Weekly Tech News (09 Nov - 15 Nov 2024)
Ali Parsa, Founder of Babylon, Unveils New Healthtech Venture: Quadrivia AI
Parsa is launching Quadrivia, a company registered in the UK and Jersey that features a beta AI assistant for clinicians.
Key Highlights:
* Secured pre-seed investment from Swedish investor Norrsken
* Enters market of well-funded startups building clinical assistants with large language models (LLMs)
* Aims to create affordable, comprehensive personal clinical assistant
Parsa: “[The AI assistant] is just at the beginning of its journey and we know the huge amount it still has to learn and get right, Our hope is to create an affordable personal clinical assistant with comprehensive capabilities across the care spectrum to help all clinicians and their patients.”
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In a game-changing collaboration, Ecosia and Qwant are building Europe’s independent search index to break free from Big Tech’s grip. With privacy at the forefront, this new venture will fuel innovation, especially in Generative AI, and offer users a unique search experience.
As Microsoft and Google hike API costs, these European challengers are seizing the opportunity to create a more sustainable, privacy-focused alternative. European Search Perspective (EUP) is set to redefine search, lowering costs and boosting Europe’s digital autonomy.
Expect the first wave in France by 2025, with a broader European rollout to follow.
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Cogna, the London-based pioneer in AI precision software, has raised €14.2 million in Series A funding led by Notion Capital. This investment will drive their mission to tackle productivity gaps in industries overlooked by traditional software.
Key Points:
1- Investors: Notion Capital, Hoxton Ventures, Chalfen Ventures.
2- AI for Complex Needs: Custom “service-as-software” solutions empower non-tech teams to solve industry-specific challenges.
3- Notable Clients: Cadent Gas, Network Plus—achieving efficiency gains without standard “one-size-fits-all” software.
4- Impact: Targeting sectors like utilities and public services, representing 70% of the economy, with AI-driven solutions to transform operations.
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Cambridge-based AllFocal Optics (formerly Lark Optics) is changing the game in AR/VR with its cutting-edge nanophotonic lenses that create an always-in-focus, human-like visual experience! The company has raised $5.3M in funding, including $3.6M in equity and a $1.7M Innovate UK grant—setting the stage for groundbreaking advancements in augmented reality and virtual reality.
What’s driving the hype?
1- $5.3M Funding from top investors like Speedinvest and Mario Götze.
2- First Trials with Jaguar Land Rover: Kicking off in early 2025!
3- Disruptive Technology: Nanophotonic lenses that eliminate VR/AR discomfort and integrate digital visuals seamlessly into the real world.
4- World-Changing Applications: From smart glasses to military helmets to automotive displays—the possibilities are endless!
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Physical Intelligence, the AI-driven robotics startup, just scored a game-changing $400M investment from top names like Jeff Bezos, OpenAI, and Thrive Capital, skyrocketing its valuation to $2.4 billion!
1- Redefining Robotics: Founded by heavyweights in AI and robotics from Tesla, Google, and UC Berkeley, Physical Intelligence is on a mission to build universal AI models that make robots adaptable across industries.
2- AGI in Action: Already testing robots in real-world tasks—like table bussing and box assembly—the company’s “general-purpose” AI aims to power a wide range of robots, bringing artificial general intelligence (AGI) closer than ever.
3- Massive Industry Potential: As Physical Intelligence pushes boundaries, their technology could redefine how robots interact with the world—one task at a time.