🎓 Macao and Hong Kong Lead Tertiary Enrolments. Green Intensity Jobs in Spain. 3D Printing Startups Nearly Halved.

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Investment Zone funding to create hundreds of cutting-edge manufacturing jobs with $9.3M investment. New medtech qualifications launched to address critical healthcare skills shortages. Amazon launches AI frontier agents. 147,000 students are learning about sustainability jobs.

ubiMaster, a German online education provider, has raised $7.9M to accelerate its growth and international expansion. Skillvue, an Italian skill assessment solution, raised $6.3M to accelerate the development of Skills Assessment Agents. Alice.Tech, a Y Combinator alumnus, raised $4.8M for its AI-powered platform that offers personalized learning materials to students. UpMat, a Brazilian EdTech that supports K-12 math education, raised $1.5M to integrate artificial intelligence into its platform and expand its reach in Brazil. Accenture, a professional services company, has acquired Ascendient Learning, a provider of instructor-led training and industry certifications.

Today's Topics

🎓 Higher Education. Macao and Hong Kong had the highest tertiary enrolment rates
🍃 Green Skills. Water plant operators had a green intensity share of >15%
🏭 Advanced Manufacturing. Number of 3D printing startups in US declined by nearly 100%

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🎓 Macao and Hong Kong Had the Highest Tertiary Enrolment Rates

Macao and Hong Kong led global tertiary enrolment in 2024, with rates of 142% and 120% respectively, reflecting strong participation in higher education relative to their populations. High enrolment in these regions is driven by competitive education systems, government investment in scholarships, and strong cultural emphasis on academic achievement. Policies such as the Education Bureau’s “Quality Education Framework” in Hong Kong continue to expand access, enhance university capacity, and align curricula with labour market needs, supporting sustained higher education growth.

🍃 Water Plant Operators Had a Green Intensity Share of >15%

In Spain, water plant operators had a green intensity share of over 15% in 2024, reflecting the growing environmental focus of their role in amplifying water treatment and maximising the usage of clean water. As climate change pressures increase, these positions are critical for reducing waste and safeguarding public health. Spain’s Water Framework Directive promote investments in modernised treatment infrastructure, advanced monitoring, and workforce training, strengthening the country’s capacity to manage water resources sustainably.

🏭 Number of 3D Printing Startups in US Declined by Nearly 100%

In the US, 3D printing startups peaked at 120 new companies in 2016 but have since fallen sharply, with only five founded in 2024, marking a nearly 100% decline. The 2016 rise reflected early excitement around additive manufacturing, fueled by hype over industrial applications, accessible prototyping tools, and investor optimism. The subsequent drop highlights market consolidation, technological maturation, and the challenges of scaling 3D printing commercially. Policy support for advanced manufacturing R&D could help stabilise and grow the sector.

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