Google $9B AI Investment, OpenAI, Anthropic Advance Models

The integration of artificial intelligence continues to reshape various sectors, from education and business to biosecurity and consumer technology. In academia, educators are grappling with AI's role, with some implementing tech-free policies to encourage focus, while others, like professors at Georgia State University, are using tools such as Google's Gemini for lesson planning and grading. However, concerns persist about students using AI to bypass learning, particularly in computer science, where some professors view AI use as 'self-sabotage' that hinders critical thinking. Businesses are also navigating AI's impact, with experts emphasizing that AI alone won't boost productivity without fundamental reinvention of processes and structures. Companies are shifting their competitive edge from efficiency to intelligence, leveraging proprietary data to fuel AI systems. Google is investing significantly in AI infrastructure, committing $9 billion to cloud and AI in Virginia through 2026. Meanwhile, the rapid advancement of AI models by U.S. companies like OpenAI and Anthropic is challenging global startups, pushing them to focus on applications rather than model development. On the biosecurity front, research from Microsoft highlights a growing concern: AI tools can design dangerous new pathogens and toxins that may bypass current security screening systems, necessitating continuous updates to defenses. In consumer tech, PayPal Honey is using AI to streamline online shopping discovery, filtering product recommendations with real-time pricing and offers. The broader societal implications of AI are also under discussion, with calls for greater citizen input in global AI governance dialogues.

Key Takeaways

• Educators are divided on AI in classrooms, with some banning technology and others integrating tools like Google's Gemini for tasks like lesson planning and grading.
• A significant portion of university administrators and instructors are using generative AI daily or weekly, a notable increase from previous years.
• Concerns exist among computer science professors that AI use hinders students' development of problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
• Businesses are shifting their competitive advantage from efficiency to intelligence, recognizing that AI requires systemic reinvention of processes, people, and structures to boost productivity.
• Google is investing $9 billion in cloud and AI infrastructure in Virginia through 2026.
• Rapid AI model upgrades from U.S. companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are pressuring global startups to focus on AI applications rather than core model development.
• Microsoft research indicates AI tools can design dangerous pathogens and toxins that may evade current biosecurity screening systems.
• PayPal Honey is leveraging AI to simplify online shopping discovery by filtering product recommendations with real-time pricing and offers.
• There is a call for greater citizen participation in UN AI governance dialogues to address social and environmental impacts effectively.
• Despite substantial investments, measurable business productivity gains from AI remain elusive, often requiring a 'J-curve' effect and business model redesign.

AI in classrooms: Students learn or just copy?

At Cal State Bakersfield, the NextTech Kern 2025 event explored how AI is changing education. Professors Maruti Mishra and Anjana Yatawara are using surveys to teach AI ethics and understand student use. While some students are unaware of how to use AI tools, others tend to copy answers without learning. Educators stress the importance of citing sources and using AI responsibly as the world adapts to this technology.

Professors use AI for research, lesson plans, and grading

A study shows that about 40% of university administrators and 30% of instructors use generative AI daily or weekly, a significant increase from previous years. Professors like G. Sue Kasun at Georgia State University use AI tools like Google's Gemini for brainstorming course ideas and creating grading rubrics. While AI can save time on tasks like curriculum development and research, some educators worry about its use in grading and its potential to devalue professor-student relationships.

Computer science professors see AI use as 'self-sabotage'

Many computer science professors believe that using AI like ChatGPT for assignments hinders students' ability to learn problem-solving skills. Some have reduced the weight of assignments or shifted grading to exams to discourage AI use. Professors like Alan Weide and Theodore Kim note a diminished understanding of foundational concepts among students. While some see AI as a potential learning tool, many emphasize the importance of students doing the work themselves to build critical thinking abilities.

Georgetown classes go tech-free or embrace AI

Amid the rise of AI, some Georgetown professors are implementing no-technology policies, requiring students to take notes by hand and use paper for exams. Professors like Erika Seamon and Joseph Hartman believe this helps students focus and engage more deeply with the material. Conversely, other professors are finding ways to integrate AI into their assignments, recognizing its growing role in society. This split approach reflects diverse views on how to best navigate AI's impact on education.

AI reshapes business advantage, shifting from efficiency to intelligence

Artificial intelligence is fundamentally changing how companies gain a competitive edge, moving beyond mere efficiency to intelligence. AI-first workflows can drastically lower the cost of serving additional customers, allowing businesses to scale significantly without proportional cost increases. Proprietary data captured by companies becomes crucial, acting as fuel for AI systems. IT teams will play a key role in translating technology and operations, requiring fluency in business processes to maximize AI's potential.

AI alone won't boost productivity without business reinvention

Despite significant investments in AI, machine learning, and automation, business productivity remains stagnant. Experts argue that these technologies alone cannot deliver positive outcomes without systemic reinvention of processes, people, and structures. While AI can automate tasks and power autonomous agents across workflows, companies struggle with high infrastructure costs and integration challenges. True benefits come from treating AI as modular building blocks and redesigning entire business journeys, not just automating individual tasks.

AI could help create bioweapons bypassing security

New research shows that AI tools can design dangerous new pathogens and toxins that bypass current security software used by DNA manufacturers. Microsoft researchers demonstrated that AI-generated DNA sequences could evade detection systems. While updated screening tools caught 97% of dangerous sequences in a follow-up test, a small percentage still slipped through. This highlights the need for continuous updates to biosecurity measures to counter evolving AI-driven threats.

AI protein design poses biosecurity risk, researchers find

Researchers discovered that AI can design new versions of toxins, like ricin, whose DNA sequences might bypass existing biosecurity screening software. A Microsoft-led study tested over 75,000 AI-designed protein variants, finding that a significant number could evade detection. While improved screening methods caught most threats, some dangerous sequences were still missed. This highlights a potential vulnerability and the ongoing need to adapt defenses against AI-driven biological threats.

US AI model upgrades challenge Europe's startup scene

Rapid updates to AI models by U.S. companies like OpenAI and Anthropic are forcing AI startups globally to innovate quickly. Europe's opportunity lies in developing applications that utilize these AI models, rather than competing directly in model development. While European startups secured significant venture capital in early 2025, the U.S. dominates investment value. Europe faces challenges with risk appetite and market fragmentation, but some companies are finding success by focusing on specific AI applications and leveraging unique advantages.

UN AI dialogue needs citizen voices for real impact

The upcoming UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva has the potential to include citizen voices, learning from climate change discussions. Current global AI talks often ignore everyday experiences with the technology. To be effective, the dialogue must incorporate social and environmental impacts and public attitudes, with a robust mechanism for direct citizen input. Including diverse perspectives from students, workers, and communities is crucial for creating relevant and actionable AI governance.

AI productivity gains lag despite billions in investment

Despite massive investments in AI, measurable productivity gains remain elusive for many businesses. This reflects a common pattern where groundbreaking technologies require significant upfront investment before delivering results, known as the 'J-curve' effect. Experts like Erik Brynjolfsson emphasize that true AI productivity comes not just from incremental automation but from reimagining work and business models. Developing new metrics to capture AI's value and patience are key to unlocking its full potential.

Top energy stories: Google invests in AI, WEF reports on emerging tech

This week's top energy stories include Google's $9 billion investment in cloud and AI infrastructure in Virginia, planned through 2026. The International Energy Agency (IEA) highlights electrification as key to meeting Net Zero targets, noting that the rate needs to double by 2030. The World Economic Forum (WEF) released its Top 10 Emerging Technologies of 2025 report, focusing on advancements in energy systems, health, and trust. Energy consulting firms are also playing a vital role in guiding the clean energy transition.

AI platform turns chip datasheets into engineer workflows

London-based startup Embedd.it uses AI to make chip datasheets machine-readable, creating vendor-agnostic tools for embedded engineers. Their platform helps configure devices, generate code, and integrate hardware and software more seamlessly. Co-founder Michael Lazarenko explains that this approach addresses data challenges in embedded development, allowing engineers to focus on higher-level tasks. The technology benefits industries like automotive, defense, and aerospace, where constraints and compliance are critical.

PayPal Honey uses AI to simplify online shopping discovery

PayPal Honey has updated its tools to use AI for simplifying online shopping, especially for consumers using AI chatbots. When users ask for product recommendations, Honey displays filtered options with real-time pricing and offers, reducing search time. This feature aims to bridge the gap between AI-driven discovery and purchase, helping small businesses convert increased AI traffic into sales. The updates are rolling out for free in the U.S. before the holiday season.

AI huntress Kayla teaches deer hunting online

Kayla, a new AI-generated virtual huntress created by Fable Studio, is teaching people how to hunt deer through realistic online content. While she has gained a following for her hunting tips and realistic portrayal, her existence has sparked debate about the ethics of using AI characters to promote activities like hunting. Kayla represents a new form of media creation using AI, offering a glimpse into the future of entertainment and community engagement.

Sources

• Ai in class: Learning or just copying?
• Research, curriculum and grading: new data sheds light on how professors are using AI
• ‘The height of self-sabotage’: Computer science professors bash AI use
• As AI use rises, some Georgetown classes are disconnecting from technology, while others embrace it
• AI And Competitive Advantage In The Next Era
• The Productivity Paradox-AI Alone Cannot Deliver What Businesses Need
• AI could make it easier to create bioweapons that bypass current security protocols
• Do AI-designed proteins create a biosecurity vulnerability?
• U.S. model upgrades are pushing AI startups to move fast – it's unclear if Europe can keep up
• The UN’s Global Dialogue on AI Must Give Citizens a Real Seat at the Table
• Why AI productivity still lags behind investment
• AI, Consulting Leaders, Emerging Tech: Top Energy Stories
• Turning chip datasheets into AI-structured workflows for embedded engineers
• PayPal Honey Simplifies AI Shopping with Instant Product Discovery Tools
• Meet Kayla, the Sexy AI-Generated Huntress Telling You How to Hunt Deer