Author Archives: Thom Carter

  1. UK AI Chip Startup OLIX Secures £232M in Series B Funding

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    OLIX, the UK-based AI hardware company founded in 2024, has secured $312 million (£232m) in its Series B round and also achieved a $3.3 billion (£2.45bn) valuation.

    The startup is developing the next-generation of AI chips that are faster, cheaper, and more energy-efficient than current AI chips. Known as “inference chips,” these are being designed specifically with AI in mind, with each specialising in a particular part of an AI model’s “thinking” process.

    The financing funds the route to delivering its DX-1 chip, which is designed for the stage at which an AI model reasons and generates its output, to OLIX’s first customers by the second half of 2027.

    Further, the investment will go towards the build-out of the wider custom silicon platform behind it, with the manufacturing and supply chain commitments that frontier inference hardware requires.

    OLIX’s latest round of funding included investors such as Arm, Hudson River Trading, Fundomo, the UK Government’s Sovereign AI venture fund, Reed Hastings—the co-founder of Netflix—as well as existing investors all increasing their commitments.

    Speaking on the startup and why the UK Government invested in it through the Sovereign AI fund, AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said: “The future of AI will be built on chips that power models. Countries that build chips will build leverage.

    “OLIX is exactly the kind of ambitious company we want to back through Sovereign AI. In just two years, it has established itself as one of the UK’s most exciting AI startups, developing breakthrough chip technology with the potential to help shape the future of AI.

    “If we want Britain to lead in AI, we need to back the technologies that sit underneath it. That’s how we’ll attract investment, create high-skilled jobs and ensure the UK remains a country that builds the future of AI, not just uses it.”

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    On top of the new funding and valuation, the startup also confirmed today that it has appointed Matt Briers, who was CFO of Wise for nine years, as the company’s Chief Financial Officer.

    Additionally, Professor Nick McKeown—cited as a defining figure of modern networking, and co-inventor of software-defined networking, OpenFlow, and P4—has been appointed to its board of directors.

  2. AI Demand Driving Significantly Higher Chip Revenue Than Expected

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    Omdia, the technology research and advisory group, has once again raised its 2026 semiconductor revenue forecast amid continuing artificial intelligence demand.

    The forecast for 2026 has risen to a 94.1% increase year-over-year, and comes just three months after Omdia forecasted that a figure of 62.7% would be achieved — with that prior number also being a revised figure from what was initially expected.

    The latest bump in revenue expectation has been driven by substantial growth in DRAM and NAND — types of memory utilised for AI workloads — as AI demand continues to outpace global supply.

    In fact, AI demand has exceeded the industry’s current ability to produce and package chips to such an extent that bottlenecks across high bandwidth memory (HBM), advanced packaging, node capacity, and more are expected to persist until at least 2027.

    Further, while DRAM suppliers are prioritising high bandwidth memory and other high-margin products, commodity memory pricing and lead times are becoming incredibly volatile.

    As semiconductor revenue growth becomes more concentrated in AI-related applications, other markets are facing significant cost pressure, too.

    Smartphones, PCs, and consumer electronics are experiencing higher component costs, while automotive and industrial electronics markets must also compete with AI demand for packaging and memory circuits.

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    Commenting on the latest forecast and the context behind it, Myson Robles-Bruce, a Senior Principal Analyst at Omdia, said: “From mid-2026 through early 2027, the semiconductor market will be defined by relentless AI demand.

    “Capacity will remain constrained, advanced nodes heavily utilised, and memory and advanced packaging costs will continue to rise.

    “Investment tied directly to AI infrastructure will drive record silicon consumption, while non-AI markets continue to face supply constraints.”

  3. Majority of Privacy Incidents to Stem from AI-generated Inferences by 2029

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    Gartner, the business and technology insights company, has predicted that by 2029 most privacy incidents won’t result from the direct exposure of personally identifiable information (PII), but from AI-generated inferences about individuals instead.

    As organisations reduce the amount of personal data they store due to regulatory and cost pressures, threat actors’ access to artificial intelligence now lets them perform inference-based attacks.

    Advances in generative AI and machine learning are enabling the extraction of sensitive attributes, such as health conditions or behavioural patterns, from seemingly innocuous, anonymised, or aggregated data.

    Speaking on this shift, Bart Willemsen, VP Analyst at Gartner, said: “Organisations have historically focused on protecting raw personal data, but AI can now reconstruct deeply personal insights without ever breaching traditional data controls.

    “Privacy risks are increasingly emerging from what AI algorithms infer about individuals rather than what data is directly exposed.”

    “Inference attacks are particularly dangerous because they often evade conventional detection mechanisms,” Willemsen added.

    “Individuals can be exposed through AI-generated conclusions rather than leaked records, creating privacy risks that undermine data integrity and are difficult to detect, explain and mitigate.”

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    In light of this, Gartner expects spending on data integrity protections to reach parity with data confidentiality investments by 2028, as organisations respond to the risk of inaccurate, biased, or unauthorised AI-generated profiles.

    The insights firm has also advised chief information security officers and other privacy leaders to undergo a series of actions to address these emerging inference-based privacy risks.

    For instance, enhancing cybersecurity for AI-driven threats by investing in advancing monitoring, anomaly detection, and scenario-planning capabilities designed to identify indirect exploitation patterns and inference-based threats.

    Adopting privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs), by implementing tech such as differential privacy, synthetic data, and privacy-aware machine learning to process data in a protected state and reduce reidentification risks was also suggested.

    Further, embedding AI governance into privacy programmes, strengthening data minimisation and lifecycle controls, and fostering transparency and human oversight were also advocated for amid the shift from data exposure to insight exposure.

  4. Nearly a Quarter of Orgs Reducing Entry-level Hiring Due to AI Automation

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    According to new research from Gartner, the tech research and advisory firm, 22% of chief human resources officers report that at least one business leader in their organisation has stopped hiring for entry-level roles due to AI automation.

    The same survey, which was conducted through the last quarter of 2025 and posed questions to 110 heads of HR, also uncovered that 95% of organisations have implemented AI in some capacity over the last year – yet only one-in-five has realised “significant” or “transformational” value.

    These stats have been unearthed amid it becoming clear that eliminating entry-level roles is forcing companies to pay premiums for experienced talent who must be hired externally rather than developed internally.

    What’s more, by relying on AI automation instead of entry-level workers, fewer low-risk on-the-job opportunities are available to build skills, personal networks, and knowledge over time.

    This consequently means that orgs must then reorient early-career development toward performing more complex tasks and navigating higher levels of ambiguity.

    “Organisations that respond by cutting their early career talent pipelines altogether risk creating significant workforce challenges down the road,” commented Kaelyn Lowmaster, Director Analyst in the Gartner HR practice.

    “Instead of eliminating these early career roles, organisations should redefine them to enable earlier contributions to higher-value work and build the talent they will need in the future.”

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    Gartner has identified three approaches CHROs can prioritise to address the growing gap between the capabilities of early-career talent, and the complexity of work required in AI-enabled environments.

    Identify Tasks To Shift to Early-career Roles
    The research firm advocated for realigning the tasks early-career workers should perform as AI tools and processes become ubiquitous within the workplace.

    “Understanding how AI is changing work helps organisations identify opportunities to shift tasks across roles,” said Annika Jessen, Director Analyst in the Gartner HR practice.

    “Knowing where AI is freeing up time enables leaders to create new supervisory responsibilities and identify tasks that can safely shift to early career talent.”

    Activate Team Support Structures
    “Traditional development approaches are no longer sufficient in an AI-enabled environment,” said Meaghan Kelly, Director Analyst in the Gartner HR practice.

    “Organisations can’t rely on gradual skill-building through routine work. Instead, they must provide the support structures that allow early career employees to operate effectively in more complex, judgement-intensive roles much earlier in their careers.”

    In light of this, Gartner advised that CHROs should partner with business leaders to identify specific risks, and co-design a range of on-the-job learning solutions. Also, HR must lead their organisation to shift from supporting role mastery to driving employee versatility.

    Build Developmental Safety Nets
    According to Gartner, considering that early-career employees have fewer chances to develop judgement and experiences through day-to-day work, CHROs should build development safety nets.

    Organisations can provide such safety nets, such as tools, guidance, and peer connections that help employees navigate ambiguity while minimising mistakes and their impact. CHROs should look to adapt training to focus on business acumen and how employees’ specific actions deliver business value, the firm advised.

  5. Complaints About UK’s Major Broadband Providers Hit Record Low

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    According to new figures from Ofcom, the communications services regulator, customer complaints they’ve received about the major broadband providers have fallen to their lowest-ever levels.

    The latest stats, which cover the first quarter of this year, show that consumer complaints concerning broadband have witnessed a significant decline from its peak in 2011 of 40 complaints per 100,000 customers, to now just 6 complaints per 100,000 customers.

    In terms of how the providers differ, the regulator’s data tracking has highlighted that TalkTalk was the most-complained-about broadband provider. Complaints were mainly focussed around faults, service and provisioning, complaints handling, and issues with billing, pricing, and charges.

    Meanwhile, the major providers who generated the fewest fixed broadband complaints from the British public were revealed to be Plusnet and Sky.

    When it comes to mobile satisfaction, Sky Mobile was the provider that prompted the most complaints, with customers mostly discontent about experiences with changing providers. EE, Giffgaff, Tesco Mobile, Three and Vodafone however generated the fewest complaints regarding mobile services.

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    The findings come amid the continued rollout of large-scale infrastructure projects to improve broadband connections, speeds, and accessibility across both Scotland and the UK as a whole — which could be one factor in public complaints dropping.

    Project Gigabit, the UK Government’s programme, is facilitating the rollout of lightning-fast, reliable broadband across the UK, while the Scottish Government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme is improving connectivity across rural Scotland and harder-to-reach communities.

    More than 100,000 faster broadband connections have now been delivered to homes and businesses across the country thanks to R100, with the programme worth around £600 million.

    Independent evaluation has found that around three-quarters of Scots businesses report increased productivity and stronger performance, while nearly two-thirds of households feel more connected to friends, family, and the wider world. Almost half say their wellbeing has improved.

    Speaking on Ofcom’s latest findings, Cristina Luna-Esteban, Director of Consumers and Retail Markets at the regulator, said: “It’s encouraging to see broadband complaints falling to their lowest levels since our records began, companies must not be complacent and we expect them to continually strive to improve their services and deliver a great customer experience.

    “We’d encourage any customers who aren’t satisfied with their current provider to vote with their feet. In recent years, we’ve made it easier than ever for people to shop around and save, by introducing end-of-contract alerts, simpler contract summaries, and easier switching processes for broadband and mobile.”

  6. New UK Biz Secretary Sets Out Plans to Harness Innovation For Growth

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    Jonathan Reynolds, the UK Government’s new Business, Innovation, Science and Trade Secretary, has set out the government’s ambition to harness the potential of science and innovation to foster growth across the country.

    Just three days into the establishment of the new government, the Secretary of State has visited the Farnborough International Airshow today (22 July) to discuss plans for bringing British business, innovation, and science together to “deliver for every postcode.”

    It comes as the new government unveils a £600 million package of support for the UK aerospace industry, including over £500 million for cutting-edge research and tech projects to pioneer greener air travel, and a new £100 million fund to help ambitious suppliers scale up and meet demand in a fast-growing industry.

    The support forms part of the PM’s pledge to “reindustrialise” Britain, develop cutting-edge aerospace technologies, support innovation, attract investment, and secure high-skilled jobs.

    “This government is laser-focused on bringing good growth to every corner of the country, and we’re wasting no time getting on with the job,” said Reynolds.

    “Aerospace is one of Britain’s great industrial success stories. Partnerships like this show the power of bringing business and innovation together to harness our strong manufacturing base and cutting-edge research to support skilled jobs right across the UK.”

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    Alongside today’s investment news, the government and the British Business Bank have announced plans for a £100 million “Aerospace Supply Chain Fund,” working with industry partners including Airbus, Rolls-Royce, GKN Aerospace, Safran, and the trade body ADS.

    The proposed fund aims to help UK aerospace suppliers access the growth capital they need to expand, invest in productivity and workforce capability, and compete for opportunities in a growing global market.

    Further, the aerospace research and technology projects announced today look to pioneer a wide range of technologies, from advanced aircraft wings and future engine systems to hydrogen-powered flight, digital engineering and advanced manufacturing.

    Examples include Airbus-led projects developing next-gen wing technologies and manufacturing processes, and companies including ZeroAvia and Safran advancing hydrogen and electric propulsion and more efficient aircraft systems.

    Gary Elliott, CEO, Aerospace Technology Institute, said: The UK aerospace sector’s world-class innovation and manufacturing capability is being showcased at Farnborough this week.

    “Today’s announcement reflects our commitment to keeping the UK at the forefront of aerospace technology, driving jobs, growth and competitiveness as we work to double the sector’s market value by 2035.”

  7. Brit Biz Bank Newly Supported 1,500 Small Scots Firms in ‘25/26

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    According to new figures, the UK Government’s economic development bank – the British Business Bank – newly supported 1,500 smaller businesses in Scotland in 2025/26.

    These businesses are forecasted to create 1,900 new jobs, and support a further 15,500 existing jobs, the figures also show.

    In its third annual Impact Report, published today (21 July), the Bank has estimated the supported firms will generate £800 million in additional turnover.

    Further, the turnover is forecasted to deliver an uplift in economic output of £300m to Scotland’s economy, over the lifetime of the finance they’ve received.

    One of the key drivers is the Bank’s £150m Investment Fund for Scotland, which has so far delivered more than £36.5m through 92 investments, reaching 83 smaller businesses and leveraging a further £33.9m in private sector finance.

    The Bank is also expanding support to Glasgow City region with a new £8.5m innovation cluster, helping drive more equity investment into businesses operating in the eight priority Industrial Strategy sectors.

    The Glasgow City Region Cluster, which backs university spinouts and deeptech scale-ups, has already seen investment into Highway Data Systems, a Glasgow-based tech company that automates quality assurance for road construction projects. It completed a £1.25m funding round through the Investment Fund for Scotland, managed by Maven Capital Partners.

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    “The British Business Bank continues to play an important role in supporting Scotland’s smaller businesses to invest, grow and create jobs,” said Mark Sterritt, Managing Director of the Bank’s Local Growth Team.

    “The latest impact figures show that our programmes are reaching businesses across the country, helping them access the finance they need to innovate, scale and realise their ambitions.

    “Through initiatives such as the Investment Fund for Scotland and our growing support for regional innovation clusters, we are helping to address long-standing funding gaps and unlock opportunities for businesses in all parts of Scotland.

    “We look forward to building on this momentum and working with even more ambitious firms in the year ahead.”

    Today’s report also shows that 87% of the businesses newly supported by the bank in 2025/26 were based outside of London, helping to deliver more than a £100m boost to economic output in each and every UK nation and region.

  8. Mid-market Scots Firms Are Fuelling Jobs and Growth in 2026

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    According to new research from BDO, the accountancy and business advisory firm, Britain’s mid-market businesses continued to grow in 2026 – and Scotland has emerged as one of the nation’s strongest regional growth stories.

    It’s been uncovered that the number of mid-market businesses in Scotland increased by 5.1% year-on-year, outpacing the national growth rate of 4.4%, and is now home to more than 2,000 mid-market companies.

    These businesses – defined as companies generating revenues between £10 million and £500 million, including AIM-listed and private equity-backed firms – are making an increasingly significant contribution to the country’s economy through job creation, innovation, and investment.

    It’s also been discovered that these kinds of businesses in Scotland now contribute £110 billion to the UK economy, and support more than 490,000 jobs across the country.

    Across the UK, the mid-market now contributes £2.44 trillion to the UK economy and accounts for more than one in three private-sector jobs despite representing less than 1% of UK businesses. Scotland’s continued expansion highlights the important contribution regional businesses are making to the UK’s overall growth ambitions.

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    “The mid-market has huge growth potential. These businesses create high-quality jobs, deliver local investment, and drive innovation, and it is particularly encouraging to see the number of these businesses expand across Scotland, defying challenging conditions,” said James Paterson, Head of Tax at BDO in Scotland.

    “Where some sectors’ growth is stagnating, it is essential that we listen to the signals and provide them with the support they need to make sure we are not holding back this engine of the economy.”

    “Mid-market businesses often fall into a policy gap as they are too large to benefit from targeted start-up support and too small to influence government policy or win the recognition that the largest corporates command,” Paterson continued.

    “With the right support, they can continue to play an outsized role in delivering economic growth.”

    Recommendations for Securing Future Growth

    With its latest “Mid-Market Manifesto,” BDO has published a series of calls to action for government to maximise the mid-market’s growth.

    This includes measures to address skill shortages across sectors and regions, including protecting access to apprenticeships on management, leadership, and digital transformation, rolling out a “clearance-style” apprenticeship scheme, and incentivising and supporting small and medium-sized businesses to offer young people work experience.

    It also includes sector-specific recommendations, including to boost growth for some of the most constrained sectors. For instance, to boost growth in the advanced manufacturing sector, it urges the government to implement a one-stop shop for mid-sized business export support, reduce energy costs, and clarify eligibility for the British Industrial Competitiveness Scheme (BICS), among other suggestions.

    Finally, it recommends measures to simplify the tax regime to promote investment, boost employment, and back entrepreneurship.

  9. PC Shipments Set to Plunge Amid Rising Memory and Storage Prices

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    New research has found that worldwide shipments of desktop, notebook, and workstation computers are expected to decline by a staggering 12%, down to 245 million units, in 2026.

    This latest outlook conducted by Omdia, the technology research and advisory group, is grounded in sharp increases in memory and storage prices.

    Price surges are being driven due to manufacturers redirecting efforts to memory modules, which support AI infrastructure, rather than the specific types of memory modules used within consumer electronics.

    This has resulted in tightened supply of consumer memory, consequently inflating memory module prices and having a broader knock-on effect — not least directly on end-product computer shipments and sales.

    Since last year, the costs of mainstream memory and storage configurations have risen by between $90 and $165 (£67~ and £123~), placing substantial financial pressure on PC vendors. As a result, they’ve been forced to raise product prices, reduce promotions, and adjust configurations.

    Considering how quickly the situation is evolving, the tech research group conducted a multi-scenario analysis of the potential impact. Based on the latest available information and market signals, the forecast carried a higher downside risk, namely a widening of shortages for both memory and shortage and increasingly steep price hikes.

    This could further suppress consumer demand and tighten PC vendors’ supply, pushing PC shipments toward a 15% decline — or potentially worse.

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    Speaking on how the situation could impact different PC platforms, Kieren Jessop, research manager at Omdia, said: “Windows PCs, which account for 83% of shipments, are forecast to decline 12% in 2026 as the platform bears the brunt of memory and storage constraints.

    “Chrome devices face the steepest decline at 28%, as the education-heavy platform is particularly exposed to tighter component allocation, lower margins and the discontinuation of some memory and storage products.

    “Macs are set for a comparatively modest 5% decline, supported by Apple’s vertically integrated supply chain and premium positioning.”

    Meanwhile, “HarmonyOS-based PCs are emerging as a notable growth segment, forecast to expand tenfold year on year from a small base as Huawei ramps up its PC ecosystem in China.”

    Omdia also found that the impact across PC product categories is expected to be broadly consistent. Desktops are set to decline by 10% to 53.5 million units in 2026, while laptops are forecast to decline by 12%, down to 192.2 million units.

  10. AI Helps Increase Breast Cancer Detection by 10%, New Study Finds

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    New research has discovered that the use of AI in breast cancer screening can increase detection by 10.4% – and has the potential to reduce the workload of healthcare workers by more than 30%.

    Cited as the UK’s first comprehensive evaluation of AI in breast cancer screens, the study was carried out by a team of scientists, clinicians, and software developers from the University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian, and Kheiron Medical Technologies.

    The study found that not only did AI help with cancer detection by spotting more cancers, most of which were invasive and high grade, but it could also reduce the time to notify affected people from 14 days to just 3.

    The authors of the study, which has been published today in the Nature Cancer journal, said that this is “hugely significant given that the earlier detection of primarily high-grade cancers enables earlier treatment.”

    The Scots researchers assessed how an AI software tool — Mia, developed by Kheiron Medical Technologies — could be used to support healthcare workers in routine breast screenings of nearly 11,000 people in NHS Grampian.

    To evaluate the different ways in which AI could support breast screening, and which were most successful, 17 scenarios were tested by incorporating AI into the existing breast screening workflow at various points.

    The results showed that combining AI as a second reader to replace one human, and as an extra reader serving as a safeguard, resulted in the best combination for increased early cancer detection without recalls — as well as workload savings.

    Professor Gerald Lip, the clinical director for breast screening in the North East of Scotland in NHS Grampian and lead for AI in clinical practice at the University of Aberdeen said: “Our results show that AI could effectively support breast screening services by increasing cancer detection and reducing doctors’ workload.

    “Ultimately, for radiologists, AI augments practice. Along with picking up more cancers, in UK and European screening programs where mammograms are read by two humans, partial substitution of one of the human readers for normal examinations can deliver real workload savings and reduce burnout. The bottom line here is – without AI, doctors would not have caught these cancers as early.

    “The translation of AI into clinical practice is one of the operational challenges in the coming decade. Our findings and the novel way we have conducted this prospective study will inform the conversation around using AI in healthcare.”

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    While further research is required to fully quantify the benefits — as well as potential harms — the study provides a foundation for the next steps in this field.

    It also directly supports the upcoming EDITH (“Early Detection using Information Technology in Health”) trial, which will expand this work to evaluate the use of AI in breast screening across sites throughout the UK.

    The Scottish element of the trial will be led jointly by the University of Aberdeen, NHS Grampian, and University of Glasgow.

  11. Tech Firms Must Go “Above and Beyond” to Protect Women and Girls

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    The UK tech secretary, Liz Kendall, has warned that major tech companies must use “every tool at their disposal” to protect women and girls from abuse and misogyny online or face further action from the government.

    At a roundtable held yesterday, March 9, with large social media companies such as Meta, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube, the secretary of state urged platforms to go further and faster in implementing safety measures.

    The message was stated following a series of interventions the government has taken to better meet its commitment of halving violence against women and girls within the next decade.

    Over the last 6 months, the UK Government has made intimate image abuse, cyberflashing, and choking priority offences under the recently-implemented Online Safety Act. This material is now treated with the same seriousness as child abuse or terrorism.

    Further, new legal requirements introduced by the government mean tech firms must now remove intimate images shared without consent within 48 hours of being flagged. An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill also created a new offence criminalising “nudification” apps, AI tools that generate synthetic sexualised images of people.

    Following the prime minister’s calling out of Grok for its illegal sexualised images that were being spread on its site, the government then fast-tracked legislation to ban the creation of non-sexual intimate deepfakes.

    Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, has also set out measures that companies can take to reduce online misogynistic abuse, harassment, stalking, and image-based sexual abuse.

    The regulator is now expected to report on what platforms are failing to comply, and the government is encouraging Ofcom to do so as soon as possible.

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    “Every woman and girl deserves to be safe online and we will stop at nothing to ensure the digital world is working for them, not against them,” said tech secretary Liz Kendall.

    “This government has taken tough action to tackle intimate image abuse, deepfakes and the online harms women and girls face every day.

    “Now, tech companies must go above and beyond to use the tools readily available to them to make their platforms safer. If they don’t, these companies are not innocent bystanders – they are enabling abuse to thrive.

    “That is why we are asking Ofcom to report swiftly on how companies are complying, because better safety and better accountability go hand in hand.”

  12. Which UK Nations and Councils Are More Prepared For AI?

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    New research from Heriot-Watt University and GoLLM, the government-funded AI company, has uncovered how different UK nations and councils are beginning to use AI.

    The 18-month study looked at 208 councils across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland to understand how ready local authorities are to adopt and use AI in public services.

    The research highlights a mixed picture, with some councils moving quickly to build on their data, develop an AI culture, and deploy targeted tools, while many others remain at the first hurdles of building basic digital and data foundations.

    Commenting on the geographical differences, Dr. Luciana Blaha, lead of the Intelligent Automation Systems Lab at Heriot-Watt University’s Edinburgh Business School, said: “In Northern Ireland, councils are beginning to explore AI on top of improving shared systems, but progress is constrained by funding pressures, limited internal capacity and the need for more stable digital foundations.”

    “In Wales, most councils are still focused on building the basics of data and digital, taking careful first steps with tools such as chatbots and AI scribes under a strong national framework.”

    When it comes to the two more populated nations of England and Scotland, the research painted a picture of how a coordinated national approach is benefitting Scotland, and how fragmentation is undeniably present within England.

    On this, Dr. Blaha said: “In England, we saw some of the most advanced councils in the UK operating alongside others at the very earliest stages, reflecting how fragmented structures and different local conditions can shape what is realistically possible on the ground.”

    Meanwhile, “In Scotland, we saw councils benefiting from a coordinated national approach, shared digital programmes and strong links with universities, which helped create more consistent data foundations and more confident early use of AI.”

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    In terms of how each nation’s councils are actually using AI in practice, the report found that in Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council is trialling generative AI to support communication and frontline services, while councils such as Lisburn and Castlereagh City and Mid and East Antrim Borough are using automation to streamline everyday internal processes.

    In Wales, early adopters like Bridgend County Borough are introducing simple AI-powered chatbots to support residents, demonstrating how even small tools can make an immediate difference.

    Across England, councils including Surrey County are moving ahead with practical tools such as AI-enabled pothole detection, helping road teams identify defects more quickly and safely, the research uncovered.

    Lastly, in Scotland, councils including Fife and Glasgow City are using AI in waste and recycling, from automated sorting to advanced robotics that speed up materials processing.

    Daniel Shorr, who’s a co-author of the report and CEO of GoLLM, commented on the findings: “This research turns a complicated landscape into a clear starting point for action.

    “It shows that AI readiness isn’t determined by size alone, the councils pulling ahead are distinguished by leadership ambition, governance discipline, strategic clarity and stronger data capability.”

    The report advocates that the UK can make the most progress by strengthening core digital foundations, including improving data quality, modernising legacy systems, and expanding shared digital platforms that councils can use together.

    It also calls for clearer national co-ordination, better workforce skills, and stronger collaboration between councils, sector bodies, and universities, helping local authorities to adopt AI safely, consistently, and with greater confidence.

  13. How Can Organisations Truly Derive Value From AI?

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    Just one out of every five artificial intelligence (AI) or data and analytic (D&A) leaders are concerned that uncertain costs will limit AI value, Gartner, the business and technology insights company, has found.

    This has led to only 44% of organisations adopting financial guardrails or AI FinOps practices, according to the firm’s new survey of 353 AI and D&A leaders.

    “Where adoption rates for AI deployment have grown from just two out of five organisations in 2024, to four out of five organisations today, D&A leaders must achieve clarity and focus on ROI to better achieve the growing AI goals and ambitions of their organisations,” said Adam Ronthal, VP analyst at Gartner.

    “D&A leaders must realise they are responsible for delivering real value in the midst of all this AI hype and fears of an AI bubble that might burst.”

    “Getting to value is often measured using ROI, which D&A leaders need to think of as more than just a financial measure,” explained Georgia O’Callaghan, director analyst at Gartner. “

    “There are three ways to approach value that will help D&A leaders steer their organisations safely and effectively through the turbulent AI value waters.”

    Ronthal alongside Georgia O’Callaghan, director analyst at Gartner, advocated for businesses to:

    1. Set AI Ambition

    Gartner puts forward the thesis that increased acceleration and uncertainty — combined with concerns around trust and control — drive the need for continuous learning and adaptation.

    “D&A leaders may be experimenting with AI and learning a lot, but that also means they risk falling behind because everyone is experimenting,” said Ronthal.

    “D&A leaders should set their AI-ambition to help them maximise value from the insights their data provides, together with the knowledge and intuition of their team. This provides a return on intelligence.”

    To set this level of ambition, Gartner suggests that D&A leaders must radically rethink the impact of AI on D&A, set a shared vision and determine their level of AI ambition, and manage the unpredictable and hidden costs of AI early.

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    2. Strengthen AI Foundations

    Without solid foundations, AI will be more akin to an expensive experiment than a powerful driver.

    “Expecting AI or GenAI to compensate for delayed upgrades, siloed teams and years of technical debt is wishful thinking,” said O’Callaghan.

    “D&A leaders must make sure their data is AI-ready, prevent exposing the wrong data to the wrong people and avoid inaccuracies, misunderstandings and hallucinations with a well-designed context layer. This provides a return on integrity.”

    For a strong AI foundation and the reduction of risk, D&A leaders should align their foundational initiatives with their AI ambition level, make governance a value accelerator, and create a unified context layer, Gartner puts forward.

    3. Empower People for AI Transformation

    Though organisations change at a rapid speed, humans have a finite capacity to incorporate change. AI readiness, meanwhile, grows much faster than human readiness.

    “D&A leaders must make the shift from thinking about roles to focusing on skills with respect to AI,” said Ronthal.

    “D&A leaders will get value from their investments in developing their workforce. By focusing on skills, mindset, and behavioral change, they can unlock both individual and collective potential.

    “This will increase employee engagement and productivity, making their organisation more adaptive to change. Ultimately, this provides a return on individuals.”

    To ensure people are empowered for AI transformation, Gartner suggested that D&A leaders substantially budget for change management, prioritise mindset and skillset over toolset, and address employee concerns with a skills-development roadmap.

  14. How Worried Should We Be About Hostile State AI Collaboration?

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    A new report from The Alan Turing Institute has called for focus on the national security risks posed by adversaries co-operating on AI.

    For the report, which was published today by the Institute’s Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS), researchers explored the current global AI landscape including cooperation between key players.

    The research examined each “CRINK” state (China, Russia, Iran and North Korea) and AI-related interactions to identify future avenues for co-operation on hostile AI.

    It cites China as one of the most capable states globally, maximising its relationship with Russia to signal intent and innovation. China also appears to be actively expanding security and technological cooperation beyond CRINK states.

    The report also considers the potential implications on UK national security by adversaries – including the sharing of hostile AI capabilities in the fields of information warfare, offensive cyber operations, and military tech.

    The study involved a review of academic and “grey” literature, open-source investigation to identify case studies of collaborations, and a scenario generation exercise within government and academic experts.

    Recommended reading

    The new report found that although there’s no direct evidence of multilateral CRINK co-operation on AI, there are “early indications” of bilateral co-operation in this area.

    In order to protect UK national security, it’s been suggested that the government prioritise disrupting hostile AI cooperation, improve the UK’s resilience, and build trusted partnerships.

    Future work should also be done to identify vulnerabilities, establish unacceptable red lines in hostile AI co-operation, and monitor early signs of hostile AI co-operation such as talent exchange programmes, it’s been said.

    “The extent to which adversaries and geostrategic competitors can acquire, develop, apply and export AI is of significant strategic interest to the UK and its allies,” explained Megan Hughes, lead author and research associate at CETaS.

    “This research provides evidence on contemporary bilateral and multilateral cooperation on hostile AI and more importantly, UK policy priorities to mitigate against future risks to our national security.”

  15. UK Launches New Online Crime Squad to Combat Fraud

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    A new online crime squad is being set up to disrupt the gangs behind Britain’s most pervasive crime: fraud.

    Dubbed the “Online Crime Centre” and set to launch operations next month, it will bring together government, police, intelligence agencies, banks, mobile networks, and major tech firms for co-ordinated action against fraud.

    Backed by over £30 million in funding, the centre aims to identify the accounts, websites, and phone numbers that organised crime groups rely on and shut them down at scale by blocking scam texts, removing scam social media accounts, and freezing criminal accounts.

    The squad forms part of a new and expanded strategy published today, March 9th, which sets out how the UK Government will work to disrupt fraudsters and protect the public with £250 million invested over the next two years for the fight.

    The strategy comes as one in four businesses and one in 14 adults have become a victim of fraud, costing the economy more than £14 billion a year.

    It also follows a rise in overseas scam compounds operating globally, where the aim is to script and scale fraud to target thousands of victims at once.

    “Fraudsters are exploiting new technology, industrialising their operations and targeting the British public at scale,” said Fraud Minister Lord Hanson.

    “That’s why we’re bringing together the key players in the system – police, intelligence agencies, banks, mobile networks, regulators and tech companies – to shut down the channels scammers rely on, wherever they operate from.

    “Our new fraud strategy sets out how we will use every tool at our disposal to disrupt and dismantle criminal operations, bring fraudsters to justice and strengthen protection and support for victims.”

    Recommended reading

    Victims are also set to receive stronger support under the strategy, through the establishment of clear national standards for how every victim is treated.

    A new fraud victims charter will set out response times, minimum standards of care, and consistent advice on reimbursement and recovery to help the public receive the same level of service.

    To help prevent fraud in the first instance, a dedicated network of police “PROTECT” officers – charged with helping those most vulnerable – will also ramp up targeted support in fraud hotspots across the country.

    Using data from the new Report Fraud service, police will spearhead a campaign of targeted prevention from doorstep advice to installing call-blocking devices in vulnerable homes and businesses.

    Rachel Andrews, who serves as corporate security and fraud director at VodafoneThree, commented on the new online squad and strategy, saying: “It’s encouraging to see the government’s commitment to combatting fraud.

    “Tech-enabled scams not only exploit connectivity and undermine trust in the UK’s digital network, they also cause significant amounts of financial and emotional distress for victims.”

    “As fraudsters’ tactics change, we’re investing in technology and teams to prevent fraud at each step of the customer journey. Continuing to protect consumers and businesses requires increasing amounts of collaboration with industry, government, partners and law enforcement,” Andrews added.

    “This strategy marks a major milestone in that journey and we look forward to collaborating more on it.”

  16. Could This Smart Pillow Stop Nighttime Doomscrolling?

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    A new “smart pillow” developed by computing scientists at the University of Glasgow could help cut down on problematic evening smartphone use, its inventors say.

    The scientists have built a prototype enabling people to access digital content at bedtime without looking at screens, thanks to a speaker and tactile sensors built into an ordinary pillow.

    Instead of scrolling on their phone screens before bed, users can touch, press, and even hug the pillow to control music, podcasts, or audiobooks streamed from their device with a purpose-built app.

    The pillow aims to help make digital consumption more compatible with the onset of sleep – a key physiological process which can be easily disrupted by the distractions late-night screen use can create.

    Dr. Xianghua “Sharon” Ding, of the University of Glasgow’s School of Computing Science, led the device’s development team. She’s also the corresponding author of a paper on the pillow which will be presented at a U.S. conference this week.

    “Screen time before bed can have negative impacts on the quality of people’s sleep,” said Dr. Ding. “Research has shown that it can delay the onset of sleep, making people more tired the next day and raising their chances of developing physical and mental health problems.

    “However, digital consumption before bed can also allow people to meet important emotional needs. Smartphone content can help users decompress, relax, and enjoy personal time before sleep.

    “In the past, technology aimed at improving sleep has focused on tracking habits, interventions to encourage regular bedtimes, or promoting relaxation through scent or sounds.

    “In developing our device, we wanted to explore whether it was possible to use the very familiar and comforting form of a pillow to harness the positive benefits of night-time smartphone use while cutting out the potential harms.”

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    The team began the design process by building the pillow’s companion app, which allows users to choose what they want to listen to at bedtime. They simultaneously built a simple prototype pillow, which streamed content through its speaker.

    The pillow’s initial design featured two functions based on hugging – a sensor in the pillow allowed users to turn the pillow’s speaker on with a hug, and off again with the same motion.

    They then refined it further to give it more personality, embroidering a cat face to the front of the pillow so users could more easily find their way around the pillow without opening their eyes.

    They also added two additional sensors into the fabric “ears” for track skipping, and another sensor on the cat’s forehead to add another option for pausing and playing. They also added pressure sensitivity to the controls to prevent accidental use during sleep.

    A group of beta testers then evaluated the prototype and suggested how the design could be refined and improved, suggesting a range of tweaks such as gradual audio fade-out.

    While the study did not directly measure sleep outcomes, participants felt the smart pillow design could reduce distractions and better support their natural sleep routines.

    “What we’re keen to do from here is work our way to turning this research into a product that people can buy and use for themselves,” said Dr. Ding.

    “We’re seeking partners to help bring this product to market in the future.”

  17. After a Strong Year, Is the PC Market Heading for a Slump in 2026?

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    According to new findings from Omdia, the technology research and advisory group, the total shipments of desktop computers, notebooks, and workstations grew 10.1% to 75 million units in Q4 2025.

    Specifically, desktop (including desktop workstation) shipments landed at 16.2 million units in Q4, bringing the total 2025 volume to 59 million units—a 14.4% increase over the previous year.

    Meanwhile, notebook (including mobile workstation) shipments reached 58.6 million units in the last quarter of the year and 220.4 million units in the whole year, achieving 8% growth in 2025.

    Combined, these figures have brought full-year 2025 PC shipments to 279.5 million units—representing a 9.2% increase over 2024 volumes, and signifying healthy growth overall.

    Which Vendors Shipped the Most Computers Last Year?

    In terms of the top five shipment vendors for 2025, Lenovo led the PC market both sequentially and for the full year, delivering double-digit growth of 14.4% in Q4 2025 and closing the year with shipments of 71 million units, up 14.6% year-on-year.

    HP ranked second, shipping 15.4 million PCs in Q4 2025 and recording growth on both a sequential and annual basis during the quarter.

    Dell posted its strongest quarterly performance of 2025, achieving a 26% year-on-year increase in Q4. Full-year shipments reached 42 million units, representing a 7% increase compared with 2024, while the company also expanded its market share by two percentage points year-on-year in the quarter.

    Apple retained fourth place and stood out as the fastest-growing vendor for the full year. The San Fransican company recorded 16.4% growth for the full year, with full-year shipments reaching 28 million units.

    Finally, Asus rounded out the top five in both quarterly and full-year rankings, shipping 5.3 million units in Q4 and 20 million units for the year, supported by 7% growth during the holiday quarter.

    What’s the Outlook for PC Shipments in 2026?

    Despite strong PC market performance overall in 2025, memory and storage supplies tightened, and the associated upward price pressure emerged from the middle of the year.

    In December 2025, PC vendors began signalling their expectations of price increases. Coupled with the inability to secure sufficient supply, this has already dampened forecasted shipment expectations for 2026.

    “Between Q1 to Q4 2025, mainstream PC memory and storage costs rose by 40% to 70%, resulting in cost increases being passed through to customers,” said Ben Yeh, principal analyst at Omdia. “Given tight 2026 supply, the industry is emphasising high-end SKUs and leaner mid to low-tier configurations to protect margins.”

    “In 2026, with device replacement demand not yet fully abated, supply-side pressures will be more pronounced and supply will not fully meet demand,” added Yeh. “Actual shipment performance will hinge on vendors’ memory and storage procurement and negotiating leverage; beyond scale, their track records and credibility with suppliers will be a decisive factor in determining their success in navigating this period of complexity.”

    Recommended reading

    What’s Causing Component Supply Issues in 2025 and 2026?

    The current memory supply problem can be attributed to the recent and rapid development of AI infrastructure and workloads, which necessitate a vast amount of memory.

    As AI infrastructure (such as data centres), products, initiatives, and efforts scale up, manufacturing efforts are thus being reallocated to the specific types of memory modules that supports AI, such as HBM, rather than the memory that’s used within consumer electronics, like DRAM and NAND.

    This shift in manufacturing focus has now resulted in a situation where there’s a tightened supply of general-purpose memory, with the prices of these kinds of memory being consequently inflated.

    With this in mind, and as Yeh rightfully outlined, the vendors who navigate this complex landscape by strategically leveraging their relationships with component suppliers will see directly impacted shipment performance and success in 2026.

  18. Digitally Upgrading UK CNI Could Bring Billions in Benefits

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    A new report has uncovered that moving the UK’s Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) sectors from outdated analogue networks to digital infrastructure could deliver billions in benefits.

    Released by BT and conducted by Assembly Research, the study finds a £3 billion net economic benefit that could be realised across five key sectors by 2040.

    The research evaluated the costs, risks, and potential gains from digital migration across energy, water, health (NHS), emergency services, and local government, and accounted for the direct cost of upgrading, as well as the rising expense of maintaining legacy systems like the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and 2G mobile network.

    Beyond the financial case, the economic modelling showed societal and environmental benefits by 2040, such as cutting 3.42 megatonnes of carbon emissions, freeing up 21 million hours of council staff time, and saving over 600,000 NHS staff hours.

    Looking ahead, the benefits of digital migration are projected to bring significant improvements across the UK’s critical infrastructure. Digital networks for the energy sector can deliver improved resilience, help prevent outages, and enable more accurate demand forecasting – translating to an estimated £1.4 billion in savings.

    Meanwhile, local governments – often under pressure to do more with less – stand to gain £486 million by modernising telecare systems and cutting the cost of maintaining ageing analogue equipment.

    Emergency services could see fewer false alarms and improved call management, while in the NHS, digital transformation promises better call handling and more efficient emergency response.

    Recommended reading

    “For the first time, we’ve lifted the lid on legacy network migration and worked to understand the scope and scale of how key UK industries are still relying on aging fixed and mobile networks,” said Matthew Howett, founder and CEO of Assembly Research.

    “Our research found that while the energy and water sectors are already well into their migrations, it’s vital that others follow to avoid growing costs and missed efficiencies.”

    Jon James, the CEO of BT Business, added: “This research sends a clear message: delaying the shift to digital carries a real cost to public services, the environment and the wider economy.”

    “Legacy systems are becoming increasingly unreliable, and the case for action is urgent. BT is committed to guiding the UK’s critical national infrastructure sectors through this upgrade with the resilience and support they need.”

    The UK’s transition to digital connectivity is a major infrastructure programme endorsed by Ofcom and the UK Government.

    The PSTN is set to be fully retired in January 2027, with businesses and public services urged to complete migrations by 2025 to avoid disruption.

  19. UK Space Agency to Be Absorbed Into DSIT Under New Plans

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    Under new plans from the UK Government, the UK Space Agency will become a part of the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT) in a move to cut duplication, reduce bureaucracy, and put public accountability at the heart of decision-making.

    In what the government has called a “major step to boost support for the UK’s space sector,” the change is set to bring together the people who shape policy and those who deliver it, ensuring decisions are made with clear ministerial oversight.

    Taking place by April next year, the new unit will keep the UK Space Agency (UKSA) name and brand, and will be staffed by experts from both organisations – in line with the government’s Plan for Changes to drive efficiency and make Whitehall more agile.

    Founded in 2010, the UKSA currently operates as an executive agency of DSIT. It catalysed investment and revenue of at least £2.2 billion for the UK space sector in 2024/25.

    The government said that the space agency and DSIT will continue to work closely together over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to the new arrangements, with further practical details on the merger to be announced “in due course.”

    No immediate changes will be made to UKSA grants or contracts, and businesses and researchers currently working with the UKSA do not need to take any action.

    Recommended reading

    The unveiling of the UKSA/DSIT merge comes during the publication of over 60 recommendations from industry leaders on how to improve regulation for space missions, including Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO) where spacecraft work together in orbit.

    It’s been suggested that these missions are key to unlocking a future market worth £2.7 billion by 2031, according to the UKspace IOSM Priorities Paper, with the UK well-placed to lead the way. This instance is a prime example of the joined-up working that will benefit from the UKSA/DSIT merge, the government said.

    “I strongly welcome this improved approach to achieving the government’s space ambitions, remarked UK Space Agency CEO, Dr. Paul Bate. “Having a single unit with a golden thread through strategy, policy and delivery will make it faster and easier to translate the nation’s space goals into reality.”

    “In coming together, the UK Space Agency and space policy colleagues are building on the firm foundations of economic growth and capability development laid in recent years, including cutting-edge missions, major national programmes, and the regulations that enable UK launch and leadership in space sustainability,” he continued.

    “We will continue to deliver, while reducing duplication and ensuring we work even more closely with Ministers to support the UK space sector, and the country.”

    Sir Chris Bryant, space minister, added: “You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to see the importance of space to the British economy.

    “This is a sector that pulls investment into the UK, and supports tens of thousands of skilled jobs right across the country, while nearly a fifth of our GDP is dependent on satellites. The aims for growth and security at the heart of our Plan for Change can’t be met without a vibrant space sector.

    “Bringing things in house means we can bring much greater integration and focus to everything we are doing while maintaining the scientific expertise and the immense ambition of the sector.”

  20. Police Force Reprimanded After 96K Pieces of Video Evidence Deleted

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    The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office has reprimanded the South Yorkshire Police (SYP) after the force deleted over 96,000 pieces of body-worn video (BWV) evidence.

    At the end of each shift, officers’ BWV footage was uploaded and stored to a central hub which could be accessed and managed, along with all of SYP’s digital evidence, via a secure system.

    Following an upgrade in May 2023, the secure system began to struggle processing BWV data and a local drive workaround was put in place.

    In August 2023, SYP identified that its BWV file storage was very low, and further investigation found that 96,174 pieces of original footage had been deleted from its system.

    The following month, it was found the deletion had taken place on 26 July 2023 and included the loss of data relating to 126 criminal cases. It’s been said only three of the cases were impacted by the loss.

    Of those three cases, SYP states one may have progressed to the first court hearing if BWV had been available. However, as there was no additional independent evidence to prove the offence, progression to prosecution stage was already uncertain.

    Prior to the deletion, 95,033 pieces of BWV footage had been copied to a new system that SYP was implementing but, due to poor record keeping, SYP remain unable to confirm the exact number of files deleted without copies made.

    The ICO‘s investigation found that SYP ultimately did not have the appropriate technical and organisational measures in place to keep evidence secure.

    This includes poor record keeping, not identifying the security risk in relation to transferring personal data between IT systems, and delaying the formulation of IT backup policies and not escalating to senior management when flaws were discovered.

    Recommended reading

    “This incident highlights the importance of having detailed policies and procedures in place to mitigate against the loss of evidence,” said Sally Anne Poole, head of investigations at the ICO.

    “People rightly have high expectations that our police forces and services, which protect us, also protect the personal information they hold.

    “There is a lot to be learned from this incident and I encourage police forces and services and other organisation using this type of technology to check and make improvements where they find potential flaws”.

  21. Scots Broadband Provider GoFibre Completes £125M Funding Round

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    GoFibre, the Edinburgh-based broadband company, has completed a £125 million funding round that will support its delivery of two Project Gigabit contracts in the south and north east of Scotland, covering the Borders, East Lothian, Angus, Aberdeenshire, and the Moray coast.

    The round is led by a £45m debt facility from the Scottish National Investment Bank (“the Bank”), alongside a further £80m from Hamburg Commercial Bank (HCOB). Deloitte advised GoFibre on the transaction.

    GoFibre is an independent Scottish provider, focussed on expanding digital connectivity in underserved rural areas. It contributes to regional economic development by using local supply chains and recruiting talent within the communities it’s connecting.

    Backed by Gresham House’s British Sustainable Infrastructure Funds, GoFibre was recently awarded a £105m contract by the Scottish Government for the delivery of the UK Government-funded Project Gigabit programme in the north east of Scotland.

    The programme enables hard-to-reach communities to access fast, reliable gigabit-capable broadband. The Scottish Government is playing a key role in delivering project procurements in Scotland, working with the UK Government to deploy funding.

    Speaking on the new funding and appointment, Neil Conaghan, CEO of GoFibre, said: “This is a significant step-change in GoFibre’s position both as a major independent broadband provider, and as a significant company in Scotland.

    “Our appointment as the supplier for the biggest Project Gigabit delivery area in Scotland, in the north east, builds on our win earlier this year for the very first Scottish lot to be announced, for the Borders and East Lothian.

    “We are excited to play a crucial role in bringing the very best full fibre broadband connectivity to rural areas in Scotland, as part of our mission to bridge the digital divide.

    “We are grateful for the support of The Scottish National Investment Bank, HCOB and Gresham House as we continue to build and grow GoFibre.”

    While connectivity has improved in recent years, Scotland’s urban-rural divide remains extensive. Ofcom figures show that just 44% of rural communities have full-fibre coverage, compared to 71% of urban communities.

    Recommended reading

    The Bank is an impact investor, meaning its investments are aimed at delivering both commercial returns and societal benefit. This debt investment further supports digital broadband rollout across Scotland and is aligned to the Bank’s mission to transform places and support those living within them to thrive.

    Ailsa Young, Investment Director of Innovation at the Scottish National Investment Bank, said: “GoFibre is a great example of a Scottish scale-up that is targeting growth through delivering tangible local impact. We live in an increasingly digital world where high-speed, reliable internet is essential for accessing services and building and maintaining connections.

    “Broadband is a critical service for businesses and communities. This continues to be an important sector for us, so we’re delighted to support GoFibre as it delivers important connectivity to the north east of Scotland.”

    The Forfar Indoor Sports Centre is a GoFibre customer. Its managing director, Mike Ferguson, said: “As a small business, having reliable and fast connectivity is crucial; everything from our tills to our booking system relies on it.

    “With the new service, we’ve been able to make improvements to our business, like taking online bookings, and we can now livestream our curling matches so viewers can watch the action not only across Scotland but internationally too.”

  22. Global Chip Production Could Face Disruption Due to Climate Change

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    One-third (32%) of global semiconductor production will be reliant on copper supply at risk from climate disruption by 2035, rising to 58% by 2050 if emissions do not decline, according to new research from PwC.

    Its latest report highlights that copper mines, which require a steady water supply to function, face increasing risk from severe drought due to climate change.

    Currently, copper from only one country or territory that supplies the semiconductor industry—Chile—faces severe drought risks.

    However, within a decade, copper mines in the majority of the 17 countries that supply the semiconductor industry face severe drought risks.

    As a result, more and more of the copper supply that semiconductor production relies on will be at risk—and as early as 2035, at least 34% of every semiconductor-making territory’s copper supply is projected to be at risk of drought disruption.

    “Semiconductors are the hidden lifeblood of modern technology, embedded in everything from computers and phones to cars and washing machines,” explained Glenn Burm, who serves as global semiconductors leader for PwC South Korea.

    “It’s hard to think of a company that doesn’t rely on semiconductors in some way. They underpin economic security, are vital to unlocking the potential of AI and integral to renewable energy.

    “We can act now by understanding and managing risks to supply, including the physical risks of climate change. Around the world, companies are adapting by boosting water production, diversifying supply chains, and strengthening climate resilience.

    “There’s great progress, but businesses can and should do more. As AI and other technologies drive digital transformation, the importance of securing critical commodities will only grow.”

    Recommended reading

    The report’s analysis underscores the need for both copper exporters and semiconductor buyers to adapt their supply chains and practices if they are to manage the risks caused by climate change.

    While businesses are taking action, and 68% of investors believe companies should increase action to de-risk their supply chain according to PwC’s 2024 Global Investor Survey, more needs to be done.

    Across the value chain, businesses should approach climate disruption as a commercial risk that needs to be managed, PwC highlighted.

    The various actions stakeholders can—and in some cases are already taking—include measures such as increasingly recognising climate risks and taking steps around material innovation; i.e. using alternative materials, and recycling and leveraging the circular economy.

    Additionally, those working in copper can increase water supply by investing in desalination plants, improving water efficiency, and recycling water.

    Some copper miners, especially in Chile, are already taking action to protect their operations from drought through desalination.

  23. UK Smartphones to Receive Another Test Emergency Alert

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    Smartphones across the UK will receive an Emergency Alert at around 3pm on Sunday 7th September, as part of a routine test to help strengthen the country’s preparedness in a life-threatening emergency.

    The UK’s Emergency Alerts system has been created to warn citizens if there’s a danger to life near them, including extreme weather or a terror attack.

    In the upcoming test, approximately 87 million mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if the device is set to silent. A message will also appear, making it clear that the alert is a test.

    This test will be the second of its kind, and follows a government commitment to test the system regularly to make sure it works optimally and to familiarise the public with the alerts. It’s in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.

    Since the first country-wide test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.

    The largest-ever use of the system saw over 4 million people in Scotland and Northern Ireland receive a mobile alert during Storm Éowyn in January 2025 after a red weather warning was issued, meaning there was a risk to life.

    Other activations have included when around 3.5 million people across Wales and the South West of England received an alert during Storm Darragh in December 2024, and when an unexploded World War II bomb was discovered in Plymouth.

    “Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it,” said Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

    “This test is part of our action plan to build resilience across the whole country and secure the nation under the Plan for Change – from the £1 billion we’re investing in a new network of National Biosecurity Centres to the £4.2 billion we’re investing to build a new generation of flood defences to protect local communities.”

    Recommended reading

    The news comes as McFadden unveils a new Resilience Action Plan to improve the way the government prepares for and responds to emergencies.

    The Resilience Action Plan, to be published on Tuesday, sets out how the National Situation Centre and the devolved governments are going to sign a data sharing MoU to ensure that every nation in the UK has the best available data to prepare and respond to crises, among other measures.

  24. Scots Private Sector Activity Sees Strongest Rise in Months

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    Scottish private sector activity rose further in June, according to new insights from the Royal Bank of Scotland and its Growth Tracker.

    The Growth Tracker—a seasonally-adjusted index that measures the month-on-month change in the combined output of the region’s manufacturing and service sectors—rose to 50.9 in June from 50.5 in May.

    This marked a second-consecutive monthly rise in business activity. While the uptick was modest overall, it was the strongest since November 2024.

    However, as was the case in May, activity growth remained solely driven by the service sector. Service providers noted that new project funding underscored the uptick in activity. Meanwhile, manufacturing production continued to fall sharply.

    The sustained rise in overall activity was accompanied by improved confidence regarding the year ahead’s outlook for output. Notably, the degree of optimism was the strongest in eight months.

    Confidence across Scotland was supported by plans to introduce new product lines, improved operational performance, and strategic marketing efforts.

    Comparatively, the UK as a whole saw output growth accelerate to a nine-month high, driven by expansions in business activity across eight of the 12 nations and regions monitored by the survey.

    Further, new business rose for the first time in seven months at the UK level.

    Recommended reading

    Commenting on the Tracker’s findings, Judith Cruickshank, chair of the One Bank Scotland Board, said: “Scotland’s private sector recorded a sustained uptick in activity at the end of the second quarter, with growth predominantly driven by service providers.

    “In contrast, the manufacturing sector faced a challenging demand environment, leading to overall declines in new business and production.

    “Despite these sectoral differences, firms exhibited increased optimism about the future, with manufacturers reporting positive growth forecasts for the first time in three months.”

    Cruickshank also highlighted that: “In June, private sector firms encountered sharply rising operating costs, but selling price inflation slowed notably. This suggests a willingness among businesses to absorb some costs to bolster sales.

    “The employment landscape remained broadly stable compared to the previous month, with sector data continuing to highlight diverging trends between manufacturers and service providers.”

  25. O2 Boosts 4G and 5G Amid Scottish Staycation Boom

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    O2 has boosted its 4G and 5G network capacity in Scotland as new research uncovers that a whopping 48% of Brits are planning a Scottish staycation in 2025.

    The telecommunications company has upgraded mobile coverage in over 13,000 Scottish postcodes within the last 12 months, including some of the UK’s most remote destinations.

    The upgrades extend to cover popular tourist destinations, with major improvements in coverage across the Highlands and nearly 800 upgraded postcodes in Edinburgh alone.

    O2 has also brought reliable connectivity to unique Scottish tourist destinations that previously had none.

    These include Corrour Station, the UK’s highest and most remote railway stop which was famously featured in Trainspotting, and Barra Airport, the only airport in the world with a scheduled beach runway and tidal timetable.

    On top of this, small cells to boost network capacity in Perth have been recently installed, as well as O2’s next-gen 5G standalone network in Stirling being switched on.

    The upgrades are part of O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, which will see the operator invest approximately £700 million this year to futureproof its mobile network, focused on expanding 4G and 5G coverage.

    Recommended reading

    The announcement of the upgraded network capacity comes as new research highlights how Brits are planning to holiday amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. It found that nearly half (48%) of people are planning a staycation in Scotland, with 41% intentionally staying in the UK to save money.

    While the research shows Brits are eager to get off the beaten track, they don’t want to go entirely off grid however. 62% of people worry about getting lost without GPS, while over half (55%) fear not being able to find or contact their accommodation.

    Further, nearly half (48%) are concerned about locating nearby places to eat, drink, or explore, while for families around a third (31%) say reliable mobile signal is essential for keeping children entertained during travel. 43% also say that streaming music or podcasts is key to their holiday experience.

    “Scotland has always been one of the most beautiful and remote destinations in the UK but now it’s better connected than ever before,” said Dr. Robert Joyce, who’s director of mobile access engineering at O2.

    “Thanks to O2’s Mobile Transformation Plan, whether they’re hiking the Highlands, flying into Barra, or visiting a rural island, visitors can stay connected when and where it matters most.”

  26. Fifth Cohort Sign to Ana Stewart’s Pathways Pledge Initiative

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    A fifth cohort has signed up to Ana Stewart’s Pathways Pledge initiative, with the University of Edinburgh, BGF, Connect Three, Geovation Scotland, Mint Ventures, and Firstport now taking part—totalling 32 Pledge partners to date.

    Pledges in the fifth cohort include hosting events to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) understanding in entrepreneurship, and data collection to inform interventions and support for female entrepreneurs.

    The pledges also involve getting more women to participate in panels, and the creation of a network of female investors in Scotland to encourage more female participation in investment.

    Existing Pledge partners of the Pledge—including CodeBase, AccelerateHER, and Eos—have completed their first year of pledge involvement, and have also committed to second year pledges.

    These include new partner leave policies, the creation of a growth lab for female entrepreneurs in Scotland, unconscious bias training, the formation of new partnerships, and the inclusion of secondary school pupils in entrepreneurship events.

    The Pathways Pledge was launched via Pathways Forward in February 2024, and now has over 30 organisations signed up to a multitude of pledges which will be monitored and reported annually.

    Pathways Forward itself was launched in September 2023, following the publication of the Scottish Government-commissioned Pathways: A New Approach For Women in Entrepreneurship report, highlighting and recommending solutions for the numerous obstacles that women in business face.

    Stewart, who was recently appointed as Scotland’s chief entrepreneur, commented: “The Pledge initiative is a key pillar of Pathways Forward and we’re motivated to see its continued growth.

    “Our focus is on consolidating efforts across the ecosystem to drive change through collaboration with each organisation contributing its share to achieve a greater collective impact.

    “I’m encouraged to have such a diverse group of organisations from all sectors continuing to align with our objectives.”

    Recommended reading

    Pathways Forward has announced that the 2025 Female Founders Growth Summit will take place at the RBS Gogarburn conference centre in Edinburgh on 16th September, with Pathways Forward partnering with Female Founders Rise, Buy Women Built, the ScaleUp Institute, and SuperScalers.

    “This year’s Female Founders Growth Summit will deliver a unique combination of inspiring keynotes, dedicated workshops, impact networking with peers, and curated connections with investors,” Stewart added.

    “By collaborating with organisations across the UK, we’re able to ensure attendees leave the summit feeling motivated and armed with practical, actionable takeaways to drive their own sustainable and accelerated business growth.”

  27. Scots Gov Exceeded Broadband Connection Target Last Year

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    The Scottish Government has announced that it has surpassed its commitment to deliver gigabit-capable broadband connections to 20,000 Scots homes and businesses last year.

    In 2024-2025, a record 27,000 premises were equipped with faster broadband through the government’s Reaching 100% (R100) programme, exceeding a Programme for Government commitment by more than a third.

    R100 is a £600+ million scheme for improving digital connectivity across Scotland, connecting around 113,000 properties in the north, south, and Central Belt. It’s cited as one of the most ambitious infrastructure programmes in Europe.

    The R100 contracts, being delivered by Openreach, have now enabled more than 80,000 faster broadband connections across the country thus far, with 80% of all R100 contract build to take place in rural areas.

    Originally conceived as a superfast broadband programme, R100 now provides a gigabit-capable, Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) connection—a speed more than 30 times faster than superfast broadband—in around 99% of cases.

    Connections have been made across the country, from Killantringan Lighthouse in Dumfries and Galloway, to Stornoway in the Wester Isles and Baltasound on Shetland.

    Business minister Richard Lochhead recently visited Loch Katrine in the Trossachs to hear how access to faster broadband speeds is helping transform opportunities for local business.

    “Fast, reliable broadband is a fundamental building block for economic growth,” he said. “The Scottish Government’s R100 programme is one of the most ambitious and complex digital infrastructure programmes in Europe, rolling out connections in some of the most challenging locations in the country to help businesses and communities prosper.

    “Despite telecommunications being reserved to the UK Government, our commitment to the R100 programme illustrates this government’s commitment to delivering the digital connectivity people and businesses need to succeed.

    “Exceeding our 2024-25 delivery target was helped by record Scottish Government funding and an ongoing partnership with Openreach maximising the opportunities to deliver fast broadband to even more homes and businesses.”

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    James Fraser, the CEO and lead trustee of the Steamship Sir Walter Scott Trust at Loch Katrine, also said: “The impact of the introduction of fibre cable connections at Loch Katrine has been transformative for many aspects of our core business and our tenants.

    “With an increasing trend to digital bookings for cruises, eco lodges, cycle hire and meals out, having high speed digital connections is critical to the success of our business and other businesses on the lochside.

    “Previously our digital speeds were very poor leading to customer dissatisfaction, loss of bookings and customer complaints, particularly from guests staying overnight in our eco lodges or in campervans in our car parks.

    “With the higher speeds now available there has been a marked improvement in digital services with increased customer satisfaction levels.”

  28. Majority of Companies Already Past AI Agent Experimentation Phase

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    According to new insights from KPMG’s latest AI Quarterly Pulse Survey, the majority of organisations are already past the AI agent experimentation phase—33% of which have deployed at least some agents, up three-fold after two consecutive quarters at 11%.

    Though the professional services firm highlighted that the momentum here reflects a pivotal inflection where agents are moving beyond simply experimental technology to business-critical assets, real transformation will likely come when companies implement more sophisticated agent types. This includes the likes of adaptive artificial intelligence and multiagent systems which can collaborate and orchestrate tasks singlehandedly.

    A notable proportion of leaders are taking a balanced, long-term approach to their agent strategies, KPMG also found. Nearly half (46%) are evenly prioritising efficiency gains alongside revenue growth, recognising that sustainable AI transformation requires both operational optimisation and new value creation.

    “The data shows just how quickly AI agents are moving out of pilots and into production – and that momentum will only accelerate,” noted Steve Chase, who serves as KPMG’s vice chair of AI & digital innovation.

    “What makes this moment unique is that leaders increasingly see agents not just as a way to cut costs, but as a way to rethink growth and create new value. But we’ve seen firsthand, both in our own journey and with clients, how transformation at this pace puts real pressure on the foundations of AI: trust, governance, data, leadership alignment, and workforce readiness.

    “The organizations that invested early in these areas are now scaling with confidence and positioning themselves to lead in this next phase.”

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    Organisational Change Amid Agentic AI’s Increased Adoption
    As agentic AI adoption increases, the professional services firm uncovered that there’s near unanimous agreement that large-scale organisational changes are coming. In fact, nearly nine in ten leaders believe agents will necessitate companies to redefine performance metrics, and compel organisations to upskill talent whose roles may be displaced by agentic AI.

    In light of this, organisations are putting into action targeted training strategies. This includes teaching prompt skills so that AI agent effectiveness can be maximised (69%), to creating agent-specific sandbox environments so workers can receive hands-on practice (49%).

    “The organizations that will thrive in this agentic future are those that recognize deployment is only the beginning,” explained Edwige Sacco, head of workforce innovation at KPMG.

    “As employers, we have a responsibility to help prepare current and future workers for the transition to a new era of work; a healthier and happier workforce is necessary for every company’s long-term growth and resilience.

    “Investments in human-centric change management, modern ways of learning, proactive upskilling, and new human-AI collaboration models are essential for unlocking the long-term return on AI investments.”

    To uncover their new findings, KPMG’s survey gained insight from C-suite and business leaders from 130 U.S.-based organisations, whose annual revenue is over $1 billion or more.

  29. New UK Deal to Eliminate Mobile Blackspots on Busy Rail Routes

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    A new UK deal to eliminate mobile signal blackspots on Britain’s busiest rail routes has been signed.

    The “breakthrough” agreement aims to improve daily journeys for millions of passengers who currently face the frustration of dropped calls and interrupted streaming on key routes between London, Manchester, Newcastle, and Cardiff.

    The deal, called “Project Reach,” has been signed between Network Rail and telecoms companies Neos Networks and Freshwave. The first installation of mobile infrastructure is expected to begin in 2026, and to be fully rolled out by 2028.

    It will initially see Neos Networks deploy 1,000 kilometres of ultra-fast fibre optic cable along the East Coast Main Line, parts of the West Coast Main Line, and the Great Western Main Line, with ambition to expand beyond 5,000 kilometres in the near future.

    Meanwhile, Freshwave is to tackle signal blackspots in 57 tunnels, covering almost 50 kilometres, including the 4-kilometre-long Chipping Sodbury tunnel near Bristol.

    As part of the deal, mobile network operators will also invest in new 4G/5G infrastructure at 12 of the biggest Network Rail stations across the country, including Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central, Birmingham New St., Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, and more.

    The project builds on £41 million confirmed in the UK Government’s National Infrastructure Strategy to introduce low-earth-orbit satellite connectivity on all mainline trains, aiming to significantly improve both the availability and internet data connection speeds for WiFi-connected passengers.

    “This is a game changer for passengers up and down the country and will revolutionise journeys from Paddington to Penzance and Edinburgh to Euston,” said Heidi Alexander, secretary of state for transport.

    “By boosting connectivity and tackling signal blackspots, we are also ensuring a more reliable and efficient service.

    “This means better journeys for passengers while supporting our broader Plan for Change goals of economic growth and digital innovation.”

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    Jacqueline Starr, executive chair and chief executive officer of Rail Delivery Group, also commented: “We know how much customers value good mobile connections when they travel and we’re delighted that a digitally connected railway will soon become a reality.

    “Travelling by rail drives economic growth by connecting businesses and communities, improving productivity, and supporting the transition to net zero.

    “This vital upgrade to telecoms across the network will give everyone the opportunity to stay connected, wherever they’re headed.”

  30. Gartner: By 2027, Over 40% of Agentic AI Projects Will Be Cancelled

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    According to Gartner, the technological research and consulting company, over 40% of agentic AI projects will be cancelled by the end of 2027 due to escalating costs, unclear business value, or inadequate risk controls.

    “Most agentic AI projects right now are early stage experiments or proof of concepts that are mostly driven by hype and are often misapplied,” explained Anushree Verma, who serves as senior director analyst at Gartner.

    “This can blind organisations to the real cost and complexity of deploying AI agents at scale, stalling projects from moving into production. They need to cut through the hype to make careful, strategic decisions about where and how they apply this emerging technology.”

    A Gartner poll of over 3,400 people in January 2025 found that 19% said their organisation had made significant investments in agentic AI, 42% has made conservative investments, 8% no investments, with the remaining 31% taking a wait-and-see approach or are unsure.

    The research firm noted that many vendors are contributing to the hype by engaging in “agent washing”—the rebranding of existing products, such as AI assistants, robotic process automation (RPA), and chatbots, without substantial agentic capabilities.

    In fact, Gartner estimates that only around 130 of the thousands of agentic AI vendors are real.

    “Most agentic AI propositions lack significant value or return on investment (ROI), as current models don’t have the maturity and agency to autonomously achieve complex business goals or follow nuanced instructions over time,” said Verma.

    “Many use cases positioned as agentic today don’t require agentic implementations.”

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    Realising Agentic AI’s True Business Value
    Despite the challenges, the trend toward agentic AI represents a leap forward in AI capability and market opportunity.

    Gartner predicts that at least 15% of day-to-day work decisions will be made autonomously through agentic AI by 2028, up from 0% in 2024.

    Further, 33% of enterprise software applications will include agentic AI by 2028, up from less than 1% in 2024.

    In this current early stage, the research and consulting firm recommends agentic AI only be pursued where it delivers clear value or ROI.

    Integrating agents into legacy systems can be technically complex, often disrupting workflows and requiring costly modifications—in many cases, rethinking workflows with agentic AI from the ground up is the ideal path to successful implementation, Gartner noted.

    “To get real value from agentic AI, organisations must focus on enterprise productivity, rather than just individual task augmentation,” Verma added.

    “They can start by using AI agents when decisions are needed, automation for routine workflows and assistants for simple retrieval. It’s about driving business value through cost, quality, speed and scale.”

  31. Scotland’s First Total-body Scanner Now Operational

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    Scotland’s first total-body scanner is now operational at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh.

    The innovative scanner is co-managed by the University of Edinburgh and Glasgow, delivered by the National Positron Emission Tomography Imaging Platform (NPIP), and run by UKRI’s Medical Research Council, Medicines Discovery Panel, and Innovate UK.

    Its next-generation total-body PET imaging scanners, located in Scotland and London, provide superior functional imaging, capturing highly sensitive imaging data of the entire body.

    The UK is driving the adoption of this game-changing technology via NPIP, which is a strategic concentration of clinical capability that attracts industry investment, and is funded by a £32m investment from UKRI.

    It also establishes a platform for the development of new precision radiopharmaceuticals—an area in which the UK can potentially regain a world-leading position.

    This expanded national network improves patient care in Scotland by adding further diagnostic capacity and enhancing cancer, cardiovascular, neurological and inflammatory disease diagnosis and treatment.

    It also attracts industry to trial their newest drugs in the region and inventors to develop and test world-class AI and diagnostics tools. These objectives align closely with the UK government’s Industrial Strategy and Life Sciences Sector Plan.

    John Cowan, a patient at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, commented on his recent experience of the total-body PET scanner, saying: “After coming into hospital with a stroke, the doctors could not tell me what had caused my stroke which was worrying for me.

    “I seized the opportunity to volunteer to take part in a research project using the very latest total-body PET scanner and it was able to pinpoint exactly what had caused my stroke, where the blood clot had come from and what treatment I needed.

    “I am delighted that this scan has given me peace of mind and ensured that I am on the right treatment.”

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    Scottish secretary, Ian Murray, also remarked: “Scotland’s first total-body scanner becoming operational at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh is a game changer for patients and our world leading medical research sector.

    “Funded by the UK Government, this scanner will help save lives by enabling earlier disease detection. It will also provide for a better patient experience and give our experts new insights into drug development.

    “Scotland’s life sciences sector is a core strand of the UK Government’s 10-year Industrial Strategy launched this week to improve people’s lives and grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change.”

  32. Simple Online Healthcare Launches in Denmark After Tripling Revenue

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    Simple Online Healthcare, the Glasgow-headquartered scaleup, has launched in Denmark after tripling its revenue.

    Simple Online is one of the UK’s fastest-growing healthcare groups, offering scalable, regulated digital clinics across the UK, Germany, and Australia. In the UK, it operates as Simple Online Pharmacy.

    Led by CEO and co-founder Addy Mohammed, Simple Online Healthcare reported revenue of £66 million in the year to 28th February 2025 (2024: £20.6m), and marked its 10-year anniversary in April with record monthly revenue of £10 million.

    “We’re proud of how far we’ve come in our first ten years, and we think it’s notable that we’ve remained fully self-funded during that time,” Mohammed said. “Denmark represents our third international market, and we are planning further expansion over the next twelve months.”

    Chief financial officer Michael Hope also commented: “We’ve scaled rapidly in recent years, investing across geography, supply chain, technology, and talent.

    “Financial discipline and patient retention are underpinning our growth, allowing us to invest in new markets and our digital platform, creating an improved patient experience, differentiation, and operational efficiencies.”

    Mohammed co-founded Simple Online Healthcare in 2015 alongside university friend Karim Nassar, the firm’s chief growth officer. They built on their experience of owning and operating community pharmacies across Scotland to offer consumers a convening, patient-first pharmacy service with medications delivered directly to their door.

    “We know global healthcare systems are struggling,” Mohammed explained. “With the top issues being long waiting times, insufficient staff, and cost of treatments. We are using technology to give patients quick and discrete access to the care they need, at a much lower cost than traditional healthcare models.

    “Combining technology with a multi-disciplinary team of health professionals, we can provide the personalised level of care you’d receive in a community pharmacy.”

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    Simple Online has invested over £2 million into technology and systems during 2025, with Mohammed commenting: “Digital healthcare is evolving rapidly, and we’re continuing to invest in technology to enhance the patient journey and deliver best-in-class care.”

    “Our vision is to make healthcare affordable and accessible. We support our patients with the personalised tools and knowledge to make long-term lifestyle changes.”

    The global online pharmacy market is valued at almost £100 billion in 2025, and is forecast to grow to around £400 billion by 2033.

    Simple Online’s board includes former Skyscanner CFO Shane Corstorphine, and the company is set to further strengthen its executive leadership team this year.

  33. Equity Investment in Small Scots Firms Has Bounced Back

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    New research from the British Business Bank has uncovered that smaller firms in Scotland saw increased levels of equity investment in 2024, while the wider UK saw a collective decline and London became less dominant.

    The Bank’s annual Small Business Equity Tracker, published today, shows that equity deals involving small firms in Scotland totalled £507 million last year, up 28.3% on 2023’s £395 million.

    Further, the number of deals picked up by 13.6% to 201 in 2024, an increase over 2023’s number of 177.

    Compared to the rest of the UK, which saw an average 15.1% decline in the number of deals and a 2.5% fall in investment values in 2024, Scotland has shown signs of resilience against a difficult backdrop.

    Meanwhile, the UK’s capital of London saw its share of investment activity drop to 61%, compared to the 2020 peak of 73%.

    Government funds supported more than half (56%) of equity deals announced last year, including the first tranche of equity funding deals through the British Business Bank’s Investment Fund for Scotland.

    More than £12 million in investment was delivered to smaller businesses in sectors ranging from life sciences and biotechnology to manufacturing, as a result of the £150 million Investment Fund for Scotland launched in late 2023.

    The Fund is designed to increase the availability and supply of finance to all parts of the country through loans ranging from £25,000 to 2 million, and equity investments up to £5 million.

    Across the UK, business angels continue to be a significant source of equity investment for startup and early-stage businesses, with 64% of respondents to the Bank’s survey of UK angel investors matching or increasing investments in 2024.

    The British Business Bank has been working in partnership with Mint Ventures in Scotland since 2023 to support and accelerate the development of female-led angel syndicates, increase the number of investors, and boost the flow of capital to female-founded companies.

    Over 28 angel investors have now been onboarded, with deals completed with a total of more than £5.05 million.

    A Record Year for UK Spinouts

    The report also shows that 2024 was a record year for university spinouts in the UK, accounting for £1.86 billion in equity investment across 243 deals and 17% of total equity funding.

    Academic institutions in Scotland made a significant contribution to the increased level of activity. The University of Edinburgh raised the second highest number of deals (18), behind the University of Cambridge’s 34 and joint second place with the University of Oxford.

    Meanwhile, the University of Glasgow recorded ten deals in 2024, cementing Scotland’s position as a leading area for breakthrough companies outside of the Golden Triangle (institutions in Oxford, Cambridge, and London).

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    Expert Commentary and Insight

    Susan Nightingale, director, UK Network, Scotland at the British Business Bank, said on the findings: “It is highly encouraging to see Scotland bouncing back and going against the trends seen elsewhere, given that 2024 was a challenging year for the UK equity finance market as overall investment values and the number of deals declined.

    “Investment activity has picked up significantly compared to the previous year, with several new deals agreed through the Investment Fund for Scotland and Maven Equity Finance and angel investment also on the rise.”

    Nightingale further commented: “Smaller businesses play a crucial role in Scotland’s economy, and it is great to see that firms, particularly spinouts, are continuing to attract external finance to help them achieve their goals.

    “There is a strong track record of early-stage companies emerging from some of the nation’s major research hubs, and that also shows no signs of slowing down. However, continued access to funding is essential for ensuring that Scotland remains an attractive place for entrepreneurs and startups to establish roots in the future.”

  34. UK to Coax Global Tech Talent With New Taskforce and £54M Fund

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    A new taskforce and fund of £54 million has been announced by the UK Government, aiming to bring world-class technology and science talent here and covering relocation and research costs over five years.

    The launch of the Global Talent Taskforce will support researchers, entrepreneurs, investors, managerial and engineering talent, and high-calibre creatives to relocate and work with the UK’s international presence to network and build a pipeline of talent who want to come to Britain.

    Meanwhile, the Global Talent Fund will be allocated over the coming weeks via UKRI to leading universities and other research organisations, covering 100% of eligible costs, starting from this year. The organisations will select and target the researchers, aligned to the overarching objectives of the scheme and in support of the government’s latest industrial strategies.

    The move came ahead of the launch of the government’s modern Industrial Strategy programme, intended to bolster homegrown talent with cutting-edge, high-skilled researchers and innovators from around the world to work in the key sectors identified in the Strategy, not least science and tech.

    It will also build on commitments in the recent Immigration White Paper to expand eligible institutions for the High Potential Individual visa, and fast-track the brightest talent into UK high growth and strategic industries.

    “Genius is not bound by geography,” said Peter Kyle, the science and technology secretary. “But the UK is one of the few places blessed with the infrastructure, skills base, world-class institutions and international ties needed to fertilise brilliant ideas, and turn them into new medicines that save lives, new products that make our lives easier, and even entirely new jobs and industries. These endeavours are the Plan for Change writ large.

    “My message to those who are advancing new ideas, wherever they are, is simple. We want to work with you, to support you, and to give you a home where you can make your ideas a reality we all benefit from.”

    Jonathan Reynolds, business and trade secretary, also commented: “A key part of our Plan for Change is making sure Britain is the best place in the world to do business – we are a strong, connected market and have a lot to offer the best and the most inventive minds.

    “Competition for elite global talent is high, and by establishing this Taskforce we are solidifying our position as the first choice for the world’s brightest sparks, as well as turbocharging innovation in medicines and inventions of the future, boosting British business and putting money in working people’s pockets.”

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    Alongside this Government-backed work, two new fast-track research grant routes have also been announced by the National Academies, including £30m from the Royal Society for a Faraday Discovery Fellowship accelerated international route, part funded by their £250 million Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) endowment.

    The Royal Academy of Engineering has announced a similar fast track international route, as part of its £150 million Green Future Fellowships endowment from DSIT. This funding will ensure the UK competes for the best global talent in science and research.

    The announcement comes hot on the heels of the launch of two sets of fellowships directed towards attracting top talent to the UK. These are Turing AI Global Fellowships, providing £25m of funding, and a UK-based expansion of the Encode: AI for Science Fellowship, both embedding researchers into UK teams.

  35. Could “OpenBind” Make the UK a Leader in AI-driven Drug Discovery?

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    People around the globe are set to benefit from new breakthroughs in AI-driven drug discovery, the UK Government has said, thanks to the work of a newly-announced UK consortium called “OpenBind.”

    The new consortium will use experimental technology to generate “the world’s largest collection” of data on how drugs interact with proteins, the building blocks of the body. This will be twenty times greater than anything collected over the last fifty years, the government stated, and will help with “cementing the UK’s position as a global hub for AI-driven drug discovery.”

    It will also support the training of new AI models that can identify new drugs, giving researchers the ability to open up new fronts in the fight against disease, and slashing development costs by up to £100 billion.

    Based at the Diamond Light Source, the UK’s national synchrotron facility at the Harwell Science Campus in Oxford, OpenBind is being backed with up to £8 million in investment from the government’s newly-established Sovereign AI Unit, a part of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

    The consortium will be led by leading scientific minds including Professor Charlotte Deane at the University of Oxford, Professor Frank von Delft at Diamond Light Source and the University of Oxford, and David Baker, Chemistry Nobel Prize winner and head of the Institute for Protein Design at Washington University.

    “OpenBind realises a major gear-shift for AI in drug discovery by investing in the data that powers it,” said Professor Deane.

    “This funding will mean we can begin generating a catalogue that not only dwarfs in quantity everything messily accumulated over half a century, but transcends it in quality and is geared towards powering the AI algorithms.”

    The announcement comes during London Tech Week 2025, where the UK’s technology secretary, Peter Kyle, is setting out the range of actions the government is taking to harness technology to boost growth, improve public services, and unlock new opportunities for the UK.

    “London Tech Week is where we lay down a marker – not just as a government with technology at the heart of our agenda, but as a country that will harness its opportunities for the global good,” Kyle said.

    “OpenBind is a prime example of how we’re doing exactly that. Through home-grown AI expertise, we will be the driving force that doesn’t just treat, but beats disease – benefitting every person in the world.

    “This week, we’ll have plenty more to say on how we’re using technology to drive growth, improve public services, and transform communities all over the country – delivering a Plan for Change grounded in action, not words.”

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    The news of OpenBind also comes during an announcement that Imperial College London will partner with the World Economic Forum to deliver a Centre for AI Driven Innovation based in the UK.

    The centre will join the World Economic Forum’s Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (C4IR) Network—a global network of 21 independent centres which bring together public and private sectors to maximise technology benefits while minimising risks.

    This centre in particular aims to help cement the UK’s position as a leader in AI technology, and drive innovation by unlocking AI’s potential to transform economies across various sectors.

  36. UK Creating New Digital Platform For Public Sector Tech Buying

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    A new digital marketplace is being built by the UK Government to transform how the country’s public sector buys technology, helping save over £1 billion in annual savings, clinch back time, and provide public servants with the power to rate suppliers.

    The “National Digital Exchange” (NDX) platform aims to allow teams across the public sector to access pre-approved tech deals at nationally negotiated prices, with an AI-powered engine that matches them with suppliers based on what they actually need—and all in a matter of hours.

    The platform, which is currently in early development, is being specifically designed to open the market to more UK tech firms, with a target to boost small business involvement in government contracts by 40% within 3 years.

    It follows the State of Digital Government report, which warned that 209 NHS secondary care organisations and 320 local councils go it alone when negotiating tech contracts, despite widely using similar tools—missing out of essential bargaining power. Further, only 38% of public sector leaders said their organisations were able to track and make sure their tech suppliers were delivering proper value for their services.

    With NDX, users will be able to rate and review what they’ve bought, lifting the lid on which tools have delivered, and where promises haven’t matched performance. This thereby creates a platform comparable to an app store for the technology that underpins the British state and essential public services.

    “We’ve all heard the stories – months of red tape, tech that doesn’t deliver, and money wasted. That’s not good enough for the people we serve,” said Feryal Clark, minister for AI and digital government.

    “The National Digital Exchange aims to change that. It will make it faster, fairer, and focused on what works – with real reviews, upfront pricing and smart AI to match buyers with the right suppliers in hours.

    “It’s a clear example of our Plan for Change in action: cutting waste, boosting innovation, and backing British tech to deliver better public services.”

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    The government said that the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology is working closely with organisations like techUK, helping to ensure that the platform reflects the needs of both buyers and suppliers.

    The announcement comes ahead of London Tech Week, where the role of digital innovation in transforming public services will be in the spotlight.

  37. Expanding Oz Online Ticketing Firm Picks Edinburgh for UK HQ

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    Humanitix, an online ticketing platform for events and not-for-profit firm out of Australia, has chosen the Scottish capital of Edinburgh as its new UK headquarters amid global expansion.

    With a “good, not greed” ethos, the business dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees made on its platform to charities. It’s donated over £8.5 million to date since its launch in Australia in 2016.

    Looking to the UK as its next growth destination, the Humanitix team were looking for a “lively city with a strong culture and expert talent” to support the growth of the business.

    The firm is locating to the Scottish capital after receiving support from Scottish Enterprise to come to Scotland, including a £325,000 grant, as well as assistance from the Scottish Government-funded International Social Enterprise Observatory (ISEO).

    Founders Adam McCurdie and Josh Ross have been friends since high school and describe themselves as social entrepreneurs. McCurdie is now based in Edinburgh to launch Humanitix UK.

    “It’s incredibly exciting to bring Humanitix to the UK and base ourselves in Scotland,” he said. “We’ve already had such an overwhelming reception to the Humanitix platform here in the UK and can’t wait to see more event hosts making use of Humanitix to sell their tickets and see real local social impact as a result.”

    The firm’s digital platform offers lower booking fees than the larger competitors, whilst using these booking fees to support social initiatives across the world, such as children’s education in developing nations.

    Early successes resulted in growth funding being provided by the Atlassian Foundation and New South Wales government and the company became the fastest-growing ticketing platform in Australia and New Zealand.

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    Reuben Aitken is the managing director of Scottish Enterprise’s international arm. His team in Australia worked with Humanitix to bring the UK headquarters to Scotland.

    He said: “Scotland continues to punch well above its weight in attracting inward investment and a company like Humanitix choosing to base their UK operation here is a real vote of confidence.

    “At Scottish Enterprise, we are all about backing ambition. The boldness and innovation of Humanitix, combined with their ethical approach, is how you really go about disrupting an industry and we’re excited to see that happening from their Edinburgh HQ.”

    Simon Smith, executive director of CEIS, a social enterprise development agency that manages the ISEO, also commented:

    “Humanitix represents exactly the kind of innovation, purpose and partnership that our economy is built to support – where profit is reinvested to drive real change.

    “At ISEO we are proud to have supported this journey alongside Scottish Development International and the Scottish Government – a Team Scotland approach that positions Scotland as a world class destination for international social enterprise expansion.”

    The Scottish Government’s deputy first minister, Kate Forbes, attended the launch of the new headquarters.

  38. Why Are EMEA-based Enterprises More Susceptible to VEC Attacks?

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    New research around vendor email compromise (VEC) has uncovered that enterprise businesses based in European, Middle Eastern, and African countries (EMEA) are particularly vulnerable to VEC attacks, with post-read interaction and repeat engagement rates significantly outpacing other regions.

    The enterprise business-focused report from Abnormal AI revealed overall how employees frequently struggle to differentiate between legitimate messages and attacks, especially when those emails appear to come from a trusted vendor.

    Across all regions, 72% of employees at large enterprises who read a VEC message went on to engage with it further, taking follow-up actions such as replying or forwarding the email on.

    However, the data shows that VEC threats are especially pronounced in EMEA—despite exercising higher vigilance around business email compromise (BEC) attacks. For instance, the VEC engagement rate exceeds BEC engagement by 90%, and repeat engagement with VEC is the highest of any region, and twice that of BEC.

    This suggests that employees trust external parties (e.g., vendors) more than internal sources, making them vulnerable to vendor impersonation. What’s more, EMEA-based organisations record the lowest reporting rate of VEC across all regions (0.27%), yet the highest reporting for BEC (4.22%).

    Abnormal AI’s Read, Replied, Compromised: Employee Engagement Trends Across VEC Attacks report also uncovered findings such as the telecommunications industry seeing the highest VEC engagement rate at 71.3%, dwarfing the second-ranked energy/utilities sector at 56%.

    Further, sales roles, especially entry-level positions, were among the most vulnerable, with junior sales staff engaging with read VEC attacks at a rate of 86%.

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    “Email-based social engineering has never been more convincing or more effective,” said Mike Britton, CIO at Abnormal AI. “Today’s attackers are hijacking legitimate vendor threads and crafting sophisticated messages that pass undetected through legacy defences.”

    “While VEC volume remains lower than phishing or ransomware, its success rate—and potential financial impact—is far greater, especially as weaponised AI makes it easier than ever for attackers to impersonate trusted vendors.”

    “To prevent costly human error, organisations must move beyond reactive training and adopt proactive defences that block threats before they reach the inbox,” Britton advised.

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  39. Scots Startup Wordsmith AI Raises $25M Series A

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    Edinburgh-based startup Wordsmith AI has secured a $25 million (£18.5m~) Series A, led by venture capital firm Index Ventures.

    The Series A funding, which also comes from the likes of Scottish Enterprise, will be used to scale the startup’s AI infrastructure which deploys legal agents across organisations to guide them to outcomes faster.

    With AI transforming the legal profession and giving rise to entirely new roles, like the “legal engineer,” Wordsmith is helping to lead the charge by both embedding fleets of AI agents into corporations and training teams to wield them.

    “For the first time, AI infrastructure can be embedded across companies, with fleets of agents that you can train to support every corporate function – cutting deal cycles, answering queries, and processing complex workflows,” explained Ross McNairn, CEO and co-founder of Wordsmith.

    “Our Legal Enablement Platform is like air traffic control for GCs and in-house teams, helping them guide teams to the right decisions faster.”

    “We’re witnessing the birth of an entirely new role in legal: the legal engineer,” McNairn added. “These are the people training, deploying, and managing fleets of AI agents. We’re helping to re-skill an entire generation to do it.”

    Wordsmith AI was founded by lawyer-turned-engineer Ross McNairn in 2024. McNairn had previously helped to scale three tech unicorns: as chief product and technology officer at TravelPerk, VP of Product at letgo, and Head of Product at Skyscanner.

    With a customer base that includes the likes of Trustpilot, Remote.com, Deliveroo, Multiverse, Docplanner, and hundreds of other in-house teams, Wordsmith is recording strong revenue growth across the UK and US, with the company set to open offices in both London and New York later this year.

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    Hannah Seal, who serves as partner at Index Ventures, commented on the funding news: “AI is revolutionising the legal profession, and Wordsmith is leading that charge.

    “They’re not just building a co-pilot, they’re creating the foundational infrastructure for how entire organisations interact with legal. This is about reshaping enterprise operations, not just supporting legal teams.

    “We’re excited to back Ross and the Wordsmith team as they define a new category at the intersection of law, technology and AI.”

    Deputy first minister Kate Forbes also added: “Private investment is an essential building block of a strong and growing economy – and fundamental to ensuring businesses can grow and succeed.

    “Scottish companies bucked the UK trend last year by attracting more than £700 million of investment – up by a fifth on 2023 – and it is fantastic news that Wordsmith AI, a Techscaler member, has secured its $25 million Series A funding round in such a short space of time.

    “There can, must and will be many more success stories like this. From the Techscaler programme and our wider pipeline of support for entrepreneurs, to continuing to position Scotland as an investment destination, the Scottish Government will continue to help our start-up companies grow and prosper.”

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  40. ICO Reprimands Police Force Over “Serious Shortcomings” With CCTV

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    The Information Commissioner’s Office has issued a reprimand to Greater Manchester Police (GMP) following “serious shortcomings” around its storing and handling of CCTV footage.

    In February 2021, a person was held in custody for 48 hours. A CCTV system was in operation during this period.

    The GMP’s Professional Standards Directorate (PSD) later submitted an internal request to retain this information beyond the typical 90-day period.

    When responding to a subsequent related subject access request, the police force noticed that two hours of the footage was missing.

    GMP states that, despite all attempts, it is “unable to recover” the missing two hours of footage. This led GMP to self-reporting a personal data breach to the ICO in September 2023.

    The ICO said its investigation assessed GMP’s compliance with data protection laws related to the storage of CCTV footage.

    It ruled the GMP failed to provide the complainant with their personal data, both without undue delay and by the end of the applicable period of one month.

    It also failed to ensure that the appropriate technical or organisational measures were in place to protect the loss of the CCTV data it was processing.

    The ICO’s investigation on this front found two key failings in GMP’s data protection practices.

    Firstly, a misunderstanding between GMP staff, with regard to the responsibility to conduct a quality check of the retained footage.

    Secondly, a lack of policies and guidelines within GMP to identify that quality checks were required or who is responsible for this task.

    The ICO said that, since the incident, GMP has taken remedial action.

    An investigation into the wider case by the Independent Office of Policy Conduct is ongoing.

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    “CCTV footage, particularly of a person at their most vulnerable, can contain highly sensitive personal data and must be properly protected,” said Sally Anne Poole, head of investigations at the ICO.

    “It is vital that authorities like police forces have the strictest measures in place to protect personal data to maintain public trust.

    “It is clear in this case that Greater Manchester Police failed its obligation to keep the complainant’s personal data safe and demonstrated serious shortcomings in how it handles CCTV footage.

    “Data protection is not an afterthought; it is a core responsibility. In this case, we see the potential consequences when this responsibility is not properly adhered to.

    “Police forces and public bodies across the country can learn from failures like this and ensure they have the right systems and oversight in place to prevent these mistakes from happening again.

    “Public trust depends on it.”

  41. Ada Lovelace Institute Condemns UK’s Facial Recognition Governance

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    The Ada Lovelace Institute, the independent AI and data research institute, has condemned the UK’s “fragmented and piecemeal” approach to governing facial recognition and other biometric technologies.

    According to the research organisation’s latest report, the country’s approach in this arena is failing to provide legal certainty or safeguard the public.

    The current “patchwork” governance around police live facial recognition use in particular is “inadequate in practice,” the Institute said, and creates “legal uncertainty, putting fundamental rights at risk and undermining public trust.”

    The research has also found that the governance arrangements for all other prevalent biometrics deployments beyond police live facial recognition use are subject to even less adequate governance.

    In response, the Institute is urging the UK Government to pass new, risk-based legislation amid rapid expansion of the technology’s use across both the private and public sectors.

    Public engagement out of the Institute has underscored that there’s also a clear public expectation for legislation and independent oversight governing the use of biometric technologies.

    The calls come amid nearly 800,000 people having had their faces scanned by the Metropolitan Police since 2020, the Institute said, and with the UK’s first permanent facial recognition cameras set to be installed in the Greater London district of Croydon later this year.

    The advocacy also comes as a new generation of biometric technologies have been claimed to remotely infer people’s emotions, attention levels, and even truthfulness.

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    “The lack of an adequate governance framework for police use of facial recognition – one of its most visible and high-stakes applications – is doubly alarming,” said Michael Birtwistle, associate director at the Ada Lovelace Institute.

    “It not only puts the legitimacy of police deployments into question, but also exposes how unprepared our broader regulatory regime is, just as deployment is accelerating and expanding into risk-laden new uses such as ‘emotion recognition’.”

    “If we can’t establish proper safeguards for police use of live facial recognition – arguably the best governed use case – then we know people are even less protected from the impacts of private sector surveillance and invasive newer applications that try to predict people’s sensitive internal states.

    “Policymakers must act to provide legal clarity and protect people and society.”

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  42. 1 in 3 UK Business Leaders Now See Themselves as Influencers

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    One in three (30%) CEOs have built up such a following that they now see themselves as influencers, according to new research from BT which finds execs view their social media presence as critical to their business strategy.

    Chief executives and entrepreneurs alike have increasingly stepped into the digital limelight due to the lure of new revenue, the low barriers to entry, as well as the pressure to keep pace with competitors—and it’s having a tangible impact.

    Four in five execs (79%) say that their social media activity has directly boosted their revenue in the last year, while over half of businesses (52%) now bring in more customers via social media than any other channel.

    Considering the pay-offs, nearly three quarters (73%) of CEOs say that effective social media use will be critical for growth in the future. Two in three (66%) also believe it’s an essential part of being a good leader in 2025.

    However, a third (34%) of respondents note they’ve had no training on how to use it in the workplace, and 40% still feel uneasy about representing their company online. Further, nearly a third (30%) also admit their confidence has been dented by negative responses.

    Despite any feelings of uneasiness and any knocked confidence, British bosses aren’t forgoing the opportunities it brings, now spending 28 days per year promoting their business on social media with personal posts. One in six executives (16%) create content as soon as they wake up, 12% do so last thing at night.

    Digital infrastructure is of course playing a key role in supporting these “InfluenCEOs.” More than half (52%) say better broadband has helped them monetise their business, while nearly 9 out of 10 (89%) believe they couldn’t keep their business running without reliable mobile and broadband connectivity.

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    Speaking on the findings, Caroline Southall, who’s director of small and medium enterprise at BT, commented: “Building a public profile can be a game changer for business leaders, unlocking new business opportunities, and showing a more engaging and human side to a company. No wonder then that 85% of FTSE bosses have a personal LinkedIn profile, up from just 12% in 20231.

    “Better digital connectivity is underpinning their social media push, enabling them to use data-intensive technology like TikTok Live and Instagram while on the move.”

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  43. 80% of Teachers Believe Students Cheat Essays By Using AI

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    According to the latest findings from GoStudent, 80% of teachers believe students are now using AI to complete their essays, thereby leaving educators questioning whether written assessments can be trusted at all.

    This is somewhat corroborated by students themselves, with 45% saying they use AI to find information they need for schoolwork, 35% use it to check their answers, and 32% leverage it to improve their essays or coursework. Other uses include help with passing exams (18%), essay writing (14%), and even stepping in when parents can’t assist due to time (8%) of knowledge gaps (18%).

    With 36% of teachers flagging AI-enabled cheating as a growing concern, should educational institutions reconfigure how students are assessed in light of the availability and accessibility of AI? Interestingly, 84% of teachers are in fact backing simulation-based assessments—where students might run a virtual company or navigate crisis scenarios to test critical thinking and adaptability.

    The report also reveals a growing disconnect between current classroom assessments and the demands of tomorrow’s workplace: More than half (57%) of parents believe current testing methods aren’t preparing their children for future careers. Instead, 81% say tech literacy will be key to accessing good jobs—and 74% believe the ability to learn and adapt to new technologies is more important than mastering a single one.

    Teachers share this concern. 22% say computer science is actually no longer being taught in a way that’s fit for purpose, making it the second most frequently cited subject in need of an overhaul.

    Young people feel it too. Over half (58%) of children believe their future jobs will be directly related to technology, yet only 53% agree that school is teaching them the skills they need to do their dream job. And while 73% say they feel confident about living in a world surrounded by new technologies, only 30% strongly agree with that sentiment, suggesting room for greater support and reassurance.

    What’s more, 64% of children say they need more guidance in choosing the right direction for their future, pointing to a potential gap in career education that aligns with the fast-evolving tech and AI landscape.

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    Speaking on the reconfigurement of assessments, Felix Ohswald, CEO and co-founder of GoStudent, said: “Policymakers must stop clinging to broken models, and start designing for the world our students are actually growing into – not the one we grew up in.”

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  44. Are Digital Assets on the Metaverse Diluted by Physical Counterparts?

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    As the metaverse grows in opportunity for companies and consumers alike, new research out of the University of Stirling has discovered that it doesn’t always translate to extra sales for brands.

    With brands looking to augment their sales via new revenue streams, many are turning to the metaverse—the internet-driven, 3D virtual space where users, operating as avatars, can have immersive experiences.

    In the metaverse, brand owners are launching Unique Digital Assets (UDAs) in the form of digital apparel and accessories, collectible cards, art, and more, which consumers interact with using virtual and augmented reality.

    Well-known companies like clothing company Nike and auction house Christie’s have already successfully engaged with consumers in the metaverse through games, limited edition collections, virtual auctions, and other experiences.

    However, if a physical version of a brand item also exists, shoppers are less likely to purchase the UDA—therefore suggesting that the mere coexistence of a physical product with a digital one devalues the digital asset.

    While previous research has shown that, in isolation, physical products are typically more valued by consumers because they’re tangible and tactile, these new findings point to a devaluation of the digital asset if a physical version of the product already exists in the “real” world.

    Researchers at the University of Stirling Management School, University of Edinburgh Business School, Zhongnan University of Economics and Law in China, and Léonard de Vinci Pôle Universitaire in France conducted six online experiments involving over 1,500 consumers to analyse their purchasing patterns and interactions in this area.

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    Commenting on the findings, Rob Angell, who serves as Professor of Marketing at the University of Stirling Management School, said: “When brand owners and retailers take a dual-format approach with products – pairing UDAs with physical versions – consumer perceptions of the UDA will diminish.

    “So when, for example, a Gucci handbag is available in the metaverse and also in stores, shoppers feel that the digital equivalent is less unique and special. They see other consumers can potentially own physical versions so they have less psychological ownership of it.

    “This has implications for how brand owners and retailers manage their products. For many of them, taking tentative steps into the metaverse often means extending their products from the physical to the virtual world.

    “Our research suggests that would have limited success as the UDA will always be undermined by its physical counterpart. Our advice would be to offer a digital-only asset or, if a physical version is also to be released, that marketers and retailers are cautious.”

    While the study offers what it calls a “practical playbook” for marketers and retailers, the authors say future research should replicate this study across other international markets. UDA adoption rates and familiarity with digital ownership vary widely globally, according to the study.

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  45. How Will Agentic AI’s Rise Transform Customer Support and Service?

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    A new report from Cisco has highlighted the potential of agentic artificial intelligence to transform the way technology vendors deliver services and support to their customers.

    Its latest research, “The Race to an Agentic Future: How Agentic AI Will Transform Customer Experience,” surveyed nearly 8,000 global business and technical decision-makers across 30 countries.

    Respondents predicted that agentic AI will play an increasingly prominent role in interactions with technology vendors over the coming years—and they’re positive about the benefits it’ll bring.

    Specifically, 88% report they felt confident that the agentic AI-led customer experience provided by technology partners will help their organisation to achieve its goals. For instance, making their IT environments and operations more efficient, resilient, and secure; accelerating their most important strategic IT projects; and maximising value from their IT investments.

    The respondents also expect the pivot to agentic AI-led customer experience to advance at a greater velocity than the industry anticipated. They predicted that 68% of their customer experience interactions with technology partners will be handled using agentic AI within the next three years, and also expect that more than half (56%) of interactions to be through agentic AI within the next 12 months.

    When it comes to the implementation of this new technology, respondents were clear that they believe vendors who are left behind—or fail to deploy—agentic AI in an effective, secure, and ethical manner will suffer a deterioration in customer relationships, reputational damage, and higher levels of customer churn.

    Further, respondents felt that vendors who embrace this transformation head-on, seamlessly, ethically, and across the technology lifecycle will benefit from data-driven insights, improved scalability within their support and services, and loyalty at scale. 81% of respondents predicted that vendors who successfully deliver agentic AI-led customer experience will gain a competitive edge.

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    Speaking on agentic AI and its potential, Liz Centoni, who serves as EVP and chief customer experience officer at Cisco, said: “With agentic AI reaching a new level of maturity, we’re closer than ever to solving some of the most persistent customer pain points in enterprise environments.

    “For instance, a significant share of network issues stem from misconfiguration, something agentic systems are poised to eliminate. That shift will lead to smarter networks, stronger security, and more productive teams. As an industry, we’ve been talking about these concepts for decades, and while we’ve made incremental progress, AI – and especially agentic AI – is making that vision a reality.”

    Touching on Cisco’s own vision with agentic AI, Centoni added: “We are drawing on four decades of data, our deep industry knowledge, and the trust of our customers to re-imagine Cisco Customer Experience as an agentic-led function.

    “Our vision is to make every customer interaction with Cisco personalized, proactive, and predictive, and to make every customer feel like they are our only customer. And while we’re making meaningful progress, this new research makes one thing clear: we have to move faster.”

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  46. 84% of UK Students Use AI—But Are They Being Sufficiently Supported?

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    A report from GoStudent, the tutoring provider platform, has revealed a growing AI knowledge gap between the education students want and need to thrive in a technology-led world, and what’s currently being provided.

    The survey, which questioned over 5,000 parents and students as well as 300 teachers across Europe, focused on artificial intelligence—the technology that’s already significantly changing how people access and learn information online.

    While the importance of AI knowledge is becoming harder to ignore, UK schools are struggling to keep up with demand, according to the report. Despite 70% of teachers believing AI will define students’ careers, just half (53%) of students feel they’re being taught the skills needed for their dream job, with 58% believing their future job to be directly related to technology.

    Students in the UK aren’t waiting around for the education system to catch up, however. 84% of school children are already using AI tools, and 90% want to learn how to use them better. But only 30% of UK children have access to AI-powered tools in the classroom, and just 35% say teachers are showing them how to use them.

    Nearly 60% of students said they wished their teachers knew more about AI, and in response, are turning to other sources. 28% use social media, 20% learn among friends, and 24% of children are learning AI skills from mum or dad. But without sufficient guidance, students could not only miss out on learning opportunities, but also easily stumble upon AI’s potential risks.

    As explained by Charbel Chraim, GoStudent’s 2025 UK Tutor of the Year, “When students are left to teach themselves AI, they’re left to navigate its potential dangers alone. One in five UK students don’t understand that AI can manipulate what they see online, and 22% admit to not even knowing what deepfake videos are.”

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    74% of teachers agree that schools should play a central role in teaching students how to use AI safely. This is corroborated by parents, with 70% of them feeling that UK schools are responsible for teaching children how to responsibly use AI tools.

    The research also uncovered that over half (56%) of UK teachers now warn that children without access to AI will fall behind, creating a dangerous educational divide, with half believing students will need access to GenAI tools like ChatGPT and writing assistants like Grammarly within the next two years.

    70% of UK teachers also agree that access to AI in education should be a basic human right—the highest score across all of the surveyed countries by GoStudent.

  47. How Can Creative Industries Better Navigate AI’s Copyright Challenges?

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    A new report aims to provide both creative industries and artificial intelligence developers with a framework to better navigate challenges around content usage, rights, and remuneration in the age of GenAI.

    The report was produced by the CoSTAR National R&D Lab, which is the UK’s first national lab for creative industries research and development, and is made up of academic and industry partners including Scotland’s Abertay University.

    DECaDE—the Centre for the Decentralised Economy—media and technology law firm Sheridans, and over 20 leading creative rights holders and AI developers were also involved with the creation of the report, titled Time to ACCCT: Providing Creative Industries and AI Developers with a Copyright Framework of Access, Control, Consent, Compensation, and Transparency.

    As GenAI continues to transmogrify the creative industries globally, the framework offers practical, technical, and rights-respecting guidance towards developing a fair and ethical future system for the use of published creative work.

    In particular, the new framework proposes a machine-readable, publicly-accessible approach that allows copyright holders to specify whether they consent or not to protect their work from data and text mining. It also provides a legal pathway for AI companies to access data responsibly, balancing innovation alongside rights protections.

    The report additionally maps out key components that are required to create this new balance between rights holders and AI aggregators, including tools, control mechanisms, attribution, standards, and regulation. It offers a roadmap of what technologies are available today, what might be available tomorrow, and what lies further ahead.

    The report comes amid continued legal and ethical concerns around the use of copyrighted materials in GenAI, with artists, musicians, authors, and other creatives rallying against a proposed “opt out” approach to text and data mining. However, at the same time, to encourage AI developers to base and grow their businesses in the UK, developers are seeking clearer, more consistent guidance and tools for lawful, responsible data usage.

    The ACCCT framework points to a route out of what’s been described as an “impasse” by looking at the technological, trust, and legal framework that would be required to create shared interests and retain continuity with three centuries of copyright protection.

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    In response to it, Sir Peter Bazalgette, who currently serves as co-chair of the Creative Industries Council, said: “This report provides tangible and achievable steps forward in making the UK creative industries not just fit for the age of GenAI, but a world-leader where AI developers and creative rights holders want to base their business.”

    The CEO of technology-led production company Deep Fusion Films, Benjamin Field, also remarked: “The report is a vital step towards ensuring that human creativity isn’t sidelined by AI, but strengthened through it.

    “It’s grounded in the realities of the creative industries—economically, technically and artistically—and outlines a clear, practical pathway to a fairer ecosystem. I’m proud to have contributed to a framework that puts creators at the centre of the conversation and offers a vision where innovation and authorship can thrive together.”

    The full report can be found here.

  48. For Software Engineering Leaders, AI Integration Is a Real Pain Point

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    A new survey from Gartner has uncovered that 77% of software engineering leaders identify integrating AI capabilities into applications to improve features and functionality as a significant or moderate pain point.

    The research also found that the use of AI tools to augment software engineering workflows was the second largest pain point, with 71% of engineering leaders considering it significant or moderate.

    “With CEOs identifying AI as the technology that will most impact their industry, interest in offerings like AI agents is driving the most momentum,” said Jim Scheibmeir, who serves as VP analyst at Gartner. “Even with business leaders focusing more on this technology and despite the growing hype, execution is not easy.”

    Both emerging vendors and established hyperscalers alike have developed and continue to enhance their platforms to alleviate pain points experienced by enterprises. But Scheibmeir advises that “Engineering leaders should opt for AI application development platforms or those with the best ecosystem, rather than a combination of disparate vendors, large language models (LLMs) and AI services.”

    “This approach enables scaling, reuse and consistency in an area of technology and software engineering that is still very novel,” Scheibmeir added.

    The Integration and Impact of AI Assistants and Agents, Today and Tomorrow

    When it comes to AI agents in particular, they’re currently acting as a learning peer to software engineers, helping them to focus on complex as well as creative aspects of software engineering. This is also leading to more people entering the engineering role without having the traditional computer science background, Gartner said.

    In fact, the tech research and consulting firm predicts that generative artificial intelligence will enable 40% of software team members to come from non-traditional software engineering or technical educational backgrounds by 2028, up from 20% today.

    Nitish Tyagi, a principal analyst at Gartner, said: “Bringing in team members from outside of science, technology and math fields, such as design, psychology and the arts, can introduce fresh perspectives and creative problem-solving approaches.” “This diversity can also lead to more innovative solutions and a richer, more inclusive user experience.”

    Seeing as AI won’t be able to replace software engineering tasks, at least in the near term, organisations will need to focus on reviewing the output from AI-augmented tools, Gartner noted. This leads to the requirement of hiring engineers with strong foundational skills, such as logic building and developing algorithms, while people from non-technical backgrounds will provide new creative ways to solve logical problems using AI.

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    “The future will be dominated by composable or fusion product teams that consist of software engineers, UX designers, product managers and even data scientists coming from both technical and non-technical educational backgrounds,” added Tyagi.

    Hiring the right candidates that have GenAI skills will become crucial regardless of their educational background, Gartner suggested. To achieve this, firms are quickly moving toward a skill-based hiring approach rather than relying on pure resumes and educational background, utilising skill assessment and interview platforms to assess the right candidates.

  49. Vaccine Maker BioNTech to Invest £1BN in UK AI and R&D Hubs

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    German multinational biopharmaceutical firm BioNTech is committing up to £1 billion in a 10-year investment in the UK, it’s been announced.

    New research centres for R&D and AI, and subsequently hundreds of highly-skilled jobs, are to be created thanks to this investment—which is one of the biggest investments in the history of UK life sciences.

    The firm behind mRNA vaccines notably used to tackle COVID-19, as well as cancer immunotherapies, will invest in the UK over the course of the next decade as part of a plan to significantly expand its presence here.

    It will see the creation of two new R&D hubs, the first to be based in Cambridge. The Cambridge centre will be focused on genomics, oncology, structural biology, and regenerative medicine.

    The AI hub, to be based at BioNTech’s planned UK headquarters in London, will enable the firm to undergo medical research using AI, including looking into understanding disease causes, drug target selection, and predictive analytics.

    These are set to foster more than 400 new skilled jobs over the decade, including researchers in areas such as clinical and scientific drug development, bioinformatics, and a range of supporting functions.

    BioNTech signed an agreement finalising the investment together with the UK’s science secretary Peter Kyle.

    As part of the agreement, the government will contribute up to £129 million in grant funding over ten years.

    “This investment will propel the growth-driving life sciences sector to new heights, delivering cutting-edge facilities, building careers in the future-facing jobs we want our children to have, and ultimately unlocking progress in medical science that could save lives,” Kyle said.

    “This is a clear indication of how we will deliver the government’s Plan for Change: working together with the best and brightest businesses and innovators to unlock their potential, and then reap the benefits for the economy, health and more that their drive and genius can deliver.”

    The agreement builds on the government’s existing strategic partnership with BioNTech to provide up to 10,000 patients with investigational personalised cancer immunotherapies by 2030.

    Uğur Şahin, the co-founder and CEO of BioNTech, remarked: “This agreement marks the next chapter of our successful strategic partnership with the UK government.

    “Together, we have already made a meaningful difference in expanding access to investigational personalized cancer therapies for patients.

    “Now, we are taking the next step to accelerate and broaden our research and development efforts advancing towards our vision to translate science into survival for patients.”

    Recommended reading

    As it stands, the UK’s life sciences sector is worth £108 billion to the economy, providing more than 300,000 highly-skilled jobs across the country.

    The UK Government aims to boost UK life sciences to greater heights however, through measures like its commitment to investing up to £520 million in the sector via the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund.

    When it comes to investment in medical research itself, every £1 spent on research delivers a return of 25p every year after that, according to the Academy of Medical Sciences.

  50. Forecast of Better Weather Accuracy with Met Office’s New Supercomputer

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    The Met Office has unveiled the 14th generation of supercomputer it’s using, which will be able to produce 14-day forecasts with a similar accuracy that’s currently available for seven-day forecasts.

    The new supercomputer, which in fact runs in Microsoft’s Azure Cloud, aims to support efforts such as better weather forecasts over longer periods of time and advanced climate research.

    While the weather agency—who use 200 to 300 terabytes of operational data a day—has utilised supercomputers for the last 60 years, this transition to a cloud-based system is a marked step change in its technological direction. Before this, the Met Office had almost always run its own supercomputers onsite.

    Chris Ewen, who serves as Chief Information Officer at the Met Office, depicted what Microsoft is providing as “supercomputing for science as a service.” “Essentially there’s more science than we have the compute power to deliver, so it’s not a question of how much compute do you need, it’s how much you can get,” he said.

    Penny Endersby, the CEO of the weather agency, also noted: “What’s different about this one, and particularly the whole journey with Microsoft, is that we have decided this is now a job for specialists, and the core business of the Met Office is helping you make better decisions, to stay safe and to thrive through providing fantastic forecasts.”

    With a larger capacity of computing power, the Met Office’s teams can run more complex weather models via the cloud, while its scalability also means they can expand capacities for certain research projects on a case-by-case basis—meaning they don’t have to spin up any new and required infrastructure.

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    After the transition to a new cloud-based supercomputer, how could the technology of the moment—artificial intelligence and machine learning—come into play for the weather agency?

    While Ewen stated that “We don’t know yet how our CPU-based supercomputer services will be augmented with machine learning,” though “A lot of research is being done at the Met Office and elsewhere to find out.” “We’re already in the game, preparing our people,” he noted.

  51. UK Scientists Create Thousands of Digital Twin Hearts in New First

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    For the first time, a team of UK scientists have created nearly 4,000 anatomically accurate digital hearts to unlock fresh insights into how various factors can affect heart disease and function.

    Digital twins are computer models that simulate objects or processes in the physical world. In healthcare, digital twins can predict how a patient’s disease will develop, or how patients are likely to respond to different treatments.

    While digital twins can be costly and time intensive to make, recent advances in machine learning and AI have helped researchers from King’s College London, Imperial College London, and The Alan Turing Institute to create this large volume of digital twins more quickly.

    The digital twin hearts were developed by using real patient data and ECG readings from both the UK Biobank, the large-scale biomedical database, as well as a cohort of patients with heart disease.

    Creating cardiac digital twins at this scale has helped the researchers to discover that age and obesity cause changes in the heart’s electrical properties, which could explain why these factors are linked to a higher risk of heart disease.

    They also found that differences in electrocardiogram (ECG) readings between men and women were primarily due to differences in heart size, rather than how the heart conducts electrical signals.

    These insights could now help clinicians to refine treatments, such as tailoring heart devices settings or identifying new drug targets for specific groups.

    “Our research shows that the potential of cardiac digital twins goes beyond diagnostics,” said Professor Steven Niederer, mission director for cardiac digital twins at The Alan Turing Institute.

    “By replicating the hearts of people across the population, we have shown that digital twins can offer us deeper insights into the people at risk of heart disease. It also shows how lifestyle and gender can affect heart function.”

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    Professor Pablo Lamata, report author and professor of biomedical engineering at King’s College London, also said: “These insights will help refine treatments and identify new drug targets.

    “By developing this technology at scale, this research paves the way for their use in large population studies. This could lead to personalised treatments and better prevention strategies, ultimately transforming how we understand and treat heart diseases.”

    The results of the research have been published in the Nature Cardiovascular Research journal.

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  52. Which Scots Uni Produces the Most CEOs and MDs?

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    New research has found that Heriot-Watt University produces the highest percentage of chief executive officers (CEOs) and managing directors (MDs) in Scotland.

    Financial services company Novuna Business Cash Flow analysed over 120 UK universities and examined both the academic paths and social media profiles of more than 10 million alumni in total.

    It found that around 4.57% of Heriot-Watt graduates went on to become CEOs or managing directors, with business- and finance-related courses being the most common pathway to these distinguished roles.

    When looking at the UK rankings as a whole, Heriot-Watt was ranked 20th overall, surpassing 100 other universities in the country.

    The research follows a recent study from the Royal Academy of Engineering, looking at the UK’s top institutions for producing spinout companies. Heriot-Watt ranked 27th.

    “This recognition is a testament to Heriot-Watt’s long-standing commitment to enterprise-focused education,” said Professor Angus Laing, executive dean of the Edinburgh Business School at Heriot-Watt, in response to the new research.

    “Our students don’t just learn business theory, they gain the practical skills and mindset needed to lead in today’s complex global economy.”

    The UK university that came out on top in this latest study however, and with 8.27% of its graduates clinching these esteemed positions, was the University of Cumbria.

    Among the study’s various findings, it was discovered that there was a particular rise in creative degrees in entrepreneurship as well as a shift in regional leadership patterns, potentially reflecting evolving educational, economic, and business landscapes across the UK.

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    Speaking on this, John Atkinson, head of commercial and strategy at Novuna Business Cash Flow, commented: “As students across the UK focus on their A-levels and look ahead to the next stage of their journey, this research highlights the importance of thinking beyond traditional paths.

    “Whether someone’s future lies in founding a business or leading one, there’s more than one route to success – often shaped by creativity, values, and ambition.”

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  53. Availability of Zero Emission Car Models Hits New UK Record

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    New analysis from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has found that UK motorists now have the best-ever choice of zero emission car models available to them, with a record two in five available as battery electric vehicles (BEVs).

    Sustained investment by manufacturers means that consumers can choose from more than 130 BEVs, up from 102 last year, while there are also over 100 plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and nearly 50 hybrids (HEVs), meaning four out of five car models are available with electrified powertrains.

    Electrified models now make up 45% of new car sales in the UK, and are available across different segments—from superminis to crossovers—and at all price points. BEVs in particular now hold a 20.4% share of the UK new car market, up from 16.9% a year ago, but is still well below the mandated government target of 28% this year.

    In response, the industry has called for a halving of VAT on new EV purchases. The move would put around 267,000 additional new EVs on the road, driving down CO2 emissions by 6 million tonnes a year. Additional incentives, such as equalising VAT paid on public charging to that levied at home, have also been advocated for.

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    “There’s never been a better time to go electric – with more choice, better vehicle range and improving infrastructure offering a compelling driving proposition,” said Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT.

    “But the market still isn’t moving fast enough, so bold support for consumer EV uptake – notably investment in incentives and infrastructure – is needed to accelerate decarbonisation efforts and make switching open to all drivers.”

    The SMMT’s latest analysis has also uncovered the performance improvements in zero emission mobility. The average BEV is now capable of driving for almost 300 miles on a single charge, up from last year’s median of 235 miles, and the maximum range available in excess of 480 miles, the latter more than twice the average distance drivers travel in a week.

  54. DASA-funded Firms Generate Nearly £1BN Boost for UK Economy

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    Companies funded by the Ministry of Defence’s Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) have generated nearly £1 billion in economic value in the last few years, a new report has found.

    Conducted by Beauhurst, the independent research highlights how DASA’s support for innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) has delivered benefits for both national security and economic growth.

    The report and its findings were announced by Rt Hon John Healey, secretary of state for defence, during an address at the London Stock Exchange.

    In addition to uncovering that DASA-funded firms have generated £972 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) between 2019 and 2023, the report also found companies that received DASA funding secured an additional £592 million in equity investment. In 2024 alone, DASA-supported firms raised £174 million.

    Further, the research discovered many DASA-funded SMEs are actively engaged in both domestic and international markets, while also creating around 1,800 new jobs.

    DASA leverages science and technology expertise from the UK’s Defence Science and Technology Laboratory to fast-track innovative ideas.

    One of the companies featured in the report as a standout success is Calyo, a Bristol-based electronics company which develops sensor systems using ultrasound technology to provide perception and vision capabilities.

    The firm’s technology is set to help transform the sensor-enabled mobile robotics industry with its applications in unmanned systems for the defence sector.

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    “The Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) is proud to be a key enabler for innovation,” said head of DASA, Anita Friend. “This Beauhurst report demonstrates DASA’s real-world impact on UK defence, security and economic growth, and highlights the importance of DASA’s work.”

    “DASA is committed to fostering innovation and supporting economic growth and by seeking and nurturing novel solutions from idea to impact DASA helps keep the UK safe and secure, ensuring defence and security capabilities remain second to none and supporting the government’s commitment to ensure the UK is a leader in defence innovation,” added Friend.

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  55. What Top Trends Are Shaping the Future of Cloud?

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    The top trends shaping the future of cloud adoption over the next four years have been announced by Gartner, the technological research and consulting company.

    “These trends are accelerating the shift in how cloud is transforming from a technology enabler to a business disruptor and necessity for most organisations,” said Joe Rogus, director, advisory at Gartner, during the opening keynote of the firm’s IT Infrastructure, Operations, and Cloud Strategies conference.

    “Over the next few years, cloud will continue to unlock new business models, competitive advantages and ways of achieving business missions.”

    According to the research firm, the following six trends will shape the future of cloud:

    Trend #1: Cloud Dissatisfaction

    While cloud adoption continues to grow, not all implementations succeed.

    Gartner has predicted that a quarter (25%) of firms will have experienced significant dissatisfaction with their cloud adoption by 2028 due to unrealistic expectations, suboptimal implementations, and/or uncontrolled costs.

    Enterprises need a clear cloud strategy and effective execution to remain competitive, with Gartner research indicating those that have successfully addressed upfront strategic focus by 2029 will find their cloud dissatisfaction decrease.

    Trend #2: AI/ML Demand Increases

    Demand for AI/ML is set to surge, with hyperscalers positioned at the core of this growth.

    Gartner highlighted that they’ll drive a shift in how compute resources are allocated by embedding foundational capabilities into their IT infrastructure, facilitating partnerships with vendors and users, and leveraging real and synthetic data to train AI models.

    The research firm predicts half (50%) of cloud computer resources will be devoted to AI workloads by 2029, up from less than 10% today.

    Trend #3: Multicloud and Cross Cloud

    Many organisations that have adopted multicloud architecture find connecting to and between providers a challenge.

    This lack of interoperability between environments can slow cloud adoption, with Gartner predicting more than 50% of organisations will not get the expected results from their multicloud implementations by 2029.

    The firm recommends identifying specific use cases and planning for distributed apps and data in the organisation that could benefit from a cross-cloud deployment model. This enables workloads to operate collaboratively across different cloud platforms, as well as different on-premises and colocation facilities.

    Trend #4: Digital Sovereignty

    AI adoption, tightening privacy regulations, and geopolitical tensions are driving demand for sovereign cloud services.

    Organisations will be increasingly required to protect data, infrastructure, and critical workloads from control by external jurisdictions and foreign government access, Gartner said.

    It predicts over 50% of multinational organisations will have digital sovereign strategies by 2029, up from less than 10% today.

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    Trend #5: Sustainability

    Cloud providers and users are increasingly sharing responsibility for sustainable IT infrastructure.

    Gartner said this is being driven by regulators, investors, and public demand for greater alignment between technology investment and environmental goals.

    As AI workloads demand more energy, organisations are also under pressure to better understand, measure, and manage the sustainability implications of emerging cloud technologies.

    Gartner research shows the percentage of global organisations prioritising sustainability as part of procurement will rise to over 50% by 2029.

    Trend #6: Industry Solutions

    There’s an upward trend toward industry-specific cloud platforms, with more vendors offering solutions that address vertical business outcomes and help scale digital initiatives.

    Over 50% of organisations will use industry cloud platforms to accelerate their business initiatives by 2029, according to Gartner.

    The research firm recommends organisations approach industry cloud platforms as a strategic way to add new capabilities to their broader IT portfolio, rather than a total replacement—enabling organisations to avoid technical debt, and to drive innovation and business value instead.

  56. VC Investment in British Startups and Scaleups Hit £9BN Last Year

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    According to new insights from the British Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA), the total amount invested in British startups and scaleups by VC funds, co-investors, and financial institutions was £9 billion in 2024. This figure marks a rise of 12.5% when compared to 2023.

    These findings come from private capital group’s Venture Capital in the UK 2025 report, which was launched at its recent Accelerate conference.

    The report found that VC funds managed specifically from the UK had a robust year in 2024, with the total amount raised reaching £4bn, almost double the figure raised in 2023 (£2.3bn). This was underpinned by strong fundraising performance from several large UK-based managers.

    The report also confirmed that VC makes long-term investments, finding that the holding period for VC investments exited in 2024 rose to 6.7 years. This long-term investment then gives business a platform on which to scale, improving productivity, upskilling employees, and generating more jobs.

    In particular, VC investment plays an important role in the IT and communications sector, with 36% of jobs backed by the industry located in this sector. Businesses in the professional, scientific and technical sector (13%), and in the finance & insurance sector (10%), also represented a significant proportion of jobs in VC-backed businesses.

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    However, to retain the UK’s status as a European leader for VC, the BVCA is calling for the UK Government to undergo a series of pro-industry actions and efforts. These include ensuring the tax credits system is consistent and efficient, addressing legal and regulatory barriers for emerging VC funds in the UK post-Brexit, and more.

    “​​With one of the largest hubs for the industry in the world, UK venture capital is driving forward some of the most innovative and exciting businesses that will redefine the economy of the future,” commented Michael Moore, chief executive of the BVCA.

    “From ensuring the tax system remains competitive internationally to making sure the government pensions reforms are introduced effectively, this industry must continue to be nurtured so that the UK retains its status as Europe’s leading hub for venture capital.”

  57. Will Supply Chain Digital Adoption Efforts Fail to Deliver Value?

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    According to a new prediction from Gartner, by 2028, 60% of supply chain digital adoption efforts will fail to deliver promised value due to sufficient investment in associated learning and development (L&D).

    “In the current economic climate, CSCOs are under immense pressure to manage costs while striving for efficiency gains through new technology investments,” explained Tom Enright, who’s VP analyst in Gartner’s Supply Chain practice.

    “While technology promises long-term cost savings, the lack of investment in L&D jeopardizes these initiatives, as it is crucial to equip teams with the skills needed to leverage these new tools effectively.”

    The prediction comes alongside a survey of nearly 600 supply chain practitioners, which focused on the future drivers of supply chain of the next few years.

    It found that 58% identified rapid tech advancement as a major future challenge, 58% expected intensified talent competition to raise hiring costs, and that 40% believed hyperautomation was evolving skills requirements.

    Additional Gartner research on generative AI deployments within the supply chain also showed that individual productivity gains enabled by the tech for desk-basked workers have not translated into gains at the team level or for frontline workers.

    Gartner highlighted the data ultimately indicates that L&D initiatives must be integrated into the technology investment process to ensure that full value is realised.

    “High-performing learning environments are emerging as strategic differentiators,” added Enright.

    “Leaders in these enterprises embed L&D initiatives within their new technology investments and are therefore better able to shield these activities from short-term budget pressures.”

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    To overcome the barriers to successful digital adoption, Gartner recommends that CSCOs should consider the following strategies.

    First, lead and invest in development. Supply chain leaders should spearhead L&D strategy, collaborating with HR to focus on skills, audiences, priorities, timing, and funding. This ensures investments gain traction with supply chain leaders and staff.

    Secondly, reframe L&D as an investment. Position L&D as a critical component of supply chain outcomes, emphasising its role in amplifying the future value of data, technology, and productivity from AI investments.

    CSCOs should also factor in maintaining steady investment in L&D to shift mindsets, skills, and behaviours. This includes courseware, dedicated roles for training design and deployment, and extended learning networks to foster a community of learning.

    Lastly, Gartner advocates for embracing agile methodologies. Implement agile learning tools and methodologies that allow supply chain staff to use natural language questions for real-time learning. This approach ensures skills development keeps pace with the demands of AI disruptions.

  58. Major Tech Firms Meet For Roundtable on Modernising UK’s Justice System

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    Around 30 companies including Microsoft and Google are meeting for a roundtable event with members of the UK Government today to explore how new technology can help modernise the justice system.

    Chaired by James Timpson, the prison and probation minister, and opened by lord chancellor Shabana Mahmood, the roundtable marks the first time key players in the UK’s tech ecosystem will meet with justice ministers to discuss some of the toughest challenges faced by courts, prisons, and the probation system.

    Discussion will focus on the potential for even more effective tracking of offender movement, using data to aid probation officers to perform better risk assessments, and whether digital platforms can help offenders rehabilitate and integrate back into society.

    The meeting has been organised in partnership with techUK, the trade association that brings together companies and organisations to promote digital technology.

    The aim is for a follow up to this meeting with an event open to the whole of industry to apply to come back to present their applicable ideas and solutions in the coming months.

    “We inherited a justice system in crisis, with prisons close to collapse and staff overburdened and under pressure,” said lord chancellor, Shabana Mahmood.

    “We need bold ideas to address the challenges that we face – supporting our staff, delivering swifter justice for victims, and cutting crime.

    “Today, we have an analogue justice system in a digital age.

    “The UK has a world-leading and growing tech sector, and I know our tech firms have a huge role to play in delivering our Plan for Change to make streets safer.”

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    Julian David OBE, CEO of techUK, also commented: “We’re honoured to be hosting this roundtable discussion with the Ministry of Justice – It presents an excellent opportunity for the tech sector to highlight the transformative role that technology is playing in modernising our criminal justice system.

    “techUK and our members believe that collaboration and open dialogue are essential to fostering innovation and driving meaningful reform – particularly in how offenders are rehabilitated – and that digital tools can be a powerful force in sustaining this positive impact across society.”

    Earlier this year, the lord chancellor set out her vision for the Probation Service, which included an £8 million pledge to introduce new technology to help risk assess people who’ve offended and cut back on admin, increasing focus on those who pose the greatest risk to the public.

  59. GCSE Exam Results to be Delivered via Digital App in New Pilot

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    More than 95,000 young people in Greater Manchester and the West Midlands will receive their GCSE results via a digital app this summer, ahead of the app’s future national roll out.

    The new Education Record App will also help to do away with paper records and files, bringing their exam certificates into one easy-to-access digital hub which can be used when applying for further education, apprenticeships, or employment.

    The UK Government estimates the move could save schools and colleges up to £30 million per year once the full roll out of the app is complete—enough money to pay the salaries of more than 600 new teachers in further education.

    “It is high time exam records were brought into the 21st century, and this pilot will allow schools and colleges to focus on what they do best: teaching the next generation rather than being bogged down in bureaucracy,” said Stephen Morgan, UK education minister.

    “This government is slashing red tape through our Plan for Change to drive growth, cut admin for teachers and give tens of thousands of young people more opportunities to get on in skilled careers.”

    Morgan visited the Hathershaw College school in Oldham earlier this week, which has been trialling the Education Record app since spring 2024. Following the success of the localised roll out, the Department for Education is scaling up the roll out.

    Mark Giles, principal at the school, said: “We were proud to support the DfE last summer with the initial trial.

    “The support from the DfE was excellent and the feedback from students and staff was very positive as the education record was accurate, verifiable and could be presented to providers without delay.

    “We believe this will reduce administrative burdens on schools, and in the future could also be utilised by parents of younger children to support transition from primary to secondary school.”

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    The digital transformation of exam results and records is part of a wider government drive to overhaul how the public sector uses technology.

    The march to modernise public services is being led by UK technology secretary Peter Kyle, who has launched his department as the digital centre of government to overhaul digital services and target £45 billion in productivity savings each year.

  60. UK’s Deliveroo to Be Bought by US’ DoorDash for £2.9 Billion

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    UK online food delivery company Deliveroo has agreed to be acquired by America’s biggest food delivery app, DoorDash.

    Announced today, the deal to buy the London-headquartered firm comes in at £2.9 billion, with DoorDash offering 180p per Deliveroo share.

    The acquisition is being made to “strengthen DoorDash’s position as a leading global platform in local commerce, enabling the combined entity to better serve businesses, consumers and couriers,” the companies jointly said.

    A UK-based but multinational firm, Deliveroo was founded in 2013 by Will Shu and Greg Orlowski. It currently works with around 176,000 restaurants, grocers, and retail partners, as well as over 130,000 riders to provide its on-demand delivery service across nine countries. Since 2024, it’s served around seven million monthly active consumers.

    DoorDash meanwhile, which also launched in 2013, serves over 42 million monthly active users in over 30 countries, and partners with over 500,000 local businesses on its marketplaces.

    The countries that Deliveroo operates in are new for DoorDash. Once the companies’ existing footprints have been brought together, the group will operate in locations with a combined population exceeding 1 billion people.

    DoorDash said that it’s “excited to invest in growing local commerce globally, including investing in Deliveroo’s business in the UK and other Deliveroo geographies and to continue to drive growth.”

    Commenting on the acquisition, Deliveroo co-founder Will Shu said: “When Greg and I founded this business in 2013, we made it our mission to bring the best of our consumers’ neighbourhoods to their door.

    “We’ve stayed relentlessly focused on this mission for the past twelve years, keeping our consumers at the heart of everything we do and aiming to deliver them flawless experiences, new innovations and real value. I’m very proud of everything we have achieved as a standalone business.

    “We are now at the beginning of a transformative new chapter. DoorDash and Deliveroo are like-minded organisations with a shared strategic vision and aligned values.

    “Together, we will be even better positioned to serve consumers, merchants, riders and local communities. The Enlarged Group will have the scale to invest in product, technology and the overall consumer value proposition.”

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    “Following careful consideration, the Deliveroo Independent Committee has unanimously decided to recommend this offer, considering it to be in the interests of all our shareholders and wider stakeholders,” commented Claudia Arney, who serves as chair of Deliveroo.

    “Deliveroo changed the face of food delivery in the UK and around the world. Thanks to Will and the dedication and innovation of the team, consumers have new food experiences, merchants new opportunities for growth and riders a new type of work. I’m immensely proud to have worked alongside the team and thank them for their hard work.”

    “We are pleased that DoorDash is excited to invest into the business and team and shares our commitments to supporting the interests of riders, merchants and consumers,” Arney added.

    “Both companies are highly complementary, whether in their geographic footprints or their missions, and I am confident that being part of the Enlarged Group will accelerate the realisation of Deliveroo’s full potential.”

  61. New NHS Tech Rollout Aims to Expedite Cancer Diagnosis

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    The UK Government is rolling out new technology across NHS England trusts with the aim of helping millions of cancer patients receive faster diagnosis, cut treatment delays, and boost survival rates.

    It’s estimated there are over 3 million people living with cancer currently, many of whom face a complex journey of tests, appointments, or treatments. A new tool, dubbed “Cancer 360,” brings all that data into one central system so clinicians can prioritise those most in need and see patients quicker.

    The real-time tool has been created to help teams easily track a patient’s progress, avert delays, and even produce personalised treatment plans. It’s been said it’ll also dramatically reduce paperwork and help ensure vital warning signs aren’t missed.

    The new tool is built into the NHS Federated Data Platform (FD), which brings patient information together from across separate systems into one secure environment. Since April 2024, hospitals using the platform have typically performed 70,000 more procedures and reduced unnecessary hospital stays by almost 19%.

    “Every cancer patient deserves swift, effective care, and our new Cancer 360 solution harnesses data to ensure exactly that,” said Dr Vin Diwakar, NHS National Clinical Transformation Director. “By giving clinicians a comprehensive view of patient pathways, we can identify and address delays immediately.

    “The NHS Federated Data Platform is already showing its value in transforming cancer care, helping our hard-working staff deliver better outcomes while reducing administrative burden. As Cancer 360 expands to more hospitals nationwide, I’m confident we’ll see meaningful improvements in both treatment times and patient experience.”

    Recommended reading

    The announcement of Cancer 360 comes amid the UK’s Labour government saying that it’s inherited a broken NHS. Lord Ara Darzi’s recent independent investigation found the NHS in “critical condition,” with surging waiting lists and deteriorating national health, and set out the need to improve cancer waiting time performance and cancer survival.

    To better support the NHS, the UK Government put £26 billion into the NHS, announced in the Autumn Budget. This includes the biggest increase in NHS spending since 2010, excluding COVID years, and includes £1 billion for digital transformation projects and £121 million for the NHS FDP.

    “This government grasped the nettle and made difficult but necessary choices to invest £26 billion into our NHS – a move that is already helping millions of patients and will help millions more,” said health and social care secretary, Wes Streeting.

    “It’s a long road, but we’re already getting our NHS back on its feet, giving patients over 3 million more appointments, hiring 1,500 new GPs and starting the roll out of new tech that will save lives.

    “It is only this government’s Plan for Change that will deliver for patients and make our NHS fit for the future.”

  62. Scots Aquaculture Tech Firm Nets £10 Million in Fresh Funding

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    Scottish aquaculture tech company Ace Aquatec has announced the successful closing of its latest investment round, where £10 million was secured.

    The round was led by Stolt Ventures, with participation from Scottish Enterprise and Aqua-Spark. It was oversubscribed, and incorporates a period post-close to allow for further investors to participate.

    The funding consisted of £7.5m in equity funding, plus an additional £2.5m debt facility, which has been made to support the creation of 15 jobs at the firm’s offices in Dundee, Glasgow, and Chile.

    The roles will focus on the continued development of AI and its role alongside advanced sensors, cameras, and machine learning algorithms which can offer real-time insights that optimise welfare from cage operations through to harvest.

    Ace Aquatec provides customers with AI cameras able to accurately track fish weights, detect health issues such as wounds or maturation, and track individuals in multiple species. It also provides unique humane slaughter systems for farmed and wild fish using electricity in water.

    New sea lice removal systems, which utilise these same technologies, are also being prepared for commercialisation.

    “Our customer is at the heart of everything we do, and this investment allows us to meet the needs of farmers globally by expanding our portfolio, hiring top talent, and deepening our data capabilities,” said Nathan Pyne-Carter, CEO of Ace Aquatec.

    “Having the backing of Stolt Ventures represents a pivotal moment in Ace Aquatec’s mission to revolutionise the aquaculture industry through welfare-first innovation, while providing vital employment opportunities. Stolt Ventures represents the perfect strategic fit given Stolt-Nielsen’s leading position in Stolt Sea Farm.

    “This investment, alongside Scotland’s national development agency Scottish Enterprise, will ensure strong local support for the team which has drive, innovation and ambition to be a global player. Our incoming investors complement our existing shareholder group, particularly Aqua-Spark, who continue to provide long-term support for the business.”

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    Wider changes will see Axel de Mégille, head of Stolt Ventures, joining the board as a non-executive director. Mégille brings experiences from board positions at software platform Signol, to blockchain platform WaveBL.

    Stolt Ventures is the corporate investment vehicle from Stolt-Nielsen, the group of businesses in global bulk-liquid and chemical logistics and land-based aquaculture.

  63. Scientists Reprogramme Robot Vacuum, Put Forward Over 100 New Uses

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    Scientists from the University of Bath have reprogrammed a robot vacuum to prove its latent potential, and proposed over 100 new ways the device can alternatively be used within the home.

    The new study is believed to be the first where scientists have investigated the untapped potential of a mobile domestic robot, exploring how it can be used to provide other helpful tasks around the home instead of being idle.

    The study was presented at the CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems, the premier intentional conference of Human-Computer Interaction, earlier this week. They demonstrated the feasibility of working robot vacuums harder by reprogramming a Roomba to perform functions outwith its original intent.

    For instance, when fitted with a phone holder, the device became a mobile wireless charger, and even navigated through the home to find the phone owner when mobile charging was needed.

    After being equipped with a projector, the robot displayed workout videos on a wall. When it was time for floor exercises, it shifted the projection to the ceiling for uninterrupted viewing.

    Additionally, the robot monitored the home remotely, providing live video and task control, such as observing the oven while the user watched and controlled it.

    Further functions proposed by the study’s authors, in consultation with 12 global experts on robots and AI, include searching for lost items, scanning the fridge and suggesting items to purchase, moving plants to sunlight, intentionally interacting with pets, checking if home doors are locked, receiving and delivering packages when the user is busy, among others.

    With the right extensions and attachments, the researchers suggest that the robots could immediately undertake some of the proposed new tasks, such as delivering mobile light therapy for individuals with seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or reminding users to take their medication and schedule medical appointments.

    Yoshiaki Shiokawa, who’s first author of the study and a PhD student at the University of Bath’s Department of Computer Science, said: “Mobile domestic robots, like robot vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers, are perceived as limited, single-task devices but there is a strong argument that they are under-used for practical tasks. For most of the day, they sit idle.

    “We should be extending their utility beyond their primary tasks by programming them to physically navigate the home to perform a range of additional functions. Just think how much more efficiently households would run if Roombas could be converted into household assistants.

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    “Our study proved that after making minimal adjustments, a Roomba can serve multiple roles around the home.”

    The research team for the project also included Dr. Adwait Sharma, Dr. Aditya Shekhar Nittala, Winnie Chen, and Professor Jason Alexander.

  64. 79% Support Personal Data Being Processed to Investigate Crime

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    According to new research from The Alan Turing Institute’s Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS), 79% of UK adults support national security agencies collecting and processing personal data to investigate terrorism and serious crime.

    The study, which included a representative survey of over 3,000 UK adults alongside a citizens panel, looked at public attitudes around the processing of personal data by national security agencies. It’s the first study of its kind to measure public trust in UK intelligence agencies’ use of data.

    It found that 3 in 4, or 75%, support national security agencies collecting and processing personal data to detect foreign government spies, while 69% support it to investigate a crime for which they are suspected to be connected.

    However, further public support was ultimately variable depending on what was being done with the personal data: for instance, 3 in 10 people, or 28%, are opposed to personal data being used to train automated tools for predictions behaviours.

    Only 52% support data collection and processing to shape long-term strategies and policies of agencies, while less than a third (28%) support it in the context of being shared with commercial organisations.

    Support varied across different age groups and demographics as well, with just half of 18- to 34-year-olds (49%) supporting national security agencies processing public posts on a social media site, compared to the 61% of those aged 55 and over who support it. This is also reflected in comparisons of support from vulnerable groups (52%) to non-vulnerable (62%).

    The survey’s findings also demonstrate that, generally-speaking, the public aren’t aware of what powers intelligence agencies have to collect data about them. Only 15% report being completely aware that agencies have to collect information about people in the UK without their knowledge.

    Many assume intelligence agencies receive minimal overweight, and many were both surprised and reassured to learn of the hoops agencies must jump through before collecting data. That said, many were keen for more education around these safeguards.

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    Speaking on the new data, Rosamund Powell, who serves as research associate at The Alan Turing Institute, said: “This research is the first of its kind examining public attitudes to data processing in a specifically national security context.

    “It demonstrates that there is not just one public perspective on privacy, and that agencies must continue to seek a nuanced understanding of the factors that shape public preferences in order to ensure that data processing remains proportionate in the eyes of the public.”

    Sir Brian Leveson, the investigatory powers commissioner, also added: “In an era of rapid technological change, in which the UK embraces cutting‑edge capabilities to protect the public and strengthen national security, we must ensure these tools operate under the rigorous, legal scrutiny that sustains public trust.

    “I welcome this opportunity to deepen our understanding of public attitudes to UK national security and hope this research will provide a foundation for balanced dialogue and informed decision‑making.”

  65. NHS App Reforms Cut Waiting Times, While AI Speeds Appointments Up

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    New data from the UK Government shows that reforms to the NHS App has helped stop a significant number of patient appointments from being missed, all while AI use has sped appointments up.

    1.5 million hospital appointments have been saved due to the government’s accelerated rollout of the NHS App which helps patients to access treatment more conveniently, and is available to those aged 13 or over registered with a GP surgery in England.

    Users can manage appointments, view prescriptions, access their GP health record, and receive notifications via the application, reducing stress on healthcare services and providing easier access to information and services.

    Measures to expand the use of the app were declared earlier this year in the government’s Elective Reform Plan, which set out how patients will be offered a wider choice of providers and easier, quicker way to book appointments.

    The UK Government has exceeded its first target under the plan to increase the number of hospitals allowing patients to view appointment information via the app up to 85% by the end of March, reaching 87%, which is up from 68% in July 2024.

    Since July, the increased use of existing app features have saved almost 5.7 million hours of staff time, reducing 1.26 million clinical hours across care settings. In addition to the 1.5 million missed appointments avoided, the NHS App has helped save the equivalent of £622 million, data shows.

    Analysis also revealed that almost 12 million fewer paper letters have been sent by hospitals since July, saving £5.2 million in postage costs. Forecasts for this year show the use of in-app notifications for planned care will prevent the need for 15.7 million SMS messages, saving the NHS a further £985,000.

    Commenting on the data, health secretary Wes Streeting said: “By putting the latest technology into the hands of patients so they can access services quicker, we’re freeing up more time for doctors and nurses to focus on treating people and getting waiting lists down.

    “This government is doing things differently. Every missed appointment and wasted staff hour saved means another patient getting the care they need as we drive a digital NHS revolution through our Plan for Change.”

    News around the NHS App comes amid interim trial data showing that AI has also dramatically reduced healthcare admin, and has meant more people could be seen in A&E, that clinicians were able to spend more time focusing on the patient during appointments, and appointments were shorter.

    NHS England-funded, London-wide work led by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children has evaluated ambient voice technologies capabilities—which can transcribe patient-clinican conversations and create structured medical notes—across a range of clinical settings.

    The multi-site evaluation involving over 7,000 patients shows clinicians spent more time with patients rather than typing on a computer, and that the technology has supported more patients to be seen in emergency departments by carrying out admin for A&E staff.

    New guidance published today encourages the further use of these technologies across a range of primary and secondary care settings, including hospitals and GP surgeries.

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    “AI is the catalyst that will revolutionise healthcare and drive efficiencies across the NHS, as we deliver our Plan for Change and shift care from analogue to digital,” Streeting said.

    “I am determined we embrace this kind of technology, so clinicians don’t have to spend so much time pushing pens and can focus on their patients.

    “This government made the difficult but necessary decision at the Budget to put a record £26 billion into our NHS and social care including cash to roll out more pioneering tech.”

  66. Tech Firms to Face Large Fines For Not Removing Knife Content

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    Tougher sanctions are being introduced by the UK Government to combat content online that advertises deadly, illegal knives and other weapons to young people.

    The government had already announced a significant fine of up to £10,000 for individual tech bosses whose platforms fail to remove this content within 48 hours following a police warning.

    However, following consultation with the UK’s Coalition to Tackle Knife Crime, the government is introducing an additional fine of up to £60,000 to be paid by the company itself.

    This means tech platforms and their executives could collectively face up to £70,000 in fines for every post relating to knife crime that they fail to take down.

    Further, a greater range of online platforms will be liable under these new laws, to include online search engines as well as social media platforms and marketplaces, in a move to capture all online providers who could fail to remove content.

    As previously announced, the Home Office is also introducing a new system to be carried out by a new policing unit backed by £1.75 million in funding to tackle the sale of knives online.

    The unit will be responsible for issuing content removal notices which inform the tech platform of illegal content, giving them a 48 hour window in which they must remove the content in question.

    Dame Diana Johnson, the UK crime and policing minister, said: “The kind of content that young people scroll through every day online is sickening and I will not accept any notion that restricting access to this harmful material is too difficult.

    “Our children need more from us. That is why we are now going further than ever to hold to account the tech companies who are not doing enough to safeguard young people from content which incites violence, particularly in young boys.

    “Curbing the impact of this kind of content will be key for our mission to halve knife crime, but more widely our Plan for Change across government to do more [to] protect young people from damaging and dangerous content.”

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    The new sanctions are part of a range of measures being introduced by the government in its mission to halve knife crime in a decade.

    These include introducing stronger 2-step verification for online selling knives online, banning the delivery of weapons to alternative addresses that don’t match the buyer, and requiring online retailers to report any bulk or suspicious-looking purchases of knives to the police.

  67. Report: Tech Firms Can Improve Safety While Ensuring User Privacy

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    According to new research out of The Alan Turing Institute, technology companies can do more to moderate harmful content on their platforms while simultaneously preserving general user privacy, including on end-to-end encrypted networks.

    A set of cryptographic techniques that can be used alongside automated tools to scan for illegal content such as terrorist or child sexual abuse material, without exposing the content itself or the identity of users, have been identified by researchers from the Institute’s Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS).

    Their research outlines various and powerful privacy-enhancing technologies, including Private Set Intersection and Zero-Knowledge Proofs, which can assist in verifying whether messages match known illegal material whilst maintaining important end-to-end encrypted protocols used on many modern messaging applications.

    It also highlights how content moderation solutions have been difficult to implement at scale, especially on end-to-end encrypted platforms due to issues around privacy infringement.

    This is primarily because of the benefits end-to-end encryption provides for user confidentiality, and concerns that moderating content on these platforms undermines such features.

    However, by exploring the techniques outlined in the report, the platforms could increase their ability to detect online harms without revealing any content or general personal details.

    The research and the recommendations come at a time where such issues have become even more pressing due to the proliferation of generative artificial intelligence, which has enabled individuals to create large quantities of harmful content that risk overwhelming current moderation solutions.

    Alongside the recommendations for tech companies—which includes a series of policies, frameworks, and tools—the report also recommends to regulators and policy makers the following:

    • The formation of an illegal harms knowledge hub, which would facilitate the sharing of expertise and collaboration between trusted industry, academic, and civil society partners on best practices for privacy-preserving content moderation.
    • Modification of the Online Safety Act to increase transparency and accountability among social media companies and ensure that appropriate risk assessments are being conducted.
    • Coordination between the Home Office, child safety organisations, and industry partners to discuss ways to standardise classification methods used across UK-based hash matching repositories for child sexual abuse material (e.g. the Child Abuse Image Database). This would reduce challenges for comparative analysis and trend monitoring in offender activity.

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    “Tech platforms and regulators face constant pressure to balance the need to combat illegal online content, such as terrorist and child sexual abuse material, with the need for maintaining user privacy,” said Sam Stockwell, research associate at The Alan Turing Institute.

    “This research proves that the two are not mutually exclusive. The techniques we’ve outlined in this report will better protect users against serious online harms while minimising impacts on their privacy.”

    Dan Sexton, chief technology officer at the Internet Watch Foundation, also said: “Children are being cruelly sexually exploited on a huge scale online – the IWF works to remove the resulting material from the internet every day.

    “The IWF has long said both child safety and user privacy are achievable, and this new research lights the way. There should be no parts of the internet, whether in end-to-end encrypted spaces or on the open web, in which we will accept criminals uploading sexual imagery of children.”

  68. 85% of Firms Considering Moving to Digital-first Banks Amid Friction

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    According to new research from Encompass Corporation, the corporate digital identity firm, 85% of organisations are actively considering a move to digital-first banks in search of a more seamless onboarding experience.

    The results of the new survey show that almost 9-in-10 (86%) of organisations reported losses as a direct result of lengthy or complex onboarding journeys at their bank.

    Meanwhile, 83% of organisations have considered switching banks in the past year due to manual processes and repetitive compliance demands, with 92% of organisations saying they’re repeatedly being asked for the same information.

    84% of the 250 corporate treasurers who responded expressed specific frustration with their existing Know Your Customer (KYS) experience, which helps to verify the identity of customers and assess their risk profile.

    “Legacy systems and fragmented workflows are costing institutions more than operational inefficiency—they are costing client trust, revenue, and long-term growth,” said Wayne Johnson, CEO and co-founder of Encompass Corporation, on the firm’s latest findings.

    “We are on the cusp of significant industry-wide transformation, and the institutions that will lead this next era of banking are those that embrace corporate digital identity to deliver compliance with speed, accuracy, and transparency,”

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    As cyber threats continue to rise, data security is also increasingly under scrutiny, with 83% of corporate treasurers expressing unease about the way their data is being handled, according to the research.

    However, despite this concern, only 52% of organisations are currently using secure online portals to exchange sensitive information with their banks—the rest, which is nearly half, leave themselves at significant risk of breaches occurring due to relying on emails and other methods.

    “With regulatory complexity increasing and client expectations rising, this research serves as a wake-up call for banks to act decisively as delaying transformation is no longer an option,” Johnson added.

  69. New Standards to Make Energy Smart Appliances Smarter for Consumers

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    The UK Government has announced that it’s introducing new standards to make energy smart appliances—from electric vehicle (EV) chargers to heat pumps—smarter for consumers.

    As part of the set of regulations, a new framework will introduce requirements for heat pumps (and also appliances like heat batteries and storage heaters) to be sold smart-ready, in line with regulations that already apply to EV chargers.

    This means that heat pump users will get the choice to activate smart functionality on their device, enabling them to shift their electricity usage in response to price signals to times when it’s less costly for the energy system, such as overnight.

    Additionally, the government will ensure that a range of appliances including EV smart charge points, battery energy storage systems, and heat pumps are able to operate across different tariffs.

    This means that such devices will no longer be tied to one energy supplier, helping to encourage competition and allow people to shop around for new, potentially better deals regardless of the device they possess.

    These measures form part of the government’s Clean Power Action Plan, which sets out pro-consumer reforms to help UK households benefit from lower energy bills amid rising costs.

    The government noted that lowering peak electricity demand would ultimately minimise the electricity infrastructure that needs to be built in the UK, and could contribute to saving £40 to £50 billion between now and 2050.

    It also highlighted that increased consumer-led flexibility can help to deliver the Clean Energy Mission, by enabling Britain to make the most of its renewable electricity at times of high generation or low demand, reducing the need for expensive fossil-fuelled power.

    Speaking on the new standards, energy minister Michael Shanks said: “From EV chargers to heat pumps, smart appliances can do the hard work for consumers by automatically using energy when the price is low.

    “We want to put more money in people’s pockets as part of Our Plan for Change by making it easier for people to benefit from cheaper off-peak tariffs in their home.

    “These new standards will also bring a common-sense approach to smart appliances by ensuring different brands and models can operate across different energy suppliers, allowing consumers to shop around for the best deals.”

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    The new standards out of the UK Government shortly follows the publication of The Scottish Climate Survey: official statistics around what Scottish citizens think about climate-related issues, such as climate change, transport, and home energy.

    It found that a third of households (33%) were finding it difficult to afford their energy bills whilst four in ten (42%) were having to cut back on essential spending, such as on food, to spend more on energy bills.

    Almost half of Scots (44%) believed that reaching net zero by 2045 would improve their quality of life, compared to just 1 in 10 who think it’d make it worse.

  70. What Do Scots Think About Net Zero and Climate Change in 2025?

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    According to new, official statistics that’ve just been published for the first time, almost half of Scots (44%) believe that reaching net zero by 2045 would improve their quality of life, compared to just 1 in 10 who think it’d make it worse.

    The study, called The Scottish Climate Survey, questioned over 4,000 adults across Scotland who shared their views on climate-related issues, including transport, nature, and preparing for the impacts of climate change and home energy.

    It found that almost three-quarters of those surveyed (72%) feel climate change is an immediate and urgent problem.

    Further, a third of households (33%) were finding it difficult to afford their energy bills whilst four in ten (42%) were having to cut back on essential spending, such as on food, to spend more on energy bills.

    People were also asked about their overall views on climate change, and the impact of the transition to net zero.

    Almost half of adults (46%) reported feeling worried about climate change, with one in ten (11%) saying their feelings about climate change had a negative effect on them most of the time.

    “The findings from this survey highlight that people recognise the benefits that reaching net zero by 2045 will bring,” said Alasdair Allan, acting minister for climate action.

    “However, if we are to persuade people to back climate action wholeheartedly, we must speak not only of the costs and challenges but also demonstrate clear and direct household and community benefits where possible.

    “Whilst the powers over energy price setting and regulation are reserved, we continue to prioritise support for the most vulnerable households through access to long-term, sustainable measures with our energy efficiency programmes. We are also calling on the UK Government to introduce targeted energy bill discounts to support those who need it most.

    “Scotland is now halfway to net zero and continues to be ahead of the UK as a whole in delivering long term emissions reductions. However in order to reach our target, we need to work together more effectively, at all levels of Government and beyond – and the findings from this survey help demonstrate that Scots not only understand the seriousness of the climate crisis – but want to see action.

    “That’s why we will continue to drive climate action that is fair, ambitious and effective at addressing the scale of the emergency which faces us.”

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    The publishing of these official stats come during a concerted push both in Scotland and globally to generate and utilise clean power.

    Earlier this month, DIGIT staff writer Tom Quinn covered a report from energy think-tank Ember, which found that renewables and nuclear provided more than 40% of total electricity generation.

    Specifically, renewables were the main driver of overall clean growth in 2024, adding a record 858 terawatt hours, or TWh, which was 49% more than the previous high in 2022.

    Solar was the largest renewables contributor for the third year running, adding 474 TWh to reach a share of 6.9%.

  71. Scots Tech Incorporations Drop 9% Year-on-year, But Beat UK Average

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    The number of new Scottish technology incorporations dropped 9% in the first quarter of 2025 compared to last year, according to new analysis from audit, tax, and consulting firm RSM UK.

    RSM’s analysis shows that a total of 405 new tech firms were incorporated in Q1 2025, while the figure for Q1 2024 was 445.

    That said, most UK regions saw a decrease, and Scotland’s fall of 9% beats the UK as a whole’s average.

    Across all of the UK’s regions, tech incorporations decreased by 12% year-on-year. In Q1 2025, the figure was 12,184 in total, while it was 13,801 for the same period last year.

    Further, despite the year-on-year decline, the number of incorporations have increased quarter-on-quarter for both Scotland and at the UK level.

    Scotland saw a positive 9% quarter-on-quarter change, with 405 new tech incorporations in Q1 2025, compared to 371 in Q4 2024.

    Meanwhile, the UK as a whole saw a quarter-on-quarter increase of 10%, considering that Q4 2024 saw 11,031 tech incorporations, while Q1 2025’s number was 12,184.

    “Despite new tech incorporations falling year-on-year, it’s encouraging to see some growth quarter-on-quarter, after declining for three consecutive quarters,” said Ben Bilsland, partner and head of technology industry at RSM UK.

    “Economic uncertainty has taken hold in the tech sector, with business leaders being increasingly cautious about making investment and recruitment decisions.

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    “The complexity around tariffs causes disruption for the technology sector. The recent news around Apple delaying iPhone shipments intended for the US market is a high profile example. Many tech companies are reviewing their supply chains as they look to move hardware or equipment from one country to the next,” Bilsland added.

    “The US government has indicated they will look for concessions from the UK around digital taxes and their own tech sector as they look to negotiate a trade deal. It is unclear what the consequences will be for UK tech yet, but the sector will be watching closely for decisions that either stifle or encourage growth of homegrown companies.

    “The technology industry has a big part to play in the government’s growth agenda, but it cannot do this without the necessary resources. What’s needed is urgent action from the government, including clarity around support and policies that cultivate growth.”

  72. Scots Firm Secures £6M to Transform Underwater Wireless Networks

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    Scottish firm CSignum, the provider of wireless technology extending Internet of Things (IoT) communications beneath the surface, has completed its £6 million Series A funding round.

    The round was led by Archangels, Par Equity, and Scottish Enterprise, with additional investment from British Business Investment (BBI), Raptor Group, Deep Future, SeeAhead’s Blue Angel Network, and individual US investors.

    The investment will support the growth of the firm’s EM-2 family of products, which transmit wireless sensor data from submerged environments to networks above.

    Its EM-2 solutions are capable of reliably transmitting data, via patented electromagnetic field signalling (EMFS), through environments including water, ice, soil, rock, and concrete to networks above the surface, which no other wireless method has successfully achieved to date.

    Key applications for EM-2 systems include water quality and environmental monitoring, wireless under-ship monitoring, and security applications for critical underwater infrastructure, such as offshore wind turbines and oil and gas platforms.

    The Scottish firm, which was founded in 2020, is currently working with customers in the UK, EU, and US markets, to address growing environmental regulatory requirements.

    The firm plans to add additional staff in the UK, USA, and EU over the next year as it continues to scale its operations.

    “This investment reflects the growing recognition of the critical need for innovative communication solutions in the underwater IoT sector,” said Jonathan Reeves, CEO of CSignum.

    “The support from our investors will allow us to scale our operations, enhance our product offerings and help industries worldwide manage their resources more effectively. We are grateful for their trust and excited to shape the future of underwater communication.”

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    Dan McKiddie, investment manager at Archangels, added: “CSignum has developed a truly unique technological breakthrough which could be a game-changer for those industries reliant on securing reliable data from their underwater operations.

    “We’re looking forward to supporting the management team in their efforts to scale the business and disrupt the global market for underwater communication.”

    Claire Cramm, investment manager at Par Equity, also remarked: “CSignum’s ability to deliver reliable and cost-effective communication solutions for challenging environments sets them apart in the market.

    “This funding will accelerate their journey to becoming a global leader in underwater data transmission. We are excited to partner with them as they expand their reach and capabilities.”

  73. 85% of CEOs Say Cybersecurity is Critical for Business Growth

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    Gartner, the technology research and consulting firm, has discovered that 85% of chief executive officers (CEOs) say cybersecurity is critical for business growth, according to the results of its recently-published survey.

    The Gartner CEO and Senior Business Executive Survey questioned over 450 CEOs and other senior business leaders between the period of June and November 2024.

    The survey also found that 61% of CEOs are concerned about cybersecurity threats, driven in large part by artificial intelligence’s growing role in commercial activity, and the political debates about the sourcing and use of advanced technologies.

    Though, with regulatory changes and cybersecurity threats challenging competitiveness, CEOs said they see a direct linkage between cybersecurity capabilities and enterprise growth.

    “Cybersecurity is no longer just about protection; it’s a critical driver for business growth,” explained David Furlonger, distinguished vice president analyst and Gartner fellow.

    “With 85% of CEOs recognizing its importance, security leaders have a unique opportunity to demonstrate the value of cybersecurity investments not only in safeguarding assets but also in enabling strategic business objectives.

    “Effective communication is key,” added Furlonger. “CEOs should highlight the role of security leaders in both protecting the business and enhancing cybersecurity to drive growth.

    “This involves, for example, assessing risks in foreign markets and intellectual property protection. Security leaders are positioned to significantly influence value generation, and they should communicate how cybersecurity aids enterprise growth.”

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    Gartner’s findings around CEOs’ perception of cybersecurity come at a critical time, considering how advancing technology, not least generative artificial intelligence, has and is continuing to transform the cyber landscape.

    Chief information security offices (CISOs) themselves have said that AI-powered threats are having a significant impact on their organisations this year, marking a 5% increase in this answer over 2024, according to research from Darktrace.

    Meanwhile, separate research from SoSafe discovered that 87% of security professionals report that their organisation has encountered an AI-driven cyber-attack within the last year.

  74. Glasgow’s 5G Speeds Trump Other UK Cities, Including Edinburgh

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    According to new research undertaken by Ookla, the connectivity intelligence provider, Glasgow has the best 5G download speeds when compared to other major UK cities, including the Scottish capital of Edinburgh.

    Based on analysis of Ookla’s Speedtest Intelligence data, which offers insights based on millions of consumer-initiated tests, Glasgow boasted median 5G download speeds of 185 megabits per second, or Mbps, in the first quarter of this year.

    In comparison, the next best performing city, Birmingham, saw speeds of 145 Mbps, while the worst were London and Belfast, where the median 5G download speed was around 115 Mbps.

    The Scottish capital was also among the bottom of the pack, with median speeds of around 123 Mbps—significantly lower than that of Glasgow.

    Ookla’s research team highlighted that this ranking profile extended to 5G network consistency as well.

    Glasgow 5G users had 85% 5G consistency according to the Q1 2025 data, while Belfast and London had around 76% and 74.7% consistency respectively.

    Meanwhile, in Edinburgh, there was 78.5% 5G consistency, which again is towards the bottom of the rankings.

    The Ookla researchers also uncovered that the UK is something of an outlier when it comes to the 5G performance gap of its cities when compared to those in other western European countries, such as France.

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    The findings come just weeks after it was announced that Glasgow City Region had received millions more in funding to extend its 5G innovation programme, Smart and Connected Social Places, which originally began in 2023.

    Led by Glasgow City Region and backed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the programme aims to harness the power of connectivity, digital, and data to transform services and improve lives.

    Since 2023, a programme of six projects across the eight local council areas have been focused on boosting 5G connectivity across the Region and providing residents with access to accurate data on their mobile phone coverage and signal strength, as well as keeping people safe, well, and socially connected in their homes and local communities.

  75. New AI Tool Could Help UK Councils Meet Housing Targets

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    A new artificial intelligence tool is aiming to modernise UK council housing planning by replacing outdated paper systems with high-quality digital data.

    Many UK councils still use paper documents and scanned PDFs, slowing down the planning process and resulting in backlogs, inefficiencies, and wasted resources.

    To help tackle this, Extract, a generative AI tool, is being built to turn old planning documents—such as blurry maps and handwritten notes—into clear, digital data in around 40 seconds, reducing the 1-2 hours it typically takes planners.

    By pulling key information from thousands of files, the tool can help to cut delays, reduce errors in data, speed up planning decisions, and free up planners’ time.

    The tool is currently being tested, and could be available to councils later this year.

    In addition to supporting the government’s goal of building millions of homes, the government said the tool has potential applications across the public sector, because location-specific data is used to deliver services and inform government policy and decisions across different departments.

    News around the AI tool comes after Peter Kyle, the UK technology secretary, revealed a £45 billion jackpot of productivity savings if the public makes good use of technology to improve services and make processes more efficient.

    Speaking on the new tool, Kyle said: “The UK’s planning system has been held back for too long by outdated paper documents, slow processes, making it nearly impossible for councils to make informed decisions quickly.

    “As part of our Plan for Change, we’re using the power of AI to transform sluggish systems so we can start to rebuild. With Extract, councils will have access to better quality data so they can move more quickly on planning decisions and get on with driving growth.

    “Technology like this could be a vital step towards councils meeting targets to help build the 1.5 million new homes the country needs, all while updating and improving the planning system for the future.”

    Matthew Pennycook, housing and planning minister, also commented: “To kickstart economic growth and achieve the government’s ambitious Plan for Change milestone of building 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament, we need local planning authorities to be making informed decisions faster.

    “By harnessing new technology like Extract, we can tackle backlogs, inefficiencies and waste and ensure councils are focusing precious time and resources on efficiently determining applications to build new homes.”

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    Extract builds on a range of planning reforms the government has made in a push to get Britain building.

    This includes updating the National Planning Policy Framework, which according to the Office for Budget Responsibility will boost the economy by £6.8 billion and drive housebuilding to its highest level in over 40 years, and through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill.

  76. How Much Did the Global Smartphone Market Grow in Q1 ‘25?

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    According to the latest research from Canalys, the global technology market analyst firm, the worldwide smartphone market grew 1% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2025.

    While growth was modest, it came amid persistent macroeconomic headwinds and cautious consumer sentiment in light of this, as well as delayed channel inventory digestion.

    Canalys highlighted that Samsung took the global lead with a 20% market share, the same as last year, while Apple closely followed with an 18% share, a 2% increase over Q1 2024.

    Xiaomi, meanwhile, came third with 14%, maintaining its share of a year ago. This is while vivo and OPPO ranked fourth and fifth respectively, each with an 8% share of the market. vivo increased its share over last year by 1%.

    Other competing companies as a whole took the remaining 32% market share, though this fell by 2% when compared to the first quarter of 2024.

    “The overall environment proved to be more volatile than anticipated in Q1 2025, while the global market continued its recovery,” said Amber Liu, who serves as research manager at Canalys.

    “Following a strong finish to 2024, vendors pushed high inventory volumes into channels to gain share. But slower-than-expected sell-through extended inventory cycles, dampening sell-in momentum in early 2025. Unlike 2024’s recovery, which was driven by a post-pandemic upgrade cycle and mass-market affordability, this year’s rebound is proving more fragile.”

    Sanyam Chaurasia, a senior analyst at the research firm, also commented that “cautious consumer sentiment driven by global macroeconomic challenges muted the typical seasonal uplift in Q1.”

    “Even festive periods in key markets, such as Ramadan, delivered softer demand than expected. In response to a more gradual recovery in volume, vendors are prioritizing profitability while remaining active and flexible with market investments.

    “Tactics include dynamic channel incentive schemes to encourage sell-in, collaborations with distributors to expand financing in emerging markets and agile channel pricing strategies to strike a balance between overall profitability and price competitiveness.”

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    The smartphone market findings have shortly followed Canalys’ research around PC shipments, which discovered that total shipments of desktop computers, notebook devices, and workstations grew 9.4% to 62.7 million units in Q1 2025.

    However, the firm noted that first quarter volumes were boosted by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) ramping up shipments to the US in anticipation of the Trump administration’s tariff announcements.

  77. St Andrews Research Finds AI Could Boost SME Productivity by 133%

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    Artificial intelligence has a significant positive impact on productivity levels for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) compared to non-adopters, new research from the University of St Andrews has found.

    Professor Ross Brown, who led the study and is from the university’s Business School, suggests that adopting AI results in productivity gains of between 27% and 133%.

    The research drew upon the largest small business survey in the UK, the Longitudinal Small Business Survey (LSBS), a large and well-known panel dataset conducted by the Department for Business and Trade.

    The survey interviews just under 10,000 UK SMEs and follows a stratified random sampling design to ensure representativeness by region, sector, and firm size.

    Other results show that, in terms of those benefitting from AI, it is firms with lowest productivity levels which are most likely to adopt AI technologies.

    Additionally, the benefits from AI adoption are sector specific, with service sector firms—such as catering and hospitality—particularly prominent among the beneficiaries of AI.

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    “Our findings are quite emphatic and show a clear-cut productivity premium for SMEs who adopt AI,” said Professor Brown.

    “Given the UK Government’s mantra about raising productivity levels, increasing AI adoption could potentially play a pivotal role at addressing the endemic problem of weak productivity in poorly performing SMEs.

    “AI potentially offers SMEs “short cuts” that are easy to yield quick productivity “wins” – such as planning staff rotas and reducing food wastage in a small restaurant – but are relatively inexpensive and easy to enact.”

    The University of St Andrews study was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), and undertaken in collaboration with Oxford Brookes University.

  78. RGU Gets £380K to Help Improve AI Conversations

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    Robert Gordon University (RGU) researchers have secured £380,000 in funding for a new project which aims to develop techniques to improve the conversational limitations within artificial intelligence tools.

    The team from the university’s School of Computing, Engineering, and Technology hope to enhance the existing capabilities and aid the rapid development of domain-specific conversational systems.

    There remains considerable potential in current AI systems, with many of the conversations open and unstructured. The key aim of the project is to ensure the conversation keeps both the AI and user on topic through structured conversation.

    “By investigating and implementing methods that allow application developers to easily provide structure to conversations, we can create more sophisticated and reliable conversational systems in a broad range of areas – health care, law, education, coaching and public engagement to name but a few,” said RGU’s Dr Mark Snaith.

    “Within these areas, specific applications include training and professional development, support systems, and online client-facing tools. For example, a lawyer might use a structured conversation to help test their courtroom argument or examine evidence; or in coaching, structured conversations can enhance smart coaching systems to create a more personalised and effective coaching experience.

    “Over the next five years the value of the conversational AI market is projected to grow to almost £40 billion compared to around £10 billion last year. This underlines the need to ensure that conversational AI can support more complex interactions.”

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    The funding for the project comes from the UKRI Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).

    Dr Kedar Pandya, EPSRC executive director for strategy, said: “Artificial intelligence tools are rapidly transforming our world.

    “This project will advance conversational AI to ensure its technology we can all trust and rely on. It demonstrates EPSRC’s commitment to supporting world-class research that will bring positive societal and economic benefits, and cement the UK as a leader in AI.”

    The Dialogue-Based Structured Conversational Artificial Intelligence research project is expected to run for three years.

  79. British Soldiers Take Down Drone Swarms via Radio Wave Weapon

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    In the latest trial of a new direct energy weapon developed in the UK, British soldiers have tracked, targeted, and defeated swarms of drones for the first time.

    The trial was completed at a weapons range in West Wales and was the largest counter-drone swarm exercise conducted by the British Army to date.

    The weapon system demonstrator is a type of Radiofrequency Directed Energy Weapon (RF DEW) and has proven capable of neutralising multiple targets simultaneously with near-instant effect.

    It uses high-frequency radio waves to disrupt or damage critical electronic components inside drones, causing them to crash or malfunction.

    At an estimated cost of 10p per shot, if developed into operational service, it could provide a “cost-effective complement to traditional missile-based air defence systems,” the Ministry of Defence said.

    RF DEW systems can defeat airborne targets at a range of up to 1km and are effective against threats which cannot be jammed using electronic warfare.

    The successful trial comes after the UK Government has invested more than £40 million in RF DEW research and development.

    With national security a foundation for the UK’s Plan for Change, the government is increasing the proportion of MOD’s equipment procurement spend on novel technologies, spending at least 10% from 2025-26.

    It follows the announcement of the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, as the UK will spend 2.5% of GDP on defence by April 2027.

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    “This significant experiment exemplifies the strength of British innovation – driven by our home-grown industry, technology firms and scientific talent,” said minister for defence procurement and industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP.

    “We continue to strengthen our defence sector, adding more cutting-edge capabilities to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad, while making defence an engine for growth across our towns and cities.”

  80. New Platform Reveals Key Insights Around Scottish Economic Wellbeing

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    A new platform called the Economic Wellbeing Explorer, launched today by Scots not-for-profit Smart Data Foundry, offers fresh insights around financial hardship in Scotland.

    Using near real-time data from around 5 million bank accounts, the platform tracks economic resilience and wellbeing at national, regional, and local levels, and between age groups and income ranges.

    The latest insights from the Explorer reveal that 16% of adults in Scotland rely on their overdraft each month, rising to 24% among 18- to 39-year-olds.

    Almost one in seven people (14%) are spending at least 20% more than they earn, and more than a third (34%) see their bank account balance fall below £100 on more than one occasion each month.

    As part of its initial rollout, the platform is now open for registration, allowing public sector bodies, NGOs, researchers, economists, analysts, and journalists to use these insights for evidence-based decision making and reporting on poverty and inequality.

    Topline insights will be available for free at a national and regional level, with deeper insights at a local level (Local Authority and Intermediate Zone) available via subscription.

    The Economic Wellbeing Explorer platform itself is powered by data from NatWest Group, alongside contextual open data sources such as housing, education, and demographic data.

    All data supplied to Smart Data Foundry is deidentified at source and is held and managed within a strict information governance framework to ensure security, privacy, and ethical standards.

    The launch comes at a time of mounting financial pressures for many, with April bringing a wave of cost increases, including council tax, energy bills, road tax, and the TV licence free.

    “For hundreds of thousands of people in Scotland, payday no longer brings relief, just a brief pause before the struggle begins again,” said Dougie Robb, CEO of Smart Data Foundry.

    “Rising costs, modest wage growth, and unexpected expenses mean that many people are spending more than they earn each month, relying on overdrafts or going into debt just to cover the basics.

    “The Economic Wellbeing Explorer is a completely new way to securely access in-depth financial information which gives a real insight into the economic wellbeing of the nation.

    “At Smart Data Foundry, we believe financial data is an untapped resource, which can help drive policymaking and decision-taking that improves people’s lives. Data is not just information – it’s hugely valuable in creating meaningful change.

    “By unlocking the power of financial data, we can transform public services, ensuring support reaches those who need it most.

    “While we are rolling out the Explorer in Scotland first, we aim to extend this initiative to the rest of Great Britain in the near future, adding more indicators and allowing users to explore data at an increased level of granularity.”

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    Smart Data Foundry was established in 2022 to unlock the power of financial data to tackle big issues like poverty and inequality and create positive impact across society, the economy, and the environment.

    An independent University of Edinburgh subsidiary, and based at the Edinburgh Futures Institute, the not-for-profit organisation works with major financial institutions, the public sector, and charities to develop insights, inform solutions, and drive forward the data-for-good movement.

  81. New Open Letter Urges Swift Audit Reform for UK Digital Resilience

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    A new open letter has been sent to Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds MP, secretary of state for business and trade, stressing the urgent need for audit reform legislation to boost digital resilience in the UK.

    The letter underlines stakeholder support for the Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill promised in the King’s Speech last year, which has yet to be published.

    ISACA, the leading global professional association helping individuals and organisations in their pursuit of digital trust, and the Chartered Institute of Internal Auditors (Chartered IIA) have led the campaign.

    Other signatories include CEOs from Airmic; CREST; Sheffield University’s Audit Reform Lab; the Chartered Governance Institute, UK & Ireland; IASME Consortium; CompTIA; The National Preparedness Commission; Dr Vladlena Benson MBE, professor and director of the Aston Centre for Cyber Security Innovation, and more.

    ISACA, the Chartered IIA, and signatories are calling for recommendations made by Sir John Kingman in 2018, and Sir Donald Brydon in 2019, to be rapidly implemented—including legislating to give the UK’s audit regulator, the Financial Reporting Council, enhanced powers.

    The letter also calls for the government to enact wider reforms, ensuring that the UK’s largest companies are reporting on their resilience against digital as well as financial risks.

    The letter stresses that the government is already taking positive steps in the right direction with improving digital resilience. However, it argues that the UK must go further and faster.

    The US, EU, and Asia are already advancing similar audit reforms, and unless the UK government acts, “we risk falling behind on investment and digital governance, which has wide ranging economic ramifications.”

    The letter comes as bad actors increasingly use emerging tech to identify vulnerabilities in systems and orchestrate effective attacks.

    Upcoming research due to be released later this month from ISACA finds that over two-thirds of European IT professionals are worried that quantum computing could break today’s internet encryption before browsers and websites can fully implement new post-quantum cryptography algorithms approved by NIST.

    Chris Dimitriadis, chief global strategy officer at ISACA, said: “Our letter to government stresses that legislation and reform is long overdue.

    “Failure to prioritise audit reforms will have a catastrophic impact on digital resilience leaving our vital infrastructure and businesses vulnerable to regular technological disruptions, including by malicious attacks and threats.

    “This will have major implications for the economy, as well as on privacy and data protection.

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    “But alongside legislation, we must prioritise skills. The digital sectors including cyber, audit and privacy are plagued by skills gaps and understaffing.

    “In fact, ISACA’s latest State of Cyber study finds that 40% of cyber and IT professionals feel that their job has become more stressful today than it was 5 years ago due to their teams being understaffed.

    “This is having a real impact on businesses’ ability to protect themselves.”

  82. 93% of UK Firms Say They’re Already Seeing AI Efficiency Gains

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    According to new research from Snowflake, 93% of UK firms are already reaping efficiency gains from the adoption of generative artificial intelligence, outpacing the global average of 88% and highlighting the UK’s rapid embrace of the transformative tech.

    The new Radical ROI of Generative AI report from Snowflake, in collaboration with Enterprise Strategy Group, surveyed nearly 2,000 business and IT leaders across nine different countries — all of whom are actively using GenAI for one or more use cases.

    The findings indicate that UK organisations are approaching GenAI with clear intent, placing greater emphasis on operational efficiency and innovation than their peers internationally.

    The research show 57% of UK early AI adopters cite efficiency gains as a key driver for adoption, compared to 51% in other countries. When it comes to innovation, 46% say it is a central motivator and a further 89% have seen this come to fruition with enhanced innovation, compared to 84% globally.

    When it comes to where GenAI is being applied, UK organisations are utilising AI across a wide range of functions, with particular strengths in software development, customer service and cybersecurity. Specifically:

    • In software engineering, 62% of UK respondents are using GenAI (compared with 54% globally), and 69% apply it to code reviews and debugging, higher than the 60% overall average.
    • Cybersecurity adoption is also high, with 69% using GenAI in security operations. Among these, 64% report reduced manual workload, and 56% note lower operational costs — evidence of practical impact across IT and security teams.
    • In customer support, 61% report active use of GenAI tools, with 59% seeing improvements in first response times.

    UK organisations are also taking a leading role in customising AI models to suit their needs. Nearly all those surveyed (98%) say they are training, tuning or augmenting their LLMs.

    Further, the UK leads in cloud infrastructure, with 47% of respondents reporting that their LLMs are hosted mostly or entirely in the cloud, tied with Germany and ahead of the global average.

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    Speaking on the research’s results, James Hall, vice president and country manager UK&I at Snowflake, commented: “UK businesses are demonstrating what it looks like to turn early adoption of GenAI into real, measurable value.

    “They’re not just experimenting — they’re building with purpose. With smart investments in cloud infrastructure and a focus on actionable use cases, the UK is laying the groundwork to lead the next phase of GenAI transformation.”

  83. Members of Dundee Uni’s Rescue Taskforce Announced

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    The wider membership of an external Taskforce, set up to advise the University of Dundee on its current finance challenges, has been announced today.

    The University of Dundee Strategic Advisory Taskforce to help the university amid its financial deficit of around £30 million includes business and industry organisations, trade unions, enterprise agencies, NHS, and academic representatives.

    In addition to Taskforce chair Alan Langlands, University of Dundee, City of Dundee Council, Scottish Funding Council, and the Scottish Government, the Taskforce membership comprises of:

    • Universities Scotland
    • Abertay University
    • University of St Andrews
    • Dundee and Angus College
    • Tay Cities Regional Economic Partnership/Deal
    • Dundee and Angus Chamber of Commerce
    • Scottish Enterprise
    • Skills Development Scotland
    • NHS Education for Scotland
    • Business representation
    • Trade Union representation
    • Student Union representation
    • And Alumni representation.

    Today’s announcement of the Taskforce membership came as Scottish education secretary, Jenny Gilruth, met with staff and students at the university’s School of Life Sciences.

    The university was ranked top in biological sciences in the most recent Research Excellence Framework, a UK-wide assessment of research quality at higher education institutions.

    Visiting the Drug Discovery and Medical Research units at the school, Gilruth heard about how its work has helped contribute to the treatment of conditions like Parkinson’s Disease.

    “It was inspiring to hear about the world-leading and life changing work being undertaken at the Life Sciences school here at Dundee. This is vitally important research which underlines the strength of academic excellence and innovation in Scotland,” said Gilruth.

    “This work and research also has a major impact on inward investment for the area and the Scottish Government is clear it should be a vital component of our knowledge economy for the coming generations.”

    “That’s why this Government has been clear in our determination to ensure that the University of Dundee is fully supported and the wider membership of the taskforce we are setting out today will provide the right mix of knowledge and experience to help advise on the current financial challenges,” Gilruth explained.

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    In terms of external financial assistance, the Scottish Government has provided around £22 million to the Scottish Funding Council to support the university.

    The funding was made to help the institution address its immediate financial challenges, and stave off the threat of insolvency.

    This rescue package was on top of the £1.1 billion of investment already in the budget for university teaching and research.

  84. Romance Scam Operations Scaling Up Globally Due to AI

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    According to new research from The Alan Turing Institute’s Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS), the increasing use of artificial intelligence by romance fraudsters is making scams more efficient and harder to detect.

    The research found AI has introduced new efficiencies that enable fraudsters to easily create more convincing personas, automate large-scale outreach, and refine psychological manipulation.

    AI is being integrated into romance fraud in myriad ways, such as the use of deepfakes to generate personalised dating profiles, and AI-generated audio and video to enhance deception.

    Large language models (LLMs) are also assisting in improving the scripts used to deceive victims, with AI translation tools enabling scammers to engage victims in multiple languages.

    The paper noted that, while human scammers are still required to guide AI-generated content and then correct any inconsistencies, introductions generated by AI significantly reduce the effort and time required to target potential victims.

    However, while AI is helping to enable and scale up romance scam operations, LLMs can also be valuable in combatting fraud. Their ability to create convincing scams suggest that, in the future, they could detect scam messaging.

    As with other instances of online criminality, techniques are developing at a pace that current defences aren’t keeping up with, as explored in a recent CETaS paper.

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    “The use of AI in romance scams is developing quickly, helping criminals integrate new technologies into existing fraud networks with recent cases extracting millions from those seeking genuine connection,” said lead author Simon Moseley, CETaS visiting research fellow and principal data scientist at the Home Office.

    “Often vulnerable victims are coming to psychological as well as financial harm through AI-assisted fraud. As romance scams grow in scale and sophistication, there has to be a greater focus on better detection capabilities and stronger safeguards.”

    The paper is part of a broader CETaS research project examining the role of AI in online criminality.

  85. Scots Firms Risk Losing Staff if Full Return-to-Office is Mandated

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    According to new research from Hays, most workers are not willing to forgo the option to work from home. The stats have been revealed amid hybrid working coming under fire in recent months.

    Almost half (43%) of Scotland professionals would consider quitting their current role if their employer made it compulsory for them to return-to-office full-time.

    Meanwhile, across the UK, women (58%) are more likely to leave their position than men (42%) if they had to give up hybrid working.

    Based on a survey of over 8,000 responses from employers and professionals across the UK, the findings also found that employers say over three quarters (77%) of their workforce are currently working in a hybrid way.

    For those offering hybrid working across Scotland, most employers allow staff to choose how many days they work remotely (28%), followed by 23% who require their staff to be in the workplace three days a week.

    Around 85% of employers also say they haven’t made any changes to their hybrid working policies in the last six months, whilst 15% have asked employees to be in the workplace more often.

    Looking ahead, only 6% of employers in Scotland have plans to mandate a return-to-office in the next six months. Two-thirds of employers across the UK (66%) understandably have concerns that a push to return-to-office would cause backlash from their employees.

    Scotland professionals say the top factor that would impact their decision to return to the office on a more regular basis is the cost of commuting (69%), as working in the office full-time would increase commuting costs for 83% of workers, with the impact being more significant on women than men.

    “The debate over returning to the office full-time versus continuing to work in a hybrid way has been a heated topic in recent months,” said Keith Mason, director at Hays Scotland.

    “Three days in the office tends to be the norm, however, we’re seeing many larger organisations here beginning to consider increasing RTO days to four, with some full-time.

    “In the face of an evolving work landscape, Scotland’s employers need to be more creative with flexible working arrangements that go beyond the conventional remote and hybrid models. By adopting innovative approaches, businesses can foster a more engaged and productive workforce, while employees enjoy a better work-life balance.

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    “The key to success lies in creativity. For example, implementing office ‘anchor days’ – when all staff are required to come into the office on a certain day – can enhance collaboration and team cohesion, providing regular opportunities for in-person interaction. Team rotas can ensure the operational effectiveness of the business, distributing work and responsibilities evenly.

    “For many employers, making a full-time return-to-work policy compulsory may put them at risk of losing top talent, as the research illustrates how highly professionals still value the option to work remotely. A relatively small percentage of employers believe that productivity with home-working is less than office-based workers, so it’s important for employers to consider the issue from all sides.”

  86. UK Gov Makes £121M Investment on World Quantum Day

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    A new £121 million investment into quantum technology is being made by the UK Government to help tackle challenges including crimefighting, spotting the first signs of fraud, and halting money laundering.

    To coincide with World Quantum Day today (Monday 14 April), the funding is being made available over the next year to expand the use of the tech, which uses the properties of the universe’s smallest particles to build ultra-powerful computers and sensors.

    Today’s investment is also supporting quantum researchers with the opportunity to bring their ideas for health, cybersecurity, and beyond to life. Their innovations, like quantum tech for fraud, could result in thousands of jobs and the businesses of tomorrow, supporting the government’s economic mission and its Plan for Change.

    This is the latest part of the UK’s National Quantum Technologies Programme, which sets out the long-term effort to back early-stage research, and support getting quantum tech out of the lab and onto the marketplace.

    Quantum is already being used in instances like tackling fraud, one of the biggest challenges facing society and which currently costs the economy £2.6 billion each year.

    Quantum specialists at HSBC bank have been working with government-backed partners like the National Quantum Computing Centre (NQCC) to find ways quantum can be used to identify the indicators of anti-money laundering.

    The government said that the project, which has strong support from government, is proof that researchers can harness quantum technologies to benefit working people nationwide; in this case, protecting bank accounts from would-be fraudsters.

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    Peter Kyle, secretary of state for science and technology, said: “Quantum – manipulating the universe at its smallest scale – has the potential to save millions for our economy, create thousands of jobs and improve businesses across the country – stopping fraudsters in their tracks, protecting our bank accounts and more.

    “Backing our world-class quantum researchers and businesses is an important part of our Plan for Change.

    “The UK is home to the second largest community of quantum businesses in the world and this investment means they can go further paving the way for new quantum tools and products that make our lives easier, fuel growth, and help us tackle the great challenges of our era.”

    As it stands, the UK quantum sector is home to the second largest community of quantum companies globally, behind only the US.

  87. DSIT Unveils Record £13.9 Billion R&D Funding

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    Record research and development funding of almost £14 billion is being made to help back more UK innovators, like those developing treatment-transforming dementia tests, or building world-leading facilities to power a greener planet.

    The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has today set out how it will allocate a total of £13.9bn in funding for innovative research and development in the next year in sectors like life sciences, green energy, space, and beyond.

    UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) in particular, which is the UK’s lead public research funder, will receive £8.8 billion over the next year.

    UKRI R&D funding has proven key for developing the technologies we need to help position the UK as a clean energy superpower, such as the £86 million in ongoing funding towards building an advanced wind turbine test facility in Blyth.

    When it comes to life sciences, public R&D funding delivered via UKRI is also supporting teams like the one at University of Plymouth who are tackling the serious issue of antimicrobial resistance, where bacteria evolve to resist the medicines that once killed them.

    Their discovery of a new antibiotic, Epidermicin, is undergoing trials and has led to spinout company, Amprologix—potentially providing health professionals with a silver bullet in the battle against such bacterial infections, dubbed “superbugs,” whilst opening up new commercial opportunities in the UK.

    With this funding boost, the government is also investing in agencies and organisations such as the UK Space Agency to help develop the space industry in the UK, and the Met Office, who provides the UK’s most advanced climate modelling.

    The allocation of the record £13.9 billion in funding follows the Chancellor’s announcement at the Budget that the government would protect record levels of R&D spending.

    The government stated that each pound of public R&D investment is also estimated to leverage double in private investment in the long run, and that businesses which receive their first R&D grant funding also see jobs and turnover go up by over 20% in the following six years.

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    Speaking on the funding, science and technology secretary Peter Kyle remarked: “Our £13.9 billion investment in R&D is ultimately an investment in the future of the UK.”

    “R&D is essential to fulfilling this government’s Plan for Change – whether in improving lives across the UK and beyond through new life-saving drugs, helping us build a cleaner, greener future or in exploring beyond our planet to unlock new discoveries that keep us healthy, safe and prosperous and much more besides.

    “It is also central to creating highly paid jobs and opportunities to set up new businesses across the UK, which will drive the economic growth that is key to supporting our public services and enhancing our daily lives.”

  88. Full Programme for DataFest 2025 Announced

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    The full events programme for this year’s iteration of DataFest, the Scottish data and AI conference, has been announced.

    Hosted by Scotland’s Innovation Centre for data and AI, The Data Lab, DataFest 2025 is set to bring together Scotland’s data and AI community at the Assembly Rooms in Edinburgh from May 12-13, as part of The Data Lab’s 10th anniversary celebrations.

    Featuring experts including OpenAI’s Colin Jarvis, BBC’s technology editor Zoe Kleinmann, and LEGO Group’s Orlando Machado, the conference aims to deliver a comprehensive programme with keynote speakers and panel sessions designed to provide delegates with insights into using AI for good, developing robust AI strategies, and enhancing entrepreneurship through AI.

    Panellists include AI innovators with Scottish ties, such as:

    • Ross McNairn, a lawyer turned tech entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Wordsmith, a Scotland-based legal tech company backed by Index Ventures.
    • Rachel Curtis, a fintech founder aiming to reduce shame around debt. She is the co-founder and CEO of Inicio.AI, backed by the Edinburgh AI Accelerator Programme and Morgan Stanley Inclusive Ventures Lab.
    • Iain Mackie, a creator of custom-made AI solutions. He is the co-founder and CEO of Malted AI based in Edinburgh, which works with Fortune 100 enterprises to optimise complex business processes where general AI fails.

    In the exhibition area, the event will showcase Scottish data and AI organisations including DeepMiner, Talan, Teradata, Elementz, EDINA, AFBE, the Scottish AI Alliance, Data for Children Collaborative, and fellow innovation centres BE-ST, IBioIC, and DHI. Scots AI startups will also have the opportunity to apply for a free exhibition space at DataFest.

    On May 12, DataFest 2025 will also host a pre-conference event aimed at organisations and professionals focused on future-proofing skills in data and AI. Attendees will have the chance to network with potential employers and participate in focused sessions that explore the skills landscape in Scotland.

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    “DataFest is a celebration of Scotland’s dynamic data and AI community,” said Heather Thomson, chief executive officer at The Data Lab. “We’re thrilled to connect leaders from industry and academia to explore innovative solutions and drive meaningful impact across sectors.

    “This year’s programme is designed to demonstrate how AI is transforming industries and to support individuals and organisations in navigating both the opportunities and the challenges. The event aims to inspire collaboration and skills development, ensuring that Scotland remains at the forefront of data and AI advancements.”

  89. Scots Tech Firm Enables First Tax Submission Sent From Space

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    FreeAgent, the Edinburgh-headquartered accounting software company, has enabled a UK small business to make history by filing the world’s first tax submission from space.

    It was made as part of a pilot scheme testing the next phase of the UK Government’s “Making Tax Digital” (MTD) legislation, which is soon to be mandated.

    The Scots firm facilitated the submission for England-based singer, violinist, and music teacher Jennifer Maslin, which involved a digital tax update being made from her FreeAgent account more than 26km above the Earth’s surface.

    From a launch site in Sheffield, FreeAgent and aeronautics firm Sent into Space sent a high-altitude balloon and tablet computer to a height of more than 26,000m, before submitting the tax update to HMRC via the software, and while connected to a secure satellite connection.

    The filing marks the highest altitude that a tax submission has been filed, and was made under the UK’s new Making Tax Digital for Income Tax framework, which will be mandated from next April.

    The legislation will require all self-employed individuals and landlords earning more than £50,000 per year to keep digital financial records, and make quarterly updates to HMRC to report their tax affairs.

    Filing the first tax submission in space was done to demonstrate “how digital technology is breaking down barriers, making tax filing simpler and more accessible than ever before,” amid new research that suggests many UK small businesses are struggling to understand and adapt to the new MTD rules.

    For instance, 21% of senior decision makers at UK SMEs said they don’t fully understand the next stage of Making Tax Digital, while 31% said they feared MTD could create additional pressure for them when it comes to managing their tax affairs.

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    Commenting on achieving the first tax submission in space, Jennifer Maslin said: “It’s still a bit surreal to think that my taxes have been submitted to HMRC from the edge of space.

    “Seeing the footage from that high up and watching the tech all coming together to make it happen was amazing!

    “It’s great to know that I’ll be ready and well-supported when Making Tax Digital for Income Tax properly comes into effect next year. If I can make a tax update from space, it should be a breeze to do it from my laptop on the ground!”

    Meanwhile, Craig Ogilvie, HMRC’s Making Tax Digital director, said: “Making Tax Digital for Income Tax is a transformative change that will improve tax collection and support small business productivity.

    “One of the best ways self-employed or those with property income can prepare is by joining the testing phase now.

    “Signing up early means they can get familiar with the new system, with exclusive access to our dedicated Customer Support Team, ensuring a smooth transition when they are mandated.

    “We are committed to supporting businesses every step of the way with detailed guidance available on GOV.UK.”

  90. UK Gov Invests £20M To Unlock Drone Services and Flying Taxis

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    UK drone services at a commercial scale and flying taxis “could soon be a reality,” with the aviation minister today confirming over £20 million in funding to support this mission.

    The new funding is being made to remove barriers to growth and maximise opportunities for better and cheaper public services, while also cutting carbon emissions.

    It’s designed to advance new aviation technologies to support healthcare for the NHS, assist police forces, help to inspect and survey critical infrastructure, and unlock delivery services for businesses and communities across the UK.

    Both the aviation minister, Miles Kane, and science minister, Lord Vallance, have set out how the Department for Transport (DfT), Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and the new Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) will streamline regulatory processes to support the commercialisation of the industry.

    The RIO is looking to drive smarter regulation to “cut red tape” while ensuring high safety standards, supporting the DfT and CAA in enabling faster integration of drones and flying taxi industries.

    This includes consulting on the mandatory use of electronic conspicuity standards and technologies, which allow aircraft to share their location electronically, helping drones and crewed aircraft fly safely alongside each other.

    By making approvals quicker and operations more efficient, this will open new opportunities for the industry while maintaining the highest safety standards, the government said.

    In addition, as previously confirmed by the chancellor, plans are now underway to simplify regulations to enable 2-year airspace change for drone operations, enabling operators to fly safely for longer and gather data to inform future services.

    Other changes will simplify regulations to enable emergency services, including firefighters and paramedics, to use drone services, and streamlining the drone operational application process to enable them to get flying faster and easier.

    Further, the regulator, drone operators, flying vehicle innovators, and local authorities will come together with government at the Future of Flight industry group to help guide the government on its mission to transform technology in aviation.

    The group will focus on how to unlock the benefits of future aviation technologies, and how government can create a culture of innovation, with the aim of improving everyday challenges while cutting carbon emissions.

    The funding will be divided between the CAA, receiving £16.5 million in 2025 to 2026, and the Future Flight Challenge, which will get up to £5 million.

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    Aviation minister Mike Kane commented: “I want the UK to have the most advanced aviation technology ecosystem in the world.

    “That means creating a nimble regulatory environment and a culture of innovation so everyone can benefit from cutting-edge transport while tackling emissions, traffic and potentially saving lives.

    “Our investment alongside the new Future of Flight industry group will bring together tech experts, drone operators, flying vehicle manufacturers and local communities to identify where change needs to happen.”

  91. GenAI Spending to Reach $644BN Globally in 2025

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    A new forecast from Gartner, the technological research and consulting company, has predicted that worldwide generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) spending is expected to total $644 billion (£500bn~) in 2025.

    “Expectations for GenAI’s capabilities are declining due to high failure rates in initial proof-of-concept (POC) work and dissatisfaction with current GenAI results,” noted John-David Lovelock, a distinguished VP analyst at Gartner.

    “Despite this, foundational model providers are investing billions annually to enhance GenAI models’ size, performance, and reliability. This paradox will persist through 2025 and 2026.

    “Ambitious internal projects from 2024 will face scrutiny in 2025, as CIOs opt for commercial off-the-shelf solutions for more predictable implementation and business value,” he explained.

    “Despite model improvements, CIOs will reduce POC and self-development efforts, focusing instead on GenAI features from existing software providers.”

    AI Capable Consumer Devices to Drive GenAI Spend

    GenAI spend is poised for significant growth across all core markets, including in services, software, devices, and services, as well as submarkets.

    That said, it’ll largely be driven by the integration of AI capabilities into hardware, such as services, smartphones, and PCs.

    In terms of specific numbers, GenAI spending across devices this year is expected to see a nearly 100% growth over 2024, with spend to increase to nearly $400bn (£310bn~), equating to a significant portion of overall predicted spend for GenAI in 2025.

    Meanwhile, GenAI spending related to servers is thought to increase by 33% this year, with 2025’s spend forecast to be $180bn (£140bn~).

    When it comes to GenAI spend concerning software, it’ll see a 94% growth, according to Gartner, and a spend of $37bn (£29bn~).

    As for GenAI spending across services, it’s forecast to be $27.7bn (£21bn~), representing an increase of over 160% over 2024.

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    “The market’s growth trajectory is heavily influenced by the increasing prevalence of AI-enabled devices, which are expected to comprise almost the entire consumer device market by 2028,” added Lovelock.

    “However, consumers are not chasing these features. As the manufacturers embed AI as a standard feature in consumer devices, consumers will be forced to purchase them,” he remarked.

  92. Is UK Law Enforcement Well Equipped to Tackle AI-enabled Crime?

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    According to a new report from The Alan Turing Institute, UK law enforcement lacks the tools to effectively tackle AI-enabled crime, and must adopt a more proactive, AI-driven approach.

    The report, published today by the Institute’s Centre for Emerging Technology and Security (CETaS), calls for the creation of a dedicated AI Crime Taskforce within the National Crime Agency (NCA).

    The Centre highlighted how, while the use of AI by criminals remains at an early stage, there’s widespread evidence emerging of substantial acceleration in AI-enabled crime, not least when it comes to the likes of phishing and sexual abuse material.

    The research argues that the acceleration in AI-enabled crime is being driven by AI’s ability to automate, augment, and rapidly scale the volume of criminal activity.

    Easy exploitation of AI systems and models by criminal groups means these technologies are being effective “partners” to groups in achieving their objectives.

    In response, the new report makes several recommendations for actions that government and law enforcement can take to counter AI-enabled crime.

    The authors argue for a new AI Crime Taskforce to be established with the NCA; closer cooperation with European and international law enforcement partners; and law enforcement intelligence assessments to inform AI evaluation and testing so AI models’ compliance with criminal requests can be minimised.

    “As AI tools continue to advance, criminals and fraudsters will exploit them, challenging law enforcement and making it even more difficult for potential victims to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fake,” said Ardi Janjeva, a senior research associate at The Alan Turing Institute, and an author on the report.

    “It’s crucial that agencies fighting crime develop effective ways to mitigate this including combatting AI with AI.”

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    Joe Burton, professor of international security at Lancaster University, and also author of the report, added: “AI-enabled crime is already causing serious personal and social harm and big financial losses.

    “We need to get serious about our response and give law enforcement the necessary tools to actively disrupt criminal groups. 

    “If we don’t, we’re set to see the rapid expansion of criminal use of AI technologies.”

  93. Innovation Accelerator Programme Gets £30M in Extension Funding

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    Innovate UK, the nation’s innovation agency, has announced £30 million of extending funding to a pilot programme which it says is shaping the future of UK industrial strategy.

    The Innovation Accelerator (IA) programme focuses on locally-led innovation that drives economic growth and technological advancement across three key UK regions: Glasgow City Region, West Midlands, and Greater Manchester.

    The IA programme itself is led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). It’s a three-year program, was originally launched in 2022, and was due to complete in March 2025.

    The new extension funding, which has been made due to the programme’s success, builds on the £100 million already invested into the programme.

    The pilot is co-designed with city regions and takes a “fresh approach” to accelerate innovation and support them to become globally competitive research and development powerhouses.

    Specifically, in the Glasgow City Region, it’s developing clusters such as advanced manufacturing, space and photonics, healthcare, and precision medicine.

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    Dean Cook, who’s executive director for place and global at Innovate UK, said: “The Innovation Accelerator pilot stands as a testament to the power of uniting national strategies with locally empowered decision-making.

    “At the heart of our approach lies the principle of co-creation, recognising the wisdom of local people with a deep understanding of local strengths and knowing best their needs.

    “This local knowledge is complemented by our reach at Innovate UK as the national innovation agency, linking these regional clusters with opportunities provided by national and international networks both within Government and beyond.

    “It is fantastic to secure additional funding for this programme which is making a meaningful impact on the lives of local communities whether that be improved access to healthcare, more efficient infrastructure or a cleaner and greener environment.

    “I can’t wait to see what can be achieved in this next iteration of the programme.”

  94. New Wave of Semiconductor Startups Join ChipStart Incubator

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    A new wave of semiconductor startups have been chosen to join ChipStart, the UK Government-backed incubator programme.

    ChipStart, provided by global startup accelerator SiliconCatalyst.UK, provides technical expertise and commercial support to help UK-based semiconductor firms grow and create high-skilled jobs.

    Semiconductors are a cornerstone of the UK’s tech economy, with the sector already worth £10 billion, and projected to grow up to £17 billion by 2030.

    They power the technology we rely on daily, from smartphones and medical devices, to electric cars and cutting-edge AI, and control the flow of electricity in electronic systems.

    This year’s ChipStart cohort, backed by £1.1 million of government funding, includes RX-Watt, a spinout of the University of Glasgow. The firm is pioneering battery-free sensors that can be wirelessly powered using safe microwave signals.

    Its technology could save industries time and money where they depend on monitoring products and goods in real-time, helping manufacturers prevent costly equipment failures and ensuring critical goods like vaccines are stored at the right temperature throughout the supply chain.

    The full list of firms participating in the third wave—which includes other Scots firms, such as Kelvin Quantum—are as follows:

    1. Chipletti
    2. Ethicronics
    3. Kahu
    4. Kelvin Quantum
    5. Unnamed from the University of Glasgow
    6. Prospectral
    7. Quantopticon
    8. RxWatt
    9. SiDesign
    10. Smith Optical

    Companies from the first two ChipStart cohorts are already on track to raise over £40 million in private investment, the government said.

    Speaking on the incubator, Sean Redmond at Silicon Catalyst.UK, commented: “We have been delighted with the high quality of new semiconductor startup applications we received for our third cohort of ChipStart from across the UK semiconductor clusters.

    “Our now proven incubation process, that provides no cost design tools and chip manufacturing, will help these competitively selected companies attract the right private investment at the right time, launching them onto the global semiconductor stage.

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    “With the help of our experienced semiconductor executive advisors, which includes co-founders of Arm, we can help these young companies make great decisions and build the next generation of UK semiconductor unicorns.

    “The next ten years of semiconductors will be a race to a £2 trillion industry. These new UK scale-ups will be in pole position to win that race.”

  95. Scots SpaceTech Firm Secures Half a Million Pounds in New Funding

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    Aurora Avionics, the Scottish aerospace technology company, has secured a new investment of half a million pounds to accelerate its mission to revolutionise space launch guidance systems.

    Backed by Kelvin Capital, Gabriel, and Scottish Enterprise, the Edinburgh-based firm is now looking to use the fresh funds to aid its expansion.

    Specifically, the funding will enable Aurora Avionics to hire new engineers, grow its operations at the Royal Observatory in Edinburgh, and advance its technology.

    The firm creates innovative avionics controllers for launch vehicles, rocket engines, and general robotics in extreme conditions.

    It also develops universal systems designed to help space firms launch faster, safer, and more affordably.

    The firm’s latest round of funding follows on from an initial £320,000 investment by Gabriel and Scottish Enterprise last year.

    Subsequently, the company was selected for Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Ventures portfolio.

    Oren Smith-Carpenter, CEO of Aurora Avionics, said: “Our goal is to set a new standard in modular guidance and data-acquisition systems, equipping manufacturers with the most advanced, cost-effective, and versatile avionics solutions on the market.

    “This investment allows us to do just that and is a catalyst for transformation, not just for us, but for the entire space sector.

    “With this support, we are now in a prime position to accelerate innovation and deliver the next generation of spaceflight technology.”

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    Founded in 2023 by Oren Smith-Carpenter and Rowland Fraser, the co-founders are both former Orbex employees and experienced aerospace engineers.

    In August, they welcomed the founder and former CEO of Orbex, Chris Larmour, to the firm as a non-executive director.

    Also speaking on the new funding, John McNicol, director of Kelvin Capital, commented: “Kelvin Capital is thrilled to support Aurora Avionics at this pivotal stage of their journey.

    “Their groundbreaking work in avionics technology is not only pushing the boundaries of spaceflight innovation but also positioning Scotland as a leader in the global aerospace sector.

    “This investment underscores our commitment to backing high-growth, high-impact companies that are shaping the future.”

  96. US Animation and Visualisation Firm to Put £28M into New Glasgow Studio

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    Halon, the Los Angeles-based animation and visualisation company, has announced plans to invest £28 million in a new Glasgow studio, creating up to 250 jobs over the next three years.

    The firm, founded in 2003, is a leader in visualisation and virtual production for feature films, as well as provider of final animation for the gaming industry.

    In recent years, Halon has worked on blockbuster movies such as the Planet of the Apes franchise, Mission:Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and the Batman, in addition to television series including The Mandalorian, and Epic Games’ hit video game Fortnite.

    Now, the company will expand to Glasgow, having been drawn to the city by its skilled workforce in areas including computer graphics, animation, and digital technology, its facilities, and its academic institutions.

    LA is to remain the home of Halon’s headquarters, with the Glasgow studio complementing and strengthening its operations, ensuring enhanced service and efficiency for the company’s global clients.

    Scotland’s national economic development agency, Scottish Enterprise, is providing Halon with advisory services and £3.9m of funding towards the overall project cost.

    Chris Ferriter, president of Halon Entertainment, said: “With production happening across the globe, expanding our full-service studios on both sides of the Atlantic allows us to better support our clients with world-class services and top-tier talent, no matter where projects take them.

    “Our new Scotland studio strengthens our ability to collaborate seamlessly across time zones and deliver exceptional work to even more productions worldwide.”

    Scotland’s culture secretary, Angus Robertson MSP, welcomed the announcement during a meeting with Ferriter, Halon’s chief financial officer Francesca Segarra, and creative director Grant Olin: “I greatly welcome this major investment from Halon Entertainment, which is a huge endorsement of the skills, talent and experience that Glasgow offers and the strength of Scotland’s screen sector overall.

    “It marks a major boost for the digital tech, film, TV, and games industries, reinforcing Scotland’s position as a global hub for creative technology.

    “Together with Scottish Enterprise and Screen Scotland, the Scottish Government is committed to accelerating the growth of our screen sector.

    “Inward investment like this is a key driver of that growth and the cultural and economic opportunities that come with that, including hundreds of good, well-paying jobs.”

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    According to Invest Glasgow, the city hosts a third of UK regional tech firms working in the creative economy. Key areas of strength include immersive technologies, digital design and marketing, media production, and animation and visualisation.

    And across Scotland, an estimated £617.4 million was spent on the production of film, TV and other visual content in 2021, according to the most recent figures published by Screen Scotland.

  97. Early-stage Tech Firms Showcased in Edinburgh

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    A device that can tackle housing-related health issues, an app to slow the progression of dementia, and ownership infrastructure for digital media were all recently presented at an emerging tech showcase in Edinburgh.

    Early-stage firms that are part of the University of Edinburgh’s Venture Builder Incubator (VBI) and AI Accelerator (AIA) programmes combined to present their cohorts which are looking for investment.

    At the event, over 200 investors, founders, and ecosystem partners also voted for the companies most likely to make an impact on the world in ten years’ time.

    Winner in the AIA health category was Nooku, a Glasgow-based company with a device that monitors indoor air quality and provides actionable insights to improve it.

    Nooku founder Danny Kane, who’s from Glasgow and whose six-year-old has asthma, said: “In the UK, we spend 90% of our time indoors where the air is up to 5 times more polluted than outside, often because of poor building design, which results in insufficient ventilation and leads to issues like dampness and mould.

    “Shockingly, the UK now has the third highest asthma rate in the world.

    “Our device analyses the air quality and the app uses AI to sync with building information and occupant health data to provide tailored advice and actionable insights.

    “These could range from improving ventilation, to choosing less toxic cleaning products, or even just shutting the kitchen door when you cook to prevent harmful pollutants spreading through your home.”

    Nooku is already on sale through retailers such as Curry’s and B&Q, and is looking for £1.5 million to roll out to the United States next year.

    Meanwhile, winner of the wildcard category was Leafstory, an AI character that converses with dementia sufferers to help build up their memory bank and slow disease progression.

    University of Edinburgh startup SolarSub also won the climate action category for its innovative cooling system that improves the efficiency and sustainability of floating solar panels.

    VBI companies pitching included winner Garandor, which is aiming to address the challenge of AI and creative copyright with a solution combining invisible watermarking, misuse detection, and automated enforcement to provide rights holders with control, attribution, and compensation.

    Broonie, meanwhile, won in the education category for its safe artificial intelligence for schools.

    Alumni of the two Edinburgh-based, business-supporting programmes have raised a combined £144 million in grant funding and investment so far.

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    Claire Cramm, investment manager at venture capital fund Par Equity, who participated in a panel at the event, said: “Fostering investment in the most promising early-stage companies across the north of the UK is key to building the next generation of high-growth businesses.

    “Events like the AIA and VBI Showcase play an important role in connecting investors with emerging technologies that have the potential to scale and make a real impact.”

    Dr Andrea Taylor, CEO of Edinburgh Innovations, the university’s commercialisation service, added: “Growing innovative, high-quality startups and spinouts takes tenacity and energy from founders, and support from entrepreneurial campuses like Edinburgh’s, as well as the broader Scottish ecosystem, including investors willing to take a risk.”

  98. Gartner: CFOs Should “Reset” Expectations Around AI and Productivity

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    According to the results of a recently-published survey from Gartner, the technological and consulting firm, many organisations are struggling to turn investments in traditional and generative AI into material improvements in worker productivity.

    The company’s survey of over 700 respondents from a range of business functions revealed that among teams who primarily used traditional AI, only 37% reported high productivity gains, and GenAI-using teams fared marginally worse at 34%.

    This means that 63% of those mainly utilising traditional AI reported having lower productivity gains, while 66% of respondents using GenAI reported lower productivity gains.

    Randeep Rathindran, who serves as distinguished vice president, research, in the Gartner Finance practice, shared the latest findings on the impact AI is having on CFOs and finance leaders during the Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference 2025.

    “Despite the excitement surrounding AI, its impact on productivity has been inconsistent, leading to what some describe as the AI productivity paradox,” said Rathindran.

    “While AI has shown potential to boost productivity at the segment level, such as in call centers, broader organisational benefits have been harder to achieve. Therefore, CFOs should recalibrate expectations on how AI will truly impact worker productivity and headcount.”

    Gartner outlined that several factors contribute to the limited productivity gains from AI. For instance, the inflated expectations of AI’s capabilities lead to disillusionment. While it can automate certain tasks and provide valuable insights, it doesn’t yet automatically translate into substantial productivity improvements across the board.

    The distribution of productivity gains across functions is uneven too, it was noted. Marketing teams, for example, report the highest productivity gains from AI implementation, while legal and HR functions fall behind.

    “The most successful teams approach AI with an openness to learn and explore new use cases, rather than fearing job displacement,” said Rathindran.

    “By redesigning structures and workflows to eliminate process bottlenecks and shifting time to value-added tasks, these teams maximise AI’s potential and achieve meaningful productivity gains.”

    Rather than viewing AI as a “silver bullet” for driving efficiency, Gartner underlined, CFOs and business leaders should reset their initial expectations about AI’s impact on productivity, and focus on creating the internal conditions that enable AI to deliver its full potential.

    This involves challenging assumptions about cost or headcount savings in AI-related business cases, and sensitising C-suite and finance leaders to organisational behaviors that heighten AI’s impact.

    By adopting a structured, explorative, and collaborative approach, firms can position themselves to capture the productivity benefits that AI can deliver, the research firm advised.

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    “As AI and GenAI continue to evolve, their transformative promise remains undeniable. However, organisations must ground their expectations in current realities and focus on the factors that truly drive productivity gains,” Rathindran said.

    “By understanding the nuances of AI’s impact and fostering a culture of acceptance and learning, organisations can harness AI’s potential to achieve sustainable success.”

  99. Glasgow’s Kube Networks Secures £2.25M From Maven

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    Glasgow-based technology solutions provider Kube Networks (KubeNet), which specialises in managed IT and infrastructure services, cloud solutions, connectivity, voice, and cybersecurity, has secured £2.25 million in funding from Scots private equity firm Maven.

    The funding, provided via Maven Investor Partners, the firm’s private equity co-investment network, has been made to support KubeNet’s growth plans, which include organic expansion and a targeted buy-and-build strategy.

    A first bolt-on acquisition is expected to complete in the coming weeks, providing an immediate increase in scale and offering “significant synergy potential.”

    Founded in 2012, KubeNet has established itself as a trusted technology provider for a range of UK and global clients, and is an accredited partner of Cisco, Microsoft, and Datto.

    The Glasgow-based company offers a suite of IT and infrastructure managed services, including owning and operating an advanced next-generation network offering clients high-speed internet services.

    The investment in KubeNet follows a 27% increase in revenues over the past two years, driven by an expanding customer base and increased upselling opportunities.

    “Partnering with Maven marks a significant milestone for KubeNet and we are excited to work with a private equity firm that shares our vision and importantly, understands our sector,” said Fraser Ferguson, managing director at KubeNet.

    “At KubeNet we have a clear M&A strategy to align with our current organic growth, and this investment will accelerate our ambitious growth plans and further scale our proven and innovative solutions to a wider UK market.”

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    Andrew Muirhead, senior investment manager at Maven, added: “We are delighted to have secured this off-market opportunity for our investors, backing a well-established, profitable business with increasing levels of contracted revenues and operating in a market that is forecast for long-term growth.

    “We have been impressed by managements’ plans for scaling the business, which includes a strong acquisition pipeline of highly complementary businesses that will expand its service capabilities, achieve operational efficiencies, and ultimately accelerate growth.”