AI, Nuclear Deals

The AI World Today

• AI Powers Up Nuclear Deals

• Nvidia Faces French Charges

• AI: The Biggest Revolution

• UN Adopts AI Equity Resolution

• Australia’s AI Job Growth

• AI Cloud Giant Plans Listing

• Dubai Appoints AI Officers

• Zambia Advances AI Innovation

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• Heads Up

• Save the Date

• Good Reads

Tech Firms Turn to Nuclear Energy for AI

A third of U.S. nuclear power plants are negotiating deals to supply electricity to AI-driven data centers, reports The Wall Street Journal. Among others, Amazon Web Services is close to securing a deal with Constellation Energy, the largest U.S. nuclear power plant owner. In March, Amazon acquired a nuclear-powered data center from Talen Energy for $650 million. The generative AI boom has spiked electricity demand, prompting tech companies to turn to nuclear power. As AI models grow, the demand for electricity could slow progress. Data centers now consume 2% of global energy, and by 2030, they could use up to 9% of U.S. electricity, per the Electric Power Research Institute. The prospect of investment in energy solutions seems promising as even OpenAI’s Sam Altman has invested in Exowatt, a startup focusing on energy solutions for AI data centers, raising $20 million.

French Antitrust Charges Loom Over Nvidia

Nvidia is set to face antitrust charges by the French regulator for allegedly anti-competitive practices related to its ad-supported subscription service, marking the first such action against the chip maker. This follows dawn raids on Nvidia's French offices last September, part of a broader investigation into the cloud computing market. The French Competition Authority's inquiry centers on concerns that Nvidia's dominance in AI and graphics chips could harm competition, especially as the demand for these chips has surged with the rise of generative AI applications like ChatGPT​. The European Commission, monitoring similar issues, is currently leaving the investigation to the French authority. Nvidia, which has seen significant growth and scrutiny, may face hefty fines if found in violation of the EU's Digital Markets Act.

Mary Meeker Predicts AI as Ultimate Revolution

Mary Meeker, renowned for her influential tech trend reports since the '90s, believes AI is the most significant technological revolution yet, surpassing transistors, PCs, biotech, the internet, and cloud computing. In an interview with Axios, Meeker highlighted that the past 30 years of internet development have laid the groundwork for AI's optimization of vast datasets. Her latest report, the first in over three years, examines the relationship between AI and U.S. higher education. She argues that the U.S. has overtaken China in AI and emphasizes the importance of tech companies and universities collaborating. Tech should provide GPUs to research universities, while higher education must adopt a mindset shift, viewing students as customers and teachers as coaches. Meeker's report calls this period "the beginning of a new super-cycle" for tech, noting unprecedented competition among trillion-dollar companies in AI.

UN adopts Chinese resolution with US support

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a Chinese-sponsored resolution with U.S. support, urging wealthy nations to close the AI gap with poorer countries. This follows a March 21 resolution led by the U.S. and co-sponsored by 123 countries, emphasizing AI's safety and equitable benefits. Both non-binding resolutions highlight U.S. and China's commitment to AI's global governance, despite their rivalry. China's U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong praised the U.S.'s positive role but criticized proposed U.S. sanctions on AI investments in China. The Chinese resolution, with over 140 sponsors, advocates for a fair and inclusive business environment and emphasizes international cooperation in AI development. It also supports efforts to address AI's military risks.

Australia's AI Sector Could Create 200,000 Jobs

Artificial intelligence could create up to 200,000 AI-related jobs in Australia by 2030, according to a Tech Council of Australia (TCA) report supported by Microsoft, LinkedIn, and Workday. Achieving this would require a 500% increase in the current AI workforce, which has grown from 800 workers in 2014 to over 33,000 in 2023. The report, "Meeting the AI Skills Boom," warns of potential skills shortages without significant reforms. TCA recommends boosting entry-level training, upskilling existing workers, and diversifying training pathways. AI adoption could contribute $115 billion to the economy, primarily through productivity gains. TCA CEO Damian Kassabgi emphasized the need for skills across various sectors to harness AI's potential.

Northern Data Considers $16B U.S. IPO

Germany-based Northern Data AG (NB2.DE) is considering a U.S. IPO for its AI cloud computing and data center units, potentially valuing them at $16 billion, reports Bloomberg News. The company plans to list its cloud unit Taiga and data centers, called Ardent, on Nasdaq by early next year. After two sub-par years, the U.S. IPO market is rebounding in 2024, with increased investor interest and optimism about the economy. Northern Data might also sell a minority stake in the unit before the listing.

22 Chief AI Officers Enhance Dubai Governance

Dubai has appointed 22 Chief AI Officers (CAIOs) to integrate artificial intelligence into government processes, advancing its AI position in the UAE and the Middle East. The CAIOs, appointed across various sectors including health, security, and education, aim to enhance decision-making and resource allocation. Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that this initiative will solidify Dubai's leadership in AI-driven government operations. Agencies receiving CAIOs include Dubai Customs and the Dubai Health Authority. The appointments follow Dubai's blueprint for AI adoption, which includes AI-themed curriculums and improved licensing for AI developers, mirroring its successful digital assets strategy.

Zambia Unveils Comprehensive AI Framework Plans

Zambia is advancing its technological landscape by developing a comprehensive AI framework, announced by Minister of Science and Technology Felix Mutati. Collaborating with the Tony Blair Institute and the European Union, Zambia aims to formulate an AI Strategy and a Startup Bill, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. The government is also revising the Cyber Security and Cyber Crimes Act to ensure a secure AI environment. At the Future of AI in Africa Conference in Lusaka, Mutati highlighted these initiatives. In May 2024, at CAMINEX in Kitwe, he revealed the AI strategy's completion, set for a July 2024 launch. Additionally, plans for a Statutory Instrument to regulate the ICT sector were announced, promoting ethical standards and best practices.

Heads Up

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Save the Date

July 4: Philippines Hosts AI Supercloud Convention 2024

July 1-4: Greece Hosts 5th Annual International Conference on AI and Data Science

Good reads

July 1: AI and Universities

June 29: Mapping AI Policy in Africa