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Japan promotes Osaka as a gateway for robotics and technology investment

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Japan is stepping up efforts to attract overseas technology companies and investors to Osaka, positioning the city as an alternative gateway to the Japanese market and a potential hub for innovation in sectors such as robotics, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing.

The initiative is being led by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), a government-backed agency that promotes trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world.

Following Expo 2025 Osaka, JETRO is highlighting a range of programs designed to help foreign companies establish operations in the Osaka and Kansai region. [Read more…] about Japan promotes Osaka as a gateway for robotics and technology investment

ISS National Lab launches Orbital Edge accelerator with up to $750,000 per startup and ISS flight access

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ISS National Laboratory has launched the 2026 Orbital Edge Accelerator, a new startup program designed to help deep-tech companies accelerate research, commercialization, and fundraising through access to the International Space Station.

The accelerator will select six startups, with each company eligible to receive up to $750,000 in venture funding alongside the opportunity to conduct ISS National Lab-sponsored in-orbit research projects.

According to the ISS National Lab, the program combines venture investment, orbital testing opportunities, mentorship, and commercialization support to help startups shorten development timelines that would otherwise take years using conventional laboratory and field testing. [Read more…] about ISS National Lab launches Orbital Edge accelerator with up to $750,000 per startup and ISS flight access

Gather AI raises $40 million to scale its physical AI platform for global logistics

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Gather AI, a startup developing physical AI for logistics, has raised $40 million in Series B funding led by Smith Point Capital Management.

The investment includes participation from Bain Capital Ventures, Tribeca Venture Partners, Bling Capital, Dundee Venture Capital, XRC Ventures, and new investor The Hillman Company. To date, the company has raised $74 million.

The investment follows a year of significant momentum, with Gather AI doubling its operational footprint and growing bookings 250 percent. [Read more…] about Gather AI raises $40 million to scale its physical AI platform for global logistics

AI agents are now hiring humans – and it may be less absurd than it sounds

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A strange new phenomenon is sweeping tech circles: autonomous AI agents are now posting job listings looking for humans to complete physical-world errands on their behalf.

A recently launched platform called RentAHuman.ai lets AI agents hire you. It allows software agents — the autonomous programs that can execute online tasks – to “rent” humans to perform jobs that require a physical body or on-the-ground presence.

The idea is as absurd as it sounds: machines can’t touch grass, but you can, and you’ll get paid when agents need someone in the real world. [Read more…] about AI agents are now hiring humans – and it may be less absurd than it sounds

AI music creation platform Suno raises $250 million at a $2.45 billion valuation

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Suno, a music company built to amplify imagination powered by an advanced AI model, closes a $250 million Series C round at a $2.45 billion post-money valuation, led by Menlo Ventures with participation from NVentures (Nvidia’s venture capital arm), Hallwood Media, Lightspeed and Matrix.

“We’re seeing the future of music take shape in real time,” said Mikey Shulman, co-founder and CEO of Suno. “In just two years, we’ve seen millions of people make their ideas a reality through Suno, from first-time creators to top songwriters and producers integrating the tool into their daily workflows.

“This funding allows us to keep expanding what’s possible, empowering more artists to experiment, collaborate, and build on their creativity. We’re proud to be at the forefront of this historic moment for music.” [Read more…] about AI music creation platform Suno raises $250 million at a $2.45 billion valuation

Agibot secures strategic investment from LG Electronics and Mirae Asset

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Chinese humanoid robot developer Agibot has completed a new round of strategic financing, drawing investment from South Korea’s LG Electronics and Mirae Asset, according to reports by Reuters and Yicai Global.

The investment marks LG’s first move into the “embodied intelligence” sector – an area encompassing humanoid robots and AI systems that interact physically with the real world.

It also represents the first global investment from the Mirae Asset-LG Electronics New Growth Fund, which focuses on emerging technologies. Agibot did not disclose the amount raised or the valuation implied by the funding round. [Read more…] about Agibot secures strategic investment from LG Electronics and Mirae Asset

From asteroid mining to democratizing quantum: World Economic Forum selects ‘pioneers in new wave of global innovation’

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The World Economic Forum has announced the 2025 cohort of its Technology Pioneers community, a group of 100 early-stage companies from 28 countries driving innovation across industries and borders.

Now in its 25th year, the programme celebrates its strongest cohort yet, marked by broader geographical representation, greater diversity beyond Silicon Valley and the rise of more ambitious frontier technologies.

Reflecting wider shifts in the innovation landscape, many of the companies spotlighted are using artificial intelligence (AI) to reach greater scale and sophistication with fewer resources. [Read more…] about From asteroid mining to democratizing quantum: World Economic Forum selects ‘pioneers in new wave of global innovation’