> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://newsletters.qs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# 🖥️ Tech Futures #23
- URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/tech-futures-23/
- Published: 2025-01-06T12:30:43.000Z
- Updated: 2025-01-06T12:30:43.000Z
- Description: HolonIQ's Tech Futures Newsletter covers the latest developments in AI, semiconductors, cybersecurity, communication and networking, and quantum computing and highlights the week's top skills and tech deals.
- Author: QS
- Tags: AI & Digital Skills

**Happy New Year! 🎉** 

[OpenAI](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/it/11205847?ref=newsletters.qs.com) announced its transition to a public interest corporation, aiming for sustainability while facing challenges from Microsoft contracts and competition. [ByteDance](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/world/11207042?ref=newsletters.qs.com) plans to invest $7 billion in Nvidia semiconductors for AI development, using data centers outside China to bypass U.S. regulations. [Cyberhaven ](https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/27/cyberhaven-says-it-was-hacked-to-publish-a-malicious-update-to-its-chrome-extension/?ref=newsletters.qs.com)reported a hack that allowed attackers to publish a malicious Chrome extension update, potentially stealing user passwords and session tokens. [ZTE and MTN](https://techafricanews.com/2024/12/30/zte-and-mtn-showcase-5g-a-public-experience-in-cape-town/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) demonstrated 5G technology in Cape Town, providing the public with hands-on experiences and showcasing its capabilities. Databricks raised [$10B](https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/databricks-hits-62b-valuation-after-10b-funding-round?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Series J funding, boosting its valuation to $62 billion, focusing on AI and international expansion.

**What's new?** 
  
*HolonIQ’s new* [*Green Skills Map*](https://www.greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) *and Workforce section reveals industry-wide sustainability skills and jobs, as well as workforce development initiatives, supporting upskilling for a sustainable economy.*

*HolonIQ's new* [*skills newsletter*](https://newsletters.qs.com/tag/skills/) *is here! Get updates on emerging skills, workforce shifts, and industry insights across impact sectors.* [*Subscribe*](https://newsletters.qs.com/#) *now to stay ahead.*

## **⚙️** Artificial Intelligence  

**🤖 OpenAI Transitions to Public Benefit Corporation.** [OpenAI](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/it/11205847?ref=newsletters.qs.com), the company behind ChatGPT, announced that it will change its structure to a public benefit corporation (PBC) to prioritize developing AI systems that benefit humanity over maximizing profits.

**🤝 Russia and China to Cooperate on AI.** [Russian President Vladimir Putin](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Putin-orders-Russia-and-top-bank-to-forge-AI-cooperation-with-China?ref=newsletters.qs.com) instructed the Russian government and Sberbank, Russia's largest bank, to cooperate with China on artificial intelligence.

**💡 Indonesia is Developing Localized Generative AI.** [Indonesia is](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Artificial-intelligence/Indonesia-puts-local-spin-on-generative-AI-with-culture-languages?ref=newsletters.qs.com) developing generative AI systems focused on its own culture and languages.

## **💾** Semiconductors  

**💻 ByteDance to invest $7B in Nvidia chips.** [ByteDance](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/world/11207042?ref=newsletters.qs.com), the parent company of TikTok, announced plans to spend $7 billion on Nvidia semiconductors by 2025 for AI and cloud computing, despite U.S. restrictions on Chinese tech firms accessing advanced chips.

**🏭 TSMC starts chip production at first Japan plant.** [Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC)](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/TSMC-kicks-off-mass-production-at-first-Japan-chip-fab?ref=newsletters.qs.com) began mass production at its first chip fabrication facility in Kumamoto, Japan. The $8.8 billion plant will produce semiconductors for automotive and industrial applications.

**⚠️ Semiconductor Act Stalls in South Korea.** [The Special Act on Semiconductors](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/it/11204925?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in South Korea, aimed at providing support to the semiconductor industry through subsidies, tax benefits, and infrastructure, failed to pass before the end of the current National Assembly's term.

## **🚨** Cybersecurity  

**🚫 Cybersecurity Firm Cyberhaven Hacked and Malicious Update Pushed.** [Cyberhaven](https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/27/cyberhaven-says-it-was-hacked-to-publish-a-malicious-update-to-its-chrome-extension/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), a data-loss prevention startup, was hacked and a malicious update was pushed to its Chrome extension as part of a wider campaign targeting Chrome extension developers.

## 📞 Communication and Networking  

**🚀 ZTE and MTN Showcase 5G-A Public Experience in Cape Town.** [ZTE and MTN South Africa](https://techafricanews.com/2024/12/30/zte-and-mtn-showcase-5g-a-public-experience-in-cape-town/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) launched a 5G-A public experience in Cape Town, showcasing high speeds, advanced applications, and low latency.

**📶 Mafab to launch 5G services after delay.** [Mafab Communications](https://techcabal.com/2024/12/27/mafab-will-launch-5g-services-in-2025/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), a telecom company, will launch its 5G services in Kano and Abuja, Nigeria in early 2025 after a three-year delay.

## **🛠️** Skills and Workforce  

*With reskilling and upskilling playing a key role in closing workforce gaps, HolonIQ is now tracking these impactful initiatives shaping the tech industry. Read on for this week’s insights, and discover more in HolonIQ's latest* [*Skills newsletter*](https://newsletters.qs.com/tag/skills/)*.*  
  
**⛏️ Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL)-IISCO Steel Plant has partnered with IIT Dhanbad's TEXMiN Foundation to launch a cutting-edge learning experience center**. This initiative focuses on preparing India's workforce for[ the mining and metallurgy industries](https://www.manufacturingtodayindia.com/new-partnership-between-sail-iisco-and-iit-dhanbad-aims-to-reshape-workforce-training?ref=newsletters.qs.com). The center will integrate advanced technologies, simulations, and IT solutions, blending theoretical learning with practical case studies. The partnership aims to bridge the skills gap and drive growth.

**🖥️ Bahrain's labor fund Tamkeen has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to develop and upskill local talent in Artificial Intelligence.** The initiative will provide Bahrainis with [qualifications in generative artificial intelligence](https://tradearabia.com/touch/article/EDU/427941?ref=newsletters.qs.com), machine learning technologies, and addressing business challenges. The announcement was made at the second edition of the Gateway Gulf Investment Forum, which attracted international participation. 

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/f1/d4/f1d411df-6f49-4c75-a302-f8c9e9f59495/content/images/2024/10/Screenshot-2024-10-25-102758-1.png)

HolonIQ has also launched the [Green Skills Map](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), an open-source framework initiated for cataloging, evaluating, and contextualizing the different components of the rapidly expanding field of green jobs. This comprehensive taxonomy will serve as a resource for understanding the full spectrum and complexity of green skills required across various sectors, thereby enabling a cohesive approach toward achieving net zero and decarbonizing the global economy. Green Skills Map spans 11 areas, 54 sub-areas, and 243 green skills clusters. A snippet of the map covering four areas has been included above. Explore the full map on [greenskills.org](http://greenskills.org/?ref=newsletters.qs.com).

## **💰** TechDeals   

**🪙 Databricks Raises $10B in Series J Funding.** Databricks, a global data, analytics, and AI company, raised [$10B](https://www.mobihealthnews.com/news/databricks-hits-62b-valuation-after-10b-funding-round?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in a Series J funding round, valuing the company at $62 billion. The funds will be used to invest in new AI products, make acquisitions, and expand international operations.

**📈 Global Engine Group Acquires Stake in Hong Kong Data Center Firm.** Global Engine Group acquired Corpotech Holdings, a Hong Kong-based data center company, for [$1.37B](https://www.stocktitan.net/news/GLE/global-engine-group-holding-limited-acquires-22-5-stake-in-corpotech-gstgq7tma89u.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to gain entry into the rapidly growing Hong Kong data center market.

**💵 InnoScience raises $180M in Hong Kong IPO.** InnoScience, a maker of microchips using gallium nitride (GaN) technology, raised [$180M](https://thebambooworks.com/news-wrap-innoscience-raises-180-million-in-hong-kong-ipo/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in its initial public offering (IPO) on the Hong Kong stock exchange. The company's shares rose slightly on their trading debut.

**💷 Quantum Computing Startup Qolab Raises $16M Series A.** Qolab, a leader in superconducting quantum computing, secured over [$16M](https://www.finsmes.com/2025/01/qolab-raises-over-16-0m-in-series-a-financing.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in its Series A financing round led by Octave Ventures and other investors.

---

**Like getting this newsletter?* For unlimited access to over one million charts,*[ *request a demo*](https://webforms.pipedrive.com/f/1uMbIPRqUeVuZ31jVtKWMWIuqU2ga1nKo8aotNdGihU16zgOzuTfRMb9XfIIGmcOT?ref=newsletters.qs.com)*.*

---

**Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!**  
Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com

[ ](https://newsletters.qs.com/psychedelic-mental-health-treatments-south-asia-health-tech-100-2/)