Here are the top 7 tech news stories of the past week or so:
- Smartphone-Free Childhood Movement: A local WhatsApp group by two UK mothers concerned about online safety has attracted more than 4,000 members. The group advocates for a smartphone-free childhood.
- OpenAI Valuation: After completing a deal, microsoft-backed OpenAI has been valued at $80 billion. The company plans to sell existing shares in a ‘tender offer’ led by venture firm Thrive Capital.
- Pension Funds in Startups: An ‘expert panel’ has been assembled to drive pension funds into startups, potentially significantly boosting early-stage companies.
- Medical AI Startup Funding: Medical AI assistant startup TORTUS has raised £3.3m. The company is part of a growing trend of AI applications in healthcare.
- Molecule Discovery with AI: Belfast spinout has secured £1.4m grant funding for ‘ChatGPT for molecule discovery’, demonstrating the increasing role of AI in scientific research.
- AI Opportunity Forum: Google and Microsoft met at Downing Street for the AI Opportunity Forum, highlighting the importance of AI in the tech industry.
- Clean Jet Fuel Firm Funding: Clean jet fuel firm Velocys has secured £31.7m from a rescue consortium, indicating a growing interest in sustainable aviation technologies.
