A little over a week ago, OpenAI announced a new generative AI system named Sora, which produces short videos from text prompts. While Sora is not yet available to the public, the high quality of the sample outputs published so far has provoked both excited and concerned reactions. The sample videos published by OpenAI, which… Read more »
Sam Altman, chief executive of ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, is reportedly trying to find up to US$7 trillion of investment to manufacture the enormous volumes of computer chips he believes the world needs to run artificial intelligence (AI) systems. Altman also recently said the world will need more energy in the AI-saturated future he envisions – so… Read more »
A vector search startup for ecommerce, founded by a former Amazon robotics scientist and engineer, has raised US$12.5 million (A$19.4m) in a Series A, just six months after banking A$8.1m in a Seed round. The fresh raise for Marqo, was led by Lightspeed, with support from Blackbird, January Capital, and Chronosphere founder and CTO Rob… Read more »
As AI innovation accelerates rapidly, Microsoft is bringing the local tech community up to speed over two events in Sydney this February: the Microsoft AI Tour and the startup-focused AI Deep Dive event with Startup Daily. We spoke to Andrew Boyd, General Manager, Digital Natives and Startups, about how startups can leverage Microsoft’s latest AI… Read more »
An AI-based Sydney software startup that checks sewer pipes for preemptive maintenance has raised $5 million in a Series A to ramp up its push into the US market. VAPAR, cofounded in 2018 by engineers Amanda Siqueira and Michelle Aguilar, was backed Dutch water technology specialist VC PureTerra Ventures, supported by US engineering and construction… Read more »
On Wednesday, the federal Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic revealed an interim response from the Australian government on the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI). The public, especially the Australian public, have real concerns about AI. And it’s appropriate that they should. AI is a powerful technology entering our lives quickly.… Read more »
As car manufacturers have demonstrated for years, there is no functional reason why robots require a head, face, or personality – but with Generative AI (GenAI) now offering irresistible possibilities for designers, humanoid robots were out in force at the 2024 Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Chinese firm Kepler Exploration Robot Co, for one, used the… Read more »
The legal profession has already been using artificial intelligence (AI) for several years, to automate reviews and predict outcomes, among other functions. However, these tools have mostly been used by large, well established firms. In effect, certain law firms have already deployed AI tools to assist their employed solicitors with day-to-day work. By 2022, three… Read more »
AI-based workflow automation startup has raised $15 million in a Series A as it looks to ramp up its international presence. The round was led by King River Capital along with support from Peak XV’s Surge (the former Sequoia Capital India), and existing backers Galileo Ventures and Insight Partners. Relevance AI previously raised $4 million… Read more »
Artificial intelligence loans assessments platform Rich Data Co has raised $28 million (US$17.5m) in a Series B as it looks to ramp up its North America expansion The round was led by Westpac and Nasdaq-listed cloud banking firm nCino, supported by existing backer BMYG and a new investor, Singapore-based Octava Fund. The funds will be used… Read more »
On Friday, OpenAI’s high-flying chief executive Sam Altman was unexpectedly fired by the company’s board. Co-founder and chief technology officer Greg Brockman was also removed as the board president, after which he promptly resigned. In an unexpected twist, talks began today about potentially reinstating Altman in some capacity following an outpouring of industry and investor… Read more »
Toby Walsh is one of Australia’s most well-known experts on artificial intelligence and his latest book Faking It: Artificial Intelligence in a Human World aims to dispel the common illusion that machine intelligence is comparable to human intelligence. It’s an illusion deeply embedded in the history of AI that could have disastrous consequences, Walsh believes, unless… Read more »
The Australian tech sector is in crisis and it’s set to intensify with AI. That’s the key message from the Australian Computer Society’s Digital Pulse 2023 report, which also found artificial intelligence will disrupt up to 90% of Australian jobs. To tackle the impending crisis, ACS proposes a National Digital Skills Strategy including a skills-first education… Read more »
On Monday US President Joe Biden released a wide ranging and ambitious executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) – catapulting the US to the front of conversations about regulating AI. In doing so, the US is leap frogging over other states in the race to rule over AI. Europe previously led the way with its… Read more »
GP-focused administration medtech Heidi Health has raised $10 million in a Series A. The round was once again led by Blackbird Ventures, with support from Hostplus, Hesta, Wormhole Capital, Archangel Ventures, Possible Ventures and Saniel Ventures. Heidi (rebranded from Oscar) previously raised $5 million in a Seed round led by Blackbird. The software platform enlists… Read more »
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