Improves Diagnostics

    Imagine AI as an incredibly powerful, second opinion. While the human eye may overlook subtle dental decay or early gum disease, AI highlights it instantly. Research has shown that AI image analysis can be as accurate as or even exceed human diagnosis accuracy. This results in fewer false diagnoses and faster treatments, saving patients pain and money.

    AI in Preventive Dentistry

    A major and thrilling aspect that is part of Nerovet AI Dentistry lies in the prevention aspect. AI can detect dental health indicators and identify the possibility of developing dangers before they become severe. For instance, it could inform a patient of the possibility of tooth erosion as well as gum sensitivity, triggering immediate intervention. The personalized recommendations will make sure that patients receive advice specific to their requirements.

    Enhanced Patient Experience

    Nobody likes wait times or painful procedures. With AI streamlining procedures, patients can get faster examinations, faster diagnostics and experience less discomfort. AI can also help reduce unnecessary procedures, making sure patients receive only what is required.

    AI-Driven Cosmetic Dentistry

    Smiles are individual, as is cosmetic dentistry, which has been focused on accuracy. Thanks to Nerovet AI technology, people will be able to look at virtual representations of their smile prior to having braces, veneers, or teeth whitening. This can help align expectations and guarantee results patients love.

    Efficiency in Dental Surgeries

    When it comes to complex dental procedures precision is the key. AI aids dentists in determining precise incision points, and also guiding robotic instruments when required. This lowers risks, reduces the time for recovery, and boosts the overall rate of success.

    How Nerovet AI Dentistry Benefits Dentists

    Dental professionals, Nerovet AI functions as a highly trained digital assistant. It handles routine tasks, simplifies processes, and minimizes the error margin. The dentist can focus on the most important things: interaction with patients and treatment.

    Challenges and Limitations

    Of course, no new technology is without its challenges. Modern AI technology can be expensive, which makes it unobtainable for smaller dental clinics. In addition, dentists require special education to get the most benefit from this technology. Concerns about ethics also arise when it comes to ensuring that patients’ data is kept private and safe.

    The Future of Nerovet AI Dentistry

    The future is promising. Through the continuous improvement of technology, AI systems are becoming more intelligent each day. The integration of tele-dentistry may allow patients to receive consultations at their homes, while AI guarantees accurate evaluations remotely. In addition, AI can make advanced dental treatment accessible to populations that have traditionally lacked such services.

    Patient Success Stories

    Patients who undergo AI-assisted dentistry generally report greater satisfaction. From the early detection of hidden dental cavities to complete transformations of smiles, the stories are inspirational. Many of them highlight how AI-driven cosmetic previews helped them gain confidence to take on life-changing procedures.

    Comparing Traditional vs. AI Dentistry

    Traditional dentistry is heavily based on the skill of the dentist and judgment, whereas AI dentistry blends human experience with the precision of data. The result? The result? Faster, more precise and more relaxing treatments. While traditional techniques will always have a position, AI is quickly becoming the standard.

    Conclusion

    Nerovet AI Dentistry isn’t solely about technology. It’s about changing lives by providing healthier, more radiant smiles. By combining the experience of dentists and the ability that artificial intelligence provides, customers can anticipate more precise diagnoses, superior treatments, and better overall dental health. The dental future is here and it’s more advanced than ever before.

    FAQs

    Q1: Are Nerovet AI dentistry safe?

    Yes, it increases safety by reducing human error as well as making sure that treatment plans are accurate.

    Q2: Can AI substitute dental professionals?

    No, it is a complement to dentists, offering additional support, but not replacing them.

    Q3: Are AI dentistry more costly?

    Initially, it is; however, over time, it helps save costs by preventing dental problems that could be serious.

    Q4 Could AI assist with aesthetic dentistry?

    Absolutely! AI can make virtual previews to let patients know what they can expect.

    Q5 Where is NerovetAI Dentistry offered?

    It’s being utilized by clinics around the world that are modern which is growing rapidly in urban areas.

  • FDA Harnesses AI to Revolutionize Its Operations

    FDA Harnesses AI to Revolutionize Its Operations

    FDA Gives AI the Green Light: Ready to Roll Out

    After a solid pilot showing that AI can keep pace with the fast‑moving world of drug regulation, the Food and Drug Administration is gearing up to unleash artificial intelligence across the whole agency.

    What’s on the Horizon?

    • Broadening AI tools to sift through terabytes of clinical data.
    • Automating routine tasks so scientists can tackle the big science questions.
    • Boosting safety checks with smarter, real‑time alerts.
    • Ensuring every new tool gets a rigorous safety test before it hits the field.

    In short, the FDA’s plan is to mix human expertise with AI’s speed, creating a smoother, faster, and safer drug‑approval pipeline. The move comes at a time when the market is buzzing with AI innovations, and the agency is keen to stay ahead of the curve.

    FDA Goes AI‑Crazy: The FDA’s New Turbocharged Review Sprint

    Picture this: the FDA’s big‑screen office in White Oak, MD, suddenly turns on a digital engine that whizzes through drug‑review paperwork faster than a Chevette on a flat track. That’s exactly what happened in June 2023, thanks to Dr. Marty Makary, the commissioner who decided it was time for the agency to stop sweating the exam and start giving its scientists a breather.

    What’s the Buzz About?

    • AI in the mix – “Artificial Intelligence” isn’t just sci‑fi jargon. It’s the brain behind sleek algorithms that learn, decide, and predict, cutting out the slow‑moving mule of manual review.
    • One‑stop shop – By June 30, the FDA promised a single, secure generative AI system that plugs straight into every internal data platform. No more juggling spreadsheets and email chains.
    • Fast‑track review – A pilot test showed the system could crunch through analyses that used to mop up whole days. Dr. Makary called it “blowing up the time‑blocks” that buried scientists in paperwork.

    Why Now, Dr. Makary Says

    Makary’s mantra: “The pharma world’s been waiting 10‑plus years for a drug to reach shelves. We’re stuck in a bubble. If AI can turn days into minutes, why not launch it across the board?” He hit a social media megaphone called X to shout out the future:

    “We’ve just finished our first AI‑assisted scientific review for a drug. That’s the beginning, not the end.”

    Power Players Behind the Roll‑out

    • Jeremy Walsh – Former Booz Allen tech boss now FDA’s chief AI officer, charting the AI course.
    • Sridhar Mantha – Former head of the FDA’s Business Informatics office, making sure data flows smoothly.

    From Trump’s Executive Order to the White House Memorandum

    President Trump had already said, “Let’s keep America on the cutting edge of AI.” The White House memo, meanwhile, nudged agencies to embrace innovation, stamp out bureaucracy, and “shape the future of government operations.” So the FDA’s AI makeover is no surprise.

    All About Bias, Speed, and Smiles

    The FDA’s caution? AI can amplify biases, potentially widening health care inequalities. Balance that with the upside: a faster drug review pipeline means patients get life‑saving medicines sooner. It’s a risk‑but‑reward game, and the FDA’s decided to lean heavily on the win.

    In the end, the FDA’s new AI strategy is all about the same thing: give scientists more time to innovate, cut down on tedious admin, and light up the road to better medicines. It’s a bold move into a future where a computer’s second can mean a patient’s second.

  • Unleash Your Mind: An AI Cap That Turns Thoughts into Words

    One Hat, Zero Microwounds

    Why We’re Going Straight to the Skin (Not Inside It)

    • No Surgery Needed: Unlike those other projects that begged you to tuck tiny implants under your skull, this clever cap stays on the surface.
    • Comfortably Casual: Just slide it on, and you’re ready to tap into language decoding—no needles, no drama.
    • Innovation Over Invasiveness: We’ve swapped out invasive gear for an ergonomic headgear that keeps the science high but the body hassle-free.

    Think‑Control Texting? The Future Is Already Here

    Picture this: you’re on a call with your bestie, and instead of typing, you simply send a text by thinking it. No keyboard in sight—just your mind doing the heavy lifting. It used to live in science‑fiction realms, but the dream is inching closer to reality thanks to a power surge in artificial intelligence.

    From Brain Implants to Brain‑Budding Caps

    Earlier attempts to turn thoughts into words required tiny implants buried inside the skull—an approach that feels more like a sci‑fi movie than a practical solution. Nowadays, researchers at the University of Technology Sydney have turned the idea upside‑down and are experimenting with a cap‑like headset that’s as comfortable as a Sunday hoodie.

    • Wear the cap like a headset.
    • It reads your brainwave patterns.
    • It then spits out your thoughts in text—for now, with 75% accuracy.

    How the Two‑Step AI Magic Works

    According to Chin‑Teng Lin, one of the project’s lead researchers, the system is a team effort between two AI flavors:

    1. Deep learning model – takes raw EEG signals and interprets them as intended words.
    2. Large language model – fills in the gaps, correcting any slip‑ups from the first stage.

    Lin explains, “First we translate the brain signals to words, then we polish them up with the language model to fix decoding errors.” The result is pretty close, but still a work in progress.

    Looking Ahead

    While 75% accuracy is impressive for a brain‑reading prototype, the team’s eyes are set on a 90% accuracy target. It’s a bold goal—think of it as stepping from a G‑Force roller coaster to a hyper‑thrilling, zero‑latency ride!

    Mind‑Reading at Your Fingertips

    Curious about the future of being the ultimate thought‑to‑text translator? Follow the buzz, because the next groundbreaking step might just be a tilt of your head away from the usual keyboard.

    Could help stroke patients

    Good News From the Brain‑Frontier

    There’s a growing bunch of brain‑decoding gadgets on the horizon, but so far most of them need you to get a nifty surgical implant or undergo an fMRI scan. The tech is still at the cutting‑edge, which means it’s as thrilling as it is intimidating.

    2023’s Break‑through: A Stroke Survivor Talks Again

    In 2023, a stroke patient who could barely speak or write suddenly found a way to communicate again. How? A brain‑computer interface (BCI) hooked up to an AI voice generator. Picture a joystick that translates your thoughts into clear speech—no more tangled words or silent suffering.

    Neuralink’s Human Test‑case

    Just last year, one of Elon Musk’s Neuralink chips made a heroic debut—it was implanted in a human skull. The result? The chip can listen to electrical impulses from the brain and help patients regain lost functions.

    • Why it matters: If a stroke has taken away speech or movement, this tech offers a way back.
    • How experts see it: “We look at a medical problem, identify what function has been lost, and then design a tech solution to restore it,” says Mohit Shivdasani, a researcher at the University of NSW.
    • Takeaway: Once the deficit is addressed, the real adventure begins—restoring full independence.

    Why the Sky’s the Limit

    Mohit emphasizes that it’s not just about medical fixes; it’s about re‑linking humans to their own thoughts and giving them an audible voice again. He suggests that as soon as we can re‑establish that neural communication, the possibilities stretch outwards like a long‑haired cat chasing a laser pointer—untamed and exhilarating.

    Want in on the Deep‑Dive?

    Check out the video above to see how this tech is unfolding in real life. It’s one thing to read about it, and another to watch a face lighting up once more with the gift of speech.

  • Perplexity reportedly raised 0M at B valuation

    Perplexity reportedly raised $200M at $20B valuation

    Perplexity, the AI-powered search startup that competes with Google by providing conversational answers to user queries, has secured $200 million in new capital at a $20 billion valuation, The Information reported. The fresh funding comes just two months after the company raised $100 million at an $18 billion valuation, according to a July report in Bloomberg.

    Since its founding three years ago, the rapidly growing AI company has raised $1.5 billion in total funding, according to PitchBook data.  It’s unclear who led Perplexity’s latest capital injection. Bloomberg reported that the July financing was an extension of a previous $500 million round completed earlier this year at a $14 billion valuation and led by Accel.

    According to a source familiar with the company, Perplexity’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) is approaching $200 million. Last month, Perplexity’s head of communication told Business Insider that the company’s ARR was more than $150 million.

    Perplexity didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

    The funding comes as Perplexity positions itself as a challenger to Google’s search dominance. In August, Perplexity offered to buy Google’s Chrome browser for $34.5 billion. The offer came after the Justice Department, alleging that Google was acting anticompetitively, proposed that the company sell its web browser. However, earlier this month, a federal judge ruled that Google will not have to break up its search business, effectively allowing the search giant to keep Chrome.

  • Global Defense Firms Launch Live Weapon Trials in Ukraine

    Brave1 Unleashes Battlefield Reality Testing

    What’s Going on?

    Brave1 Tech Incubator has rolled out a bold new Test in Ukraine Programme that promises to take tech prototypes from our allies, run them straight into the field, and come back with hard‑to‑ignore data.

    Why It Matters

    • Speed: No more waiting months for lab demos. We’re sending gear out now, in real‑time, on real mess.
    • Truth: Battlegrounds are brutal. Materials and tactics get steered by heat, mud, and chaos. The programme tells engineers exactly what’s working and what’s failing.
    • Transparency: Every test comes with a full report—clear, actionable, and peppered with front‑line anecdotes.

    Who’s Involved?

    The initiative is a patchwork of international partners, from Australia and Germany to Israel and Canada. Each sends a prototype, hops onto a Ukrainian convoy, and then goes back with a report that says, “You’d do better if you made this happen faster.”

    Behind the Scenes

    Picture a friendly convoy with a shiny new drone prototype perched on the back. The crew is gathering data—battery life, signal latency, even the occasional “Who left the cooking pot on?” moment—while navigating a minefield. When they return, they send a snapshot of raw data and a “field‑man’s diary” review:

    • Battery performance: 15% drop during a 30‑minute run.
    • Signal range: Nails hitting 90% of intended distance.
    • Operator feedback: “The drone’s interface was smoother than a freshly learned joke.”

    Why This Is a Game Changer

    This isn’t just testing a gadget, it’s a partnership‑powered overhaul. By marrying real‑world data with the thoughts of front‑line users, innovators can recalibrate their blueprints faster than ever.

    Takeaway

    Brave1’s program is a tailor‑made report card for military technology, turning battlefield trials into engineering gold. The result? Faster improvements, fewer costly setbacks, and a whole lot more laughs along the way.

    Ukraine Unleashes a Battlefield Test Lab for Global Defense Gadgets

    So you’ve been rolling out the latest drones, loitering bombs, or AI‑guided weapons at home, and now the war zone is the ultimate playground? Kyiv’s Brave1 program has just opened its gates. The Ukrainian government, in partnership with foreign allies, has launched a “Test in Ukraine” initiative that lets foreign defense companies fly their prototypes into the real‑world tangle on the front lines.

    What’s on the Menu?

    • Drone swag: pilots, cargo, and those little craft that hover forever.
    • Loitering munitions: the “drop‑and‑screw‑in” kind that can wait for the perfect moment.
    • Naval drones: autonomous sea‑roaches that don’t need a driver.
    • Electronic warfare gear: tools to jam and peek into enemy comms.
    • Pure AI products: gadgets that learn on the fly.

    What’s in it for the Eagles?

    In exchange for handing over their shiny prototypes, Brave1 will send back a battlefield‑grade report that’s more detailed than a weather forecast. The report highlights how the weapon behaved under fire, and offers suggestions to tweak the systems in real time. Think of it as a firmware update delivered by a live demo.

    Co‑Production Booster

    Participants also get matched with a Ukrainian manufacturer working on similar tech. Together they can co‑produce and shoot the product to market faster, turning a lab invention into a frontline tool within weeks.

    Words from the Digital Ministry

    “We’re ready to help companies from partner nations develop, test, and refine technologies that actually work on the battlefield,” Mykhailo Fedorov, Ukraine’s minister of digital transformation, declared in a press release. “This is a chance to gain experience that simply cannot be simulated in a lab.”

    So if you’re looking to see how your tech performs where the sky is less blue and the stakes are higher, Kyiv’s open arms (and front‑line tests) might just be the place to start.

    Ukraine gets involved with EU rearmament efforts

    Brave1 Takes the Stage in a New Wave of EU‑Ukrainian Defence Ventures

    Just when you thought the EU’s defence tech scene couldn’t get any hotter, Brave1 drops a headline that keeps the momentum buzzing.

    Back‑to‑Back Moves on the Defence Front

    • BraveTechEU Partnership: A €100 million pot of cash split between Brave1, the European Defence Fund (EDF), and the EU Defence Innovation Scheme (EUDIS). The plan? Fund hackathons, match investors with innovators, and push research forward.
    • EU “SAFE” Loan: A €150 billion lifeline that lets member states borrow for joint projects. The twist? At least 65% of every weapon’s parts must come from within the EU or Ukraine – a real “buy local” push.
    • Ukrainian Force on Defence Industrial Cooperation: A fresh joint effort that slants Ukraine deeper into the defence‑tech ecosystem rather than just the battlefield.

    Key Deals Inside the Horizon

    Beyond the headline numbers, Ukraine is pulling in allies with concrete steps:

    • Signing a €67 million pact with Denmark for defence companies to build their designs on Danish soil – a first‑of‑its‑kind move.
    • Inviting heavyweight players like Sweden’s SAAB, Norway’s Kongsberg, France‑Germany’s KNDS, Germany’s Rheinmetall, and the US’s Raytheon to expand their footprint in Ukraine. The June press release from Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence confirmed these ground‑level extensions.
    Why Ukraine’s Inclusion Matters

    Experts (including a quick chat with Euronews Next) opine that Ukraine deserves a seat at the EU’s “common planning” table. Their firsthand experience with classic weapons can steer procurement strategies away from blind spots. “Let them in the room – they can point out those tricky little quirks that could cost a lot,” they say.

    So, there you have it. Brave1 isn’t just another name in the room; it’s the spark that keeps the EU‑Ukraine defence tech gryphon of innovation flying higher. And with humor in the mix and a push for a more integrated Europe, the future looks exciting.

  • Databricks confirms new 0B valuation on B ARR

    Databricks confirms new $100B valuation on $4B ARR

    Just nine months after raising a whopping $10 billion (plus $5 billion in debt) in January, Databricks has confirmed another $1 billion raise at a $100 billion-plus valuation.

    When rumors of the raise first broke last month, Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi told TechCrunch that the company is using the funds to invest in its Supabase-competitor database for AI agents.

    “A year ago, we saw in the data that 30% of the databases were not created by humans,” said Ghodsi. “For the first time, they were created by AI agents. And this year, the statistic is 80%.”

    The round was co-led by Thrive (Ghodsi counts Thrive’s founder Joshua Kushner as a personal friend) and one of Databricks’ early investors, Insight Partners. The firms co-led the previous $10 billion, too.

    Insight Partners managing director John Wolff tells TechCrunch in an emailed statement that it has seen firsthand how Databricks marched to $4 billion in annual recurring revenue.

    “We have seen many of our portfolio companies adopt Databricks,” Wolff said. 

  • Using Google's AI prompt akin to five drops of water or the energy needed to watch 9 seconds of TV

    Using Google's AI prompt akin to five drops of water or the energy needed to watch 9 seconds of TV

    Technology companies have been reserved about the environmental impact of their AI models.

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    Running a single prompt on Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot Gemini takes about the same amount of energy as watching 9 seconds of TV, according to a new technical paper.
    Google says a text prompt through Gemini uses about 0.24 watt-hours (Wh) of energy, according to a blog post from the company. The energy emitted from using AI is about 0.03 grams of carbon dioxide.

    The AI chatbot also consumes 0.26 millilitres of water, or roughly five drops of water per prompt.
    The company measured not only the energy and water use of the individual prompt, but also the IT equipment in data centres, the idle power of the chips that power the AI model, and the water used by data centres to cool the equipment being used.  
    The company claimed that its energy and water usage for AI is  “substantially lower than many public estimates”.

    Data shows emissions are ‘quite small’ per search, Google says

    One study by the non-profit Electric Power Research Institute estimated that a prompt issued to OpenAI’s ChatGPT uses 2.9 watt-hours of energy while a traditional search uses about 0.3 watt-hours.
    The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that energy demand will double over the next five years to 945 terawatt hours per year – or the entire electricity consumption of Japan.

    Google’s own emissions are up too, by 51 per cent since 2019, according to their latest environmental report. This is largely due to emissions caused by the manufacturing and assembly of hardware needed for AI further down the supply chain.

    Related

    Google updates terms for app marketplace following EU pressure

    The company said that other studies about the energy use of AI often measure only machine consumption, which “overlook[s]” some of the other factors that Google used in their metrics, meaning their numbers represent “theoretical efficiency instead of true operating efficiency at scale,” the blog post said.
    Google claims that its AI models are also becoming more efficient, with energy use and carbon footprint numbers per prompt dropping by 33 times and 44 times since August 2024.

    One of the study’s shortfalls is that it does not reveal the total number of queries that Gemini gets every day, which would give a better indication of Gemini’s total energy demand.