Category: AI and Robotics

• Livepeer announced the launch of an “AI subnet” for processing AI inference and compute jobs, using the Livepeer protocol for discovery and payments.
• COTI V2 introduced a devnet with Garbled Circuits for enhanced blockchain privacy.
• Common launched Common AMM, a multi-chain DeFi suite providing anonymity through shielded token pools.
• Ogle is developing Glue, a blockchain aimed at enhancing security in crypto-finance projects.

• Temasek, a Singapore investment company, backs Alpha Intelligence Capital’s new $336 million tech fund, which focuses on AI investments.
• AIC has raised $160 million for their second fund, with government-owned entities from France and Singapore participating.
• The fund’s early investments include OpenAI and FlexAI, with a focus on companies deploying AI for applications, cyber security, and gaming.
• AIC’s previous investments include SenseTime Group, and the fund is in discussions with additional investors to close the fund.

• Alpha Intelligence Capital, an investor in AI companies like OpenAI, is raising a $250 million tech fund with backers including Temasek Holdings Pte.
• The fund has garnered $160 million and is set to close by September, with early investments in companies like OpenAI and FlexAI.
• Temasek Holdings Pte, a state-owned entity in Singapore, is among the investors in the new fund.

• Several tech startups, including Alkira, Harness, WekaIO, Restaurant365, Voxel51, and PolyAI, have secured significant VC funding rounds.
• Alkira raised $100 million in Series C funding, led by Tiger Global Management, bringing their total funding to $176 million.
• Harness received $150 million in financing to expand its platform, integrate generative AI, and enhance its go-to-market strategy.
• WekaIO raised $140 million in a Series E funding round led by Valor Equity Partners, with contributions from various other investors.

• Pixevia secures €1.5M funding for AI-powered stores expansion in US and Europe
• Technology platform offers real-time receipts in AI-driven stores across various formats
• Partnership with Lithuanian supermarket giant IKI leads to creation of five autonomous stores
• Funding round led by Iron Wolf Capital, with new investors Coinvest Capital and Omni Commerce Ventures
• Funds to be used for planned expansions in the US and Europe, targeting venues like sports arenas, university campuses, and airports

AI-powered Stores Revolutionizing Retail Landscape

In a significant development for the retail industry, Lithuanian retailtech startup PIXEVIA has secured €1.5 million in new funding to bolster the expansion of AI-powered stores in the US and Europe. Read more

• The Healthcare Fundraising Tracker at Fierce Healthcare covers significant funding rounds in the health tech and digital health industries, profiling companies like Lore Health and SmarterDx.
• Lore Health secured $80 million in funding from Polaris Ventures for its AI technology and social network aimed at combating loneliness and promoting healthy lifestyles.
• SmarterDx raised $50 million in series B funding to enhance its clinical AI technology that helps health systems improve revenue integrity and care quality.

• Lita released Valida zkVM and Valida C Compiler Toolchain, claiming speed and efficiency advantages
• Entangle’s mainnet release after two years of development with Photon Messaging feature for omnichain development
• Alvara Protocol launches testnet for DeFi-based fund management system
• Hashgraph Association partners with Qatar Financial Centre for $50 million Digital Assets Venture Studio
• KYVE Grants Program: Phase 0 offers up to $50,000 funding per approved grant for utilizing trustless datasets

Unlocking Speed and Efficiency: Lita Introduces Valida ZkEVM

In the ever-evolving landscape of blockchain technology, speed and efficiency are crucial elements that can make or break a platform’s success. Read more

• Laws of Motion secures $5 million in seed funding for AI FitTech licensing
• Funding from Corazon Capital, The Scout Program at Sequoia Capital, and others
• Expansion planned for AI sizing technology licensing solution
• Company aims to revolutionize fashion industry with size-inclusive approach
• New SaaS offering to enhance customer experience and reduce returns

Laws of Motion Secures $5 Million in Seed Funding for AI FitTech Licensing

In the realm of retail technology and innovation, Laws of Motion has made significant strides by securing $5 million in seed funding for its AI FitTech licensing solutions targeted towards brands and retailers. Read more

• Government AI funding is a top priority in the Senate working group’s policy roadmap, aiming to increase federal research funding for AI innovation.
• The bipartisan Senate AI Working Group, including Sens. Rounds, Heinrich, Young, and Schumer, released the roadmap to address various AI-related issues.
• Recommendations in the roadmap include reaching $32 billion in annual spending on non-defense AI innovation, funding accounts related to AI under the CHIPS and Science Act, and authorizing the National AI Research Resource.

• Senate Working Group led by Chuck Schumer unveils AI Policy Roadmap calling for $32B funding boost
• Four senators co-led bipartisan meetings with industry and academia to develop roadmap
• Eight AI policy priorities highlighted, including increased funding for AI innovation and workforce impact consideration
• Recommendations cover areas like critical infrastructure, elections, privacy, transparency, and national security
• Roadmap aims to stimulate bipartisan AI legislation, maintain U.S.

• Sports Analytics Funding: Stupa Sports Analytics secures INR 280 million in Pre-Series A funding for global AI solutions, led by Centre Court Capital and PeerCapital.
• Vision and Mission: Stupa aims to redefine the sports industry with AI-driven solutions for athletes, federations, and fans globally, leveraging AI and machine learning for player performance analytics and sports digitization.
• Expansion Plans: With the funding, Stupa intends to hire top AI/ML talent, target global markets like the US and UK, and broaden its technological offerings across various sports disciplines.

• Niqo Robotics secures $13 million in Series B funding to expand innovative agricultural technology, led by Bidra Innovation Ventures
• Founded in 2015 by Jaisimha Rao, Niqo Robotics specializes in advanced AI-driven solutions for farming efficiency and sustainability
• Niqo’s technology integrates deep learning AI camera for precise agrochemical application, reducing chemical usage by up to 90%
• The spot spray technology uses computer vision and AI to differentiate plants from soil, minimizing environmental impact and cutting farmers’ expenses
• With over 90,000 acres commercialized and 1,800 farmers benefited, Niqo Robotics showcases the potential of robotics and AI in sustainable agriculture

Niqo Robotics Secures $13 Million in Series B Funding

In the realm of agricultural technology, securing funding is crucial for companies to innovate and expand their offerings. Read more

• Peakbridge closes $187m Growth Fund II, focusing on AI’s disruptive potential in food industry
• Peakbridge remains disciplined in investment thesis, prioritizing b2b, scalable, protected technologies
• AI transforming food industry, driving supply chain efficiency and R&D process
• Portfolio company Tastewise uses AI to provide real-time consumer insights for food and beverage companies
• Peakbridge invests in companies addressing pain points in ingredient, alternative protein, and personalized nutrition spaces

Peakbridge Closes $187m Growth Fund II, Focusing on AI Disruption in Food Industry

In the ever-evolving landscape of food technology and investment trends, PeakBridge has made a significant move by closing its $187m Growth Fund II. Read more

• AIIA expresses “profound disappointment” over AI funding in federal budget
• $39.9 million allocated over five years for AI policies and capabilities
• Majority of funding to go towards National AI Centre and AI expert advisory body
• ACS welcomes AI funding but calls for more support for Australian businesses
• DIGI welcomes government’s investment in AI policy development and industry analysis

AI Budget Disappointment

The recent federal budget announcement regarding AI funding has sparked profound disappointment within the tech industry associations. Read more

• CiferAI secures $650,000 funding from investors and Google to develop world’s first Decentralized Machine Learning technology
• CiferAI’s Decentralized Federated Learning technology trains AI models directly on data owners’ devices, enhancing security and transparency
• CiferAI’s technology addresses challenges of centralized AI development, such as security concerns, biases, and limited data access
• CiferAI’s proprietary Cifer Blockchain Network ensures enhanced security, scalability, and processing speed
• Miranda Songpatanasilp, CEO of CiferAI, emphasizes commitment to ethical, privacy-preserving AI solutions for equitable access

Decentralized Machine Learning Technology: CiferAI Secures $650,000 Funding

CiferAI, a US-based AI and blockchain technology startup, has recently made headlines by securing $650,000 in funding to develop the world’s first Decentralized Machine Learning technology. Read more

• AI is revolutionizing fund management, offering better returns to investors through data-driven decisions
• Arabesque Holdings supplies AI-powered data to global fund houses to enhance investment decisions
• The AI engine of Arabesque AI autonomously manages over $550 million in assets globally
• AI helps fund managers make better decisions by compensating for mistakes and improving performance
• The use of disruptive technological tools like AI is seen as crucial for better outcomes and returns in portfolio management

Tech: Arabesque Revolutionizing Fund Management with AI

In the ever-evolving landscape of the financial industry, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is emerging as a game-changer, especially in the realm of fund management. Read more

• A leading VC firm, OTB Ventures, secured €170 million from the NATO Innovation Fund and the European Investment Fund to boost European deep tech.
• OTB Ventures specializes in deep tech investments in space technology, AI, fintech infrastructure, and cybersecurity.
• The firm focuses on late Seed, Series A, and B rounds, supporting promising startups in Europe.
• The NATO Innovation Fund recognized OTB Ventures’ alignment with its mission of investing in emerging technologies.

• The San Francisco Bay Area has emerged as the global leader in AI technology and funding, with over 50% of venture funding for AI-related startups going to companies in the region.
• OpenAI’s ChatGPT reaching 100 million users in Q1 2023 marked the beginning of a significant increase in funding for Bay Area AI startups, culminating in a $10 billion investment from Microsoft.

• Flagship research project on AI in Law Enforcement receives major funding from Responsible AI UK
• Project titled PROBabLE Futures aims to investigate the future use of probabilistic AI in law enforcement
• Led by Northumbria Law School’s Professor Marion Oswald MBE with a team of multi-disciplinary co-investigators from various universities
• Project launch announced at CogX Festival in Los Angeles, focusing on responsible AI and implications for justice
• Funding for project part of Responsible AI UK’s £31 million program supported by UK Research and Innovation

Exploring AI Funding in Law Enforcement

In a groundbreaking development, a research team led by Northumbria University has secured significant funding from Responsible AI UK (RAI UK) to delve into the potential applications of probabilistic AI in law enforcement. Read more

• Wayve, a UK-based autonomous vehicle startup, secures $1.05 billion in funding, the largest AI investment in Europe to date, led by SoftBank and supported by Microsoft and Nvidia.
• Wayve’s “embodied AI” technology focuses on learning from real-world surroundings, setting it apart from conventional AI models, specifically designed for fleet operators.
• The funding marks a significant transition for Wayve towards commercial deployment, partnering with companies like Ocado and Asda for last-mile delivery and global expansion.

• The Malinauskas Government is investing $6 million in AI research at AIML, matched by the University of Adelaide, to enhance global competitiveness.
• AI is recognized as a critical technology for Australia’s national interest, with AIML being a leading research group internationally.
• South Australia aims to capitalize on the economic potential of AI, with projections of significant GDP growth by 2030.
• AIML’s expansion will support state government and industry projects, as well as provide education and career opportunities in AI.

• UK AI firm Wayve raises $1.05bn in funding with investments from Nvidia and Microsoft
• Funding round led by SoftBank, making it the largest known investment in an AI company in Europe
• Wayve aims to develop technology for self-driving cars using “embodied AI” that learns from real-world environments
• UK government plans to allow self-driving vehicles on roads by 2026 with the Automated Vehicles Bill
• Challenges faced by self-driving technology, including safety concerns and regulatory probes

UK AI Firm Wayve Raises $1 Billion in Funding

In a significant development for the UK tech industry, Wayve, a company specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) technology for self-driving cars, has successfully raised $1.05 billion (£840 million) in funding. Read more

• British tech firm, Wayve, secures £800m funding to develop AI technology for self-driving cars
• Wayve is a pioneer in Embodied AI for autonomous driving, enabling vehicles to learn from and interact with the real world
• Funding primarily from Softbank, with Nvidia and Microsoft also involved
• Investment is the largest ever for a UK AI firm, following clearance of the government’s Automated Vehicles Bill
• Wayve aims to integrate autonomous technology into everyday lives, building trust and value in self-driving cars

AI Self-Driving Technology: British Firm Secures £800m Funding

Self-driving cars are no longer a thing of the future but a rapidly advancing reality, thanks to groundbreaking advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. Read more

• UK firm Wayve secures £837 million in funding from Softbank, Nvidia, and Microsoft for AI self-driving car technology
• Wayve is a pioneer in Embodied AI for autonomous driving, enabling vehicles to learn and interact with the real world
• Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expresses pride in UK’s leadership in AI industry and Wayve’s groundbreaking advancements
• Wayve aims to develop trustworthy and beneficial automated driving experiences with its AI technology
• The investment in Wayve highlights the UK’s position as an AI superpower, with a focus on creating economic conditions for business growth and innovation

UK Wayve Funding: Revolutionizing Self-Driving Cars with AI

In a groundbreaking move, UK-based firm Wayve has secured over £800 million in funding to propel the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for self-driving cars. Read more

• Wayve, a British driverless car start-up, secures $1 billion funding to advance its AI software for hands-free vehicle operation
• Founded in 2017 by Cambridge University PhD students, Wayve’s unique approach teaches vehicles to drive using real-life videos and data
• Recent investment round of $1.05 billion highlights industry interest in Wayve’s technology and potential for revolutionizing transportation
• Investment from SoftBank, Nvidia, and Microsoft provides financial support and strategic partnerships for Wayve’s growth
• Wayve’s progress aligns with UK government’s vision to establish the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence and drive future mobility advancements

Revolutionizing Transportation with Driverless Car Funding

In a groundbreaking move for the future of transportation, a British driverless car start-up, Wayve, has secured a monumental $1 billion funding to propel its innovative artificial intelligence software. Read more

• DoD prioritizes AI, space tech, sensing, and cyber in S&T funding plans
• Pentagon requests $17.2 billion for FY 2025 S&T projects, with focus on key areas
• 98% of funding allocated to 14 critical tech areas, with AI, space tech, and sensing/cyber receiving two-thirds
• Specific budget breakdown includes $4.9 billion for trusted AI, $4.3 billion for space, and $1.9 billion for sensing/cyber
• Shift in priorities seen as funding for technology transition into operational use increases, with decrease in total S&T funding request from FY 2024

DoD Prioritizes AI, Space Tech, Sensing, and Cyber in S&T Funding Plans

In the world of defense technology, innovation is key to staying ahead of potential threats. Read more

• Danti, an artificial intelligence company, secures $5M in funding for its Earth data search engine
• Founded by Jesse Kallman, Danti’s search engine uses natural language processing to collate data from various sources for government customers
• The search engine enables analysts to ask complex questions in simple language and receive quick, comprehensive answers
• Danti’s focus is on empowering analysts to work more efficiently, not replacing them, with the U.S.

• DeepKeep secures $10M in seed funding to bolster GenAI protection efforts, providing AI-native trust, risk, and security management for large corporations relying on AI, GenAI, and LLM.
• Founded in 2021 by Rony Ohayon, DeepKeep utilizes GenAI to safeguard the entire AI lifecycle, offering a competitive advantage to organizations in defense and budget growth.
• DeepKeep’s platform enables data scientists and CISO teams to understand AI system risks and challenges, providing comprehensive protection and alerts for global enterprises in finance, security, and AI computing sectors.

• Pentagon’s science and technology funding for 2025 focuses on AI, space, integrated sensing, and cyber
• Undersecretary Heidi Shyu prioritizes 14 critical technology areas, including trusted AI, space, integrated sensing, and cyber
• S&T funding accounts for 2% of the Pentagon’s budget but is crucial for military modernization
• Majority of the $17.2 billion requested for fiscal 2025 is allocated to trusted AI, space, and integrated sensing and cyber
• Various pathways for technology transition include program of record, software upgrades, commercial utilization, and use by other government agencies

AI and Autonomy: Pentagon’s Focus on Trusted AI and Autonomy

The Department of Defense’s science and technology budget for fiscal 2025 is heavily focused on key areas, with trusted AI and autonomy being at the forefront. Read more

• IIITH’s Raj Reddy Center for Technology and Society receives funding from Centific for AI project on Automated Malnutrition Detection
• Funding of Rs 18 lakhs received from Centific to propel first phase of project, including platform development, pilot deployment, data collection, performance optimization, and prototype delivery within six months
• Collaboration with i-Saksham NGO in Bihar aims to streamline growth monitoring and enhance data accuracy for combating malnutrition
• Project seeks to automate data collection process to minimize errors in recording height and weight measurements
• Centific’s Chief Strategy Officer highlights the importance of leveraging AI for social good and expresses commitment to supporting IIITH in addressing malnutrition crisis

Introducing IIITH’s Raj Reddy Center for Technology and Society

The Raj Reddy Center for Technology and Society (RCTS) at the International Institute of Information Technology Hyderabad (IIITH) has recently garnered attention for its groundbreaking project on Automated Malnutrition Detection. Read more