AI Business Weekly - December 17, 2024 Edition

Learn AI in 5 Minutes a Day

AI Tool Report is one of the fastest-growing and most respected newsletters in the world, with over 550,000 readers from companies like OpenAI, Nvidia, Meta, Microsoft, and more.

Our research team spends hundreds of hours a week summarizing the latest news, and finding you the best opportunities to save time and earn more using AI.

Sign up with 1-Click

Hello AI Enthusiasts,

Welcome to this week’s edition of AI Business Weekly! As artificial intelligence continues to push the boundaries of innovation, we’re seeing remarkable advancements in healthcare, sustainability, and research. This week’s highlights span groundbreaking university-led AI initiatives, transformative tech trends, and major global investments that are driving the future of AI infrastructure and tools. We also explore critical policy developments and the latest AI features that enhance our daily lives.

Whether you’re an AI enthusiast, entrepreneur, or industry leader, there’s something here for everyone to stay informed and inspired by AI’s vast potential. Let’s dive into this week’s most exciting developments!

AI Innovations and Research Advances

• McMaster Research in 2024: Charting New AI and Healthcare Frontiers
  McMaster University’s research community continues to redefine possibilities in AI and healthcare. From sustainability solutions to breakthroughs in climate justice, McMaster researchers are addressing global challenges with cutting-edge AI tools and evidence-based strategies. Their work in healthcare innovation stands out, driving real-world improvements for treatment outcomes and sustainable systems.
  Read more

• Mozilla Builders: A Celebration of Community-Driven AI Innovation
  Mozilla’s first-ever Builders demo day was a resounding success, celebrating bold, community-driven AI ideas. Out of 200 applicants from over 40 countries, 14 diverse projects showcased innovative solutions, emphasizing trust, responsibility, and inclusivity in AI. These projects represent not just what’s next for AI but also how collaboration can create technology that works for everyone, setting a benchmark for the industry.
  Read more

• AI Revolutionizes Cancer Research
  AI is making profound strides in cancer research, offering advanced tools to understand tumor progression and molecular mechanisms. Traditional imaging methods like MRI and CT are labor-intensive, but AI can automate image analysis and identify biomarkers for diagnosis and treatment. By enhancing resolution and reducing response variations, AI is helping clinicians deliver more precise and predictive care to patients worldwide.
  Read more

• Aegis Software Leads Manufacturing AI Through Global Research
  Aegis Software has taken the lead in advancing AI and analytics for the manufacturing sector by supporting a global study conducted by MESA and Tech-Clarity. The research explores how predictive AI and machine learning are transforming traditional analytics and operations metrics, enabling manufacturers to harness AI for optimized decision-making and production efficiency.
  Read more

• Deloitte’s Tech Trends 2025: AI as the Fabric of Future Tech
  AI is no longer just a trend; it’s becoming the foundation of modern technology. Deloitte’s Tech Trends 2025 report predicts AI will seamlessly integrate into every aspect of life, functioning invisibly like electricity or HTTP. From smarter processes to faster decision-making, AI will power industries and experiences in ways that feel like magic—yet remain grounded in robust algorithms.
  Read more

Investments and Growth

• Mubadala Invests in Crusoe’s $600M AI Infrastructure Round
  Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company joins a $600 million funding round for Crusoe, a U.S.-based AI infrastructure leader. Crusoe’s innovations focus on energy-efficient solutions for powering AI models, making this a significant step toward sustainable and scalable AI development.
  Read more

• Liquid AI Raises $250M for Next-Gen AI Models
  Cambridge-based Liquid AI secured $250 million in funding, led by AMD, at a valuation of $2.3 billion. The startup’s unique “liquid foundation models” require significantly less data and compute power, inspired by neural pathways studied in worm brains. These lightweight, general-purpose models aim to reshape generative AI efficiency across industries.
  Read more

• Chinese AI Startup Zhipu Raises $412M
  Beijing-based Zhipu has successfully closed a $412 million funding round, strengthening its position as a leading AI startup in China. This funding reflects increasing investor confidence in Chinese AI innovation and its ability to compete globally in advanced AI systems.
  Read more

• Exabits Reaches $150M Valuation with Crypto-AI Funding
  Exabits, a pioneering startup focused on tokenizing GPUs for AI and crypto applications, raised $15 million in a seed round. Valued at $150 million, Exabits merges decentralized finance with AI infrastructure, offering scalable GPU solutions for advanced computation.
  Read more

• Comand AI Raises €8.5M for Battlefield Strategy Software
  Paris-based Comand AI secured €8.5 million in funding to build battlefield strategy software for military officers. The AI-powered tools enhance operational planning, improving efficiency and decision-making for defense teams in real-time scenarios.
  Read more

Politics, Governance, and Trends

• BRICS Alliance Pursues Global AI Innovation and Collaboration
  Russia has announced plans to create a BRICS AI alliance, bringing together Brazil, China, India, and South Africa to foster cooperation in artificial intelligence. This initiative aims to counterbalance U.S. dominance in AI development while encouraging knowledge sharing, ethical AI deployment, and mutual innovation among emerging economies.
  Read more

• LinkedIn Halts AI Training on Canadian User Data
  In response to Canada’s increasing scrutiny over privacy, LinkedIn has paused its practice of training AI models using Canadian user data. This move reflects a broader trend of growing global concern over personal data use and the call for stronger regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible AI.
  Read more

• Japan’s Path to AI Leadership: Balancing Tradition and Innovation
  Japan is forging its way as a global AI leader with initiatives like the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry’s GENIAC project. By blending its cultural emphasis on tradition with cutting-edge generative AI, Japan seeks to lead in ethical, innovative applications of AI while driving economic growth and societal advancement.
  Read more

• Will AI Enhance or Undermine Asia’s Elections?
  Governments across Asia are grappling with AI’s dual nature: its potential to spread disinformation versus its ability to streamline election processes, engage voters, and enhance administrative efficiency. From the Philippines to South Korea, the debate intensifies as AI’s role in democratic processes comes under closer scrutiny.
  Read more

• Trump Administration May Reverse Progress on AI Regulation
  While the Biden administration made strides in setting guidelines for AI safety and responsible use in federal agencies, a potential Trump administration raises concerns about rolling back these regulations. Industry leaders and policymakers are watching closely to see how AI governance may shift.
  Read more

Latest AI Feature Releases

• Red Hat Launches RHEL AI 1.3 with Advanced AI Capabilities
  Red Hat has released version 1.3 of Red Hat Enterprise Linux AI (RHEL AI), enhancing its generative AI capabilities for enterprise applications. This update includes advancements in the Granite large language model (LLM) family and improved support for hybrid cloud deployments. By streamlining AI development and testing, Red Hat empowers businesses to scale AI solutions with greater efficiency.
  Read more

• Google’s Gemini Deep Research Automates Web Reports
  Google has introduced Deep Research, a new tool within its Gemini platform that allows users to automate web-based research. By generating tailored, well-structured reports from web data, Deep Research simplifies workflows for students, professionals, and researchers seeking faster insights.
  Read more

• Wix Releases AI Site-Chat for 24/7 Customer Engagement
  Wix has launched AI Site-Chat, an advanced virtual agent that enables businesses to interact with website visitors in real time, 24/7. By answering questions and providing relevant information when owners are unavailable, this feature helps businesses boost customer satisfaction, streamline engagement, and drive sales opportunities.
  Read more

• Apple Partners with Broadcom to Develop AI Server Chips
  Apple is collaborating with Broadcom to develop a cutting-edge AI server chip. This project highlights Apple’s strategic move into AI hardware, aiming to enhance AI performance for large-scale enterprise solutions and applications.
  Read more

• Apple Rolls Out Genmoji: Personalized AI-Powered Emojis
  Apple’s new “Genmoji” feature takes personalization to the next level. Leveraging AI, iPhone users can now create their own unique emojis tailored to their expressions and preferences. This creative feature aims to redefine how users communicate visually on their devices.
  Read more

Closing Thoughts

This week underscores AI’s accelerating impact on healthcare, manufacturing, and enterprise innovation, while highlighting global collaborations and significant investments driving the future of AI. With regulatory developments and groundbreaking tools reshaping industries, we are witnessing AI become an essential part of our everyday lives.

Stay informed, stay inspired, and continue embracing the transformative power of AI. See you next week for more exciting updates and trends!