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Welcome to today's edition of AI Business Weekly. Microsoft's AI chief publicly labeled Elon Musk a "bulldozer" while praising Sam Altman's courage, China's AI sector is projected to hit $170 billion next year despite chip restrictions, and California's governor attacked Trump's federal AI order hours after signing. These stories share one thread: as AI transitions from experimental technology to economic infrastructure, the battles over who controls it are intensifying. Let's dive in.
Microsoft AI Chief Calls Musk a 'Bulldozer,' Praises Altman as 'Courageous'
Mustafa Suleyman publicly contrasted AI's biggest personalities, labeling Musk a "bulldozer" while defending Altman's trillion-dollar infrastructure vision. The rare assessments expose competing leadership styles as Microsoft navigates its $13 billion OpenAI partnership. See the contrasts →
China's AI Industry to Hit $170 Billion in 2025 Despite Chip Restrictions
China's core AI sector will reach $170 billion next year with 33% growth despite U.S. chip export restrictions. The government projection signals China's domestic AI push isn't slowing down. Full analysis →
Montana Nonprofit Gets $80K to Teach Girls AI Skills
Code Girls United secured funding to expand AI education teaching image generation and chatbots to female students across rural Montana. Women comprise less than 25% of tech workers. How it works →
German Startup Zentio Raises €1.4M for AI Production Planning
The pre-seed round backs AI-native manufacturing software built from scratch rather than bolting AI onto legacy systems. Traditional production planning remains heavily manual despite factory digitalization. See the approach →
Newsom Blasts Trump AI Order as 'Grift' Hours After Signing
California's governor condemned Trump's executive order blocking state AI regulation, calling it corruption over innovation. The clash sets up a federal preemption battle over who controls AI governance. Full story →
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Over the next year, Roku predicts that 100% of the streaming audience will see ads. For growth marketers in 2026, CTV will remain an important “safe space” as AI creates widespread disruption in the search and social channels. Plus, easier access to self-serve CTV ad buying tools and targeting options will lead to a surge in locally-targeted streaming campaigns.
Read our guide to find out why growth marketers should make sure CTV is part of their 2026 media mix.
📢 The Signal Behind the Noise
Suleyman's public critiques show even Microsoft must navigate AI's shifting alliances. China's 33% growth despite sanctions proves tech decoupling has limits. Code Girls United's $80K and Zentio's €1.4M show AI investment spans from rural education to industrial software. Newsom vs. Trump exposes the real question: who writes AI's rules as it becomes infrastructure? The pattern isn't any single story—it's that power consolidation and regulatory battles now define AI more than technological breakthroughs.
