Inferact, born from the vLLM project, secures $150 million in funding, valuing it at $800 million. Led by a16z and Lightspeed, the startup aims to optimize AI inference, balancing open-source and enterprise needs.

Neurophos, an Austin-based startup specializing in optical processors, raised $110 million in Series A funding led by Gates Frontier, aiming to reduce AI inference energy use. With support from major investors, Neurophos plans to commercialize its technology for data centers, potentially disrupting traditional GPU reliance by offering more efficient photonic computing solutions.

eBay's updated User Agreement, effective February 2026, bans third-party AI agents from making purchases without human oversight. This move reflects a broader industry trend towards stricter control of autonomous tools on e-commerce platforms, amid concerns over marketplace integrity.

Google DeepMind is acquiring Hume AI's CEO and engineers to enhance Gemini's voice tech with emotional intelligence, reflecting a trend towards more intuitive AI assistants. This move comes as the voice AI market experiences substantial revenue growth, with ethical considerations for privacy and manipulation at the forefront.

Nextech3D.ai introduces Nextech Event AI, a revolutionary event operating system integrating cutting-edge technology for Fortune 500 enterprises. The platform enhances payment options with BitPay, while leveraging AWS infrastructure for improved scalability, aiming for 90% gross margins amidst potential market uncertainties.

Leopard Imaging introduces the LI-AR0234CSC-GMSL2-120H, a cutting-edge vision system for synchronized multi-camera AI applications on NVIDIA Orin platforms. This system supports diverse industries with its scalability and multi-camera synchronization capabilities, enhancing applications from robotics to AR/VR.

The UAE launched a groundbreaking AI-driven regulatory framework at Davos to modernize governance and align with rapid tech changes. Developed with Presight and PwC, it emphasizes human oversight, agility, and public welfare.

A recent AAC&U survey reveals 95% of faculty are concerned about students overusing generative AI, with two-thirds feeling graduates aren't prepared to use AI in workplaces. The survey indicates significant faculty anxiety about AI's impact on attention spans, teaching models, and academic integrity, though it lacks generalizability due to its non-scientific nature.

Air Canada will launch a nonstop Vancouver to Sapporo service in December 2026, aligning with peak winter tourism demand. The service will use a Boeing 787, offering three classes and including ski gear in baggage allowances, enhancing North American connectivity to Japan.

AI-driven tools like Claude, ChatGPT, and Grok are revolutionizing sales training by scaling elite closing techniques across the sales cycle with cost-effective coaching. Major integrations with CRM platforms like Salesforce and HubSpot are enhancing lead qualification and deal velocity, with projections indicating significant growth and productivity gains in AI-powered sales automation by 2030.