> ## 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. # πŸ–₯️ Tech Futures #3 - URL: https://newsletters.qs.com/tech-futures-3/ - Published: 2024-08-12T11:30:23.000Z - Updated: 2024-10-17T08:36:06.000Z - Description: HolonIQ's Tech Futures Newsletter covers the latest developments in AI advancements, China Tech advancements, FutureTech, and highlights the week's top tech deals. - Author: QS - Tags: AI & Digital Skills **Happy Monday πŸ‘‹** The technology landscape is marked by rapid advancements and strategic shifts. Open-source AI continues to evolve, with LG being the latest tech firm to release a [new model](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/business/11087472?ref=newsletters.qs.com). Meanwhile, AI integration into business operations is gaining traction, as evidenced by Kolon Benite's [CoiBot](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/it/11084977?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and IBM's [Watsonx](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/it/11083258?ref=newsletters.qs.com). Geopolitical factors and economic conditions influence the broader tech ecosystem. China's expansion in networking and semiconductor manufacturing, coupled with collaborations like the [5.5G network launch](https://www.rcrwireless.com/20240806/5g/huawei-china-unicom-deploy-5g-a-3cc-network-beijing?ref=newsletters.qs.com) with Huawei, positions the country as a key player. The AI and quantum computing frontier sees advancements in both commercial and government applications. Google DeepMind's [Gemma Scope](https://venturebeat.com/ai/deepminds-gemma-scope-peers-under-the-hood-of-large-language-models/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) improves AI model interpretability, while Terra Quantum secures a US Air Force contract for [secure communications](https://thenextweb.com/news/terra-quantum-us-air-force-contract?ref=newsletters.qs.com). Conversely, Intel's [job cuts](https://tech.eu/2024/08/02/intel-lays-off-15000/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) are the latest round of layoffs among tech firms, a persistent trend over the past year. ## **πŸ€–** AI Advancements **πŸ€– LG Group launched its first open-source AI model, EXAONE 3.0, in Korea.** Developed by the LG AI Research Institute, the [model outperforms competitors like Meta's Rama 3.1 and Google's Gemma 2](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/business/11087472?ref=newsletters.qs.com), and is expected to be integrated into various fields and with partnerships with academia and startups. **🀝 Kolon Benite launched CoiBot, a Generative AI service for in-house executives and employees.** CoiBot, [a business tool](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/it/11084977?ref=newsletters.qs.com), offers detailed information on regulations, welfare, and personnel systems, reducing misinformation and enhancing efficiency in HR and other business functions. It is set to expand across Kolon Group after a successful beta test. **πŸ”§ IBM added Meta's Rama 3.1 and Mistral AI's Mistral Large 2 to its Watsonx platform.** This would offer[ powerful, open-source AI options for diverse needs](https://www.mk.co.kr/en/it/11083258?ref=newsletters.qs.com), with Watsonx allowing flexible deployment across infrastructures for fine-tuning and optimization. **However,** **Intel plans to cut 15,000 jobs.** They also plan to halt non-essential projects [to boost profits and compete with Nvidia and AMD](https://tech.eu/2024/08/02/intel-lays-off-15000/?ref=newsletters.qs.com), following a $1.6 billion Q2 loss and a 20% share price drop. ## **πŸ’‘** China’s Tech Advancements **🌐 China Unicom Beijing and Huawei deployed a commercial 5.5G network**. This covers 70% of Beijing's 4th Ring Road, [supporting services like immersive video and cloud gaming](https://www.rcrwireless.com/20240806/5g/huawei-china-unicom-deploy-5g-a-3cc-network-beijing?ref=newsletters.qs.com) and ensuring compatibility with current 5G applications and devices. **πŸ’Ύ Malaysia and China pursue closer cooperation on semiconductors**. They aimed to develop [Malaysia's chip industry](https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Tech/Semiconductors/Malaysia-and-China-deepen-chip-cooperation-with-joint-expo?ref=newsletters.qs.com) at a joint industry event in Kuala Lumpur as Beijing strengthened its own supply network. ## **πŸ”‹** FutureTech **🧠 Google DeepMind introduced Gemma Scope.** This new toolkit enhances interpretability of its Gemma 2 models. Built on JumpReLU sparse autoencoders, it [aids researchers in understanding decision-making processes of large language models](https://venturebeat.com/ai/deepminds-gemma-scope-peers-under-the-hood-of-large-language-models/?ref=newsletters.qs.com). **✈️ Swiss startup Terra Quantum has been awarded a US Air Force contract.** They will develop an[ ultra-secure communication network using post-quantum cryptography](https://thenextweb.com/news/terra-quantum-us-air-force-contract?ref=newsletters.qs.com), quantum key distribution, and quantum random number generators. **🀝 NASA and UC Berkeley partnered for a three-year agreement.** NASA will host Berkeley's supercomputing resources at NASA's Ames Research Center, [aiming to develop new algorithms and software](https://executivegov.com/2024/08/nasa-and-uc-berkeley-form-agreement-on-supercomputing-resources-hosting/?ref=newsletters.qs.com) across various scientific fields and facilitate knowledge exchange. ## **πŸ’°** Deals of the Week **πŸ”’ Abnormal Security, a** CA-based company closed its Series D funding at[ $250M](https://www.finsmes.com/2024/08/abnormal-security-raises-250m-series-d-financing-at-5-1-billion-valuation.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com), at $5.1 Billion valuation. The company is planning initiate the use of the funding to continue to expand operations and its development efforts. πŸ’° **Contextual AI**, a CA-based startup, raised [$80M ](https://www.finsmes.com/2024/08/contextual-ai-raises-80m-in-series-a-funding.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com)Series A funding round. The company is to expand its development efforts through the funds. πŸ“ˆ **Octane,** a NYC-based company raised [$50M](https://www.finsmes.com/2024/08/octane-raises-50m-in-series-e-funding.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Series E funding. Octane is to use to to use the funds to accelerate its expansion into new markets and expand its growth in existing markets. **πŸ€– Seeq,** a WA-based company specializing in industrial analytic raised [$50M](https://www.finsmes.com/2024/08/seeq-raises-50m-series-d-funding.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) in Series D funding intended to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts. πŸ’΅ **Salesforce** acquired **PredictSpring, a** cloud-based PoS software vendor, for an[ undisclosed amount](https://www.cio.com/article/3480701/salesforce-to-acquire-pos-startup-predictspring-to-augment-commerce-cloud.html?ref=newsletters.qs.com) to increase the current Customer 360 capabilities, aiming to get a stronger hold in the retail industry. --- **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/)