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Welcome to today’s edition of AI Business Weekly. AI momentum continues across the globe, with billion-dollar rounds, national-level funds, and sustainability-focused innovation driving growth. From Vancouver to Africa, Europe to Hong Kong, AI is shaping critical sectors including recycling, food security, cloud infrastructure, emissions monitoring, and analytics.

Let’s dive in.

MLVX Technologies Secures $1M for AI Recycling Innovation

Vancouver-based MLVX Technologies Inc. (Metaspectral) has raised over $1 million in combined funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) and CleanBC. The company specializes in hyperspectral imagery and is advancing AI-driven technology to sort hard-to-recycle plastics, supporting a more sustainable recycling ecosystem.
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Google Commits $37M AI Fund to Africa

Google has launched a $37 million AI initiative aimed at strengthening food systems across Africa. Of this, $25 million is directed toward the AI Collaborative: Food Security Initiative, which will fund tools for hunger forecasting, smallholder farmer support, and climate-resilient cropping systems. The program aims to improve food security and boost farmer livelihoods amid economic and environmental challenges.
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DataCrunch Raises $64.6M in Series A

Helsinki-based AI cloud provider DataCrunch has raised $64.6 million in a Series A round. Investors include byFounders, Skaala, Varma pension fund, Tesi, J12 Ventures, and select angel backers. The funding will accelerate DataCrunch’s cloud AI offerings as European demand for scalable AI infrastructure surges.
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Databricks Secures $1B Amid Surging AI Demand

Data analytics leader Databricks has closed a $1 billion funding round, projecting $4 billion in annualized revenue fueled by booming AI adoption. The round underscores Databricks’ position as a leading AI-native data company as enterprises expand AI integration across industries.
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Hong Kong Startup Develops AI Emission Monitoring System

A Hong Kong-based AI startup has unveiled a system that detects the origin and size of industrial emissions, with mainland China as its primary target market. The AI-powered platform could play a critical role in supporting regulatory compliance and reducing environmental impact across Asia.
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📢 AI Funding and Expansion Momentum

Today’s activity highlights how AI is shaping sustainability, infrastructure, and global development. From billion-dollar expansions at Databricks to seed and Series A funding in Europe and North America, capital is flowing into both scaling leaders and innovative newcomers. Meanwhile, Google’s Africa initiative and Hong Kong’s emissions monitoring show AI’s role in solving climate and food security challenges worldwide.

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