Google Funds AI Training, OpenAI Partners With Wall Street

The artificial intelligence landscape is rapidly evolving, with significant developments across various sectors. In the tech industry, a demanding "996" work schedule, requiring employees to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, is gaining traction in U.S. AI startups, despite originating in China and facing protests. Experts caution that this trend, which involves 70-hour workweeks and is even suggested by Google's AI division, could lead to burnout and negatively impact creativity and well-being, with optimal productivity noted around 49 hours per week. Meanwhile, companies are re-evaluating AI investments; Anthropic's cofounder Mike Krieger suggests focusing on measurable results and user engagement, citing daily active users for tools like Claude Code as indicators of value. OpenAI is partnering with Wall Street firms for Project Mercury, aiming to train its AI models on specialized financial data beyond general internet information to improve accuracy for enterprise use cases. Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon views the current AI revolution as faster than previous tech shifts, anticipating more disruption and uncertainty in the job market, even as the company integrates AI and undergoes job cuts. On the educational front, Google is funding a significant AI training program at Miami Dade College to equip students and the workforce with essential AI skills. In the realm of IT support, AI agents are offering always-on assistance, learning over time and allowing IT teams to scale support by handling repetitive tasks. Samsung is integrating Perplexity AI into its smart TVs, offering users another AI option alongside Microsoft's Copilot and Samsung's own AI for enhanced media search and voice-activated queries. Elsewhere, Penn State Professor Chaopeng Shen is recognized with an IEE award for his pioneering AI research in water and Earth systems management, using deep learning to improve predictions. DigitalNet.ai has appointed Paul Dillahay as its new President of AI, signaling a strategic focus on artificial intelligence. Finally, Living Security has launched an AI-native Human Risk Management platform designed to predict and reduce risks from both human actions and AI agents.

Key Takeaways

• A demanding 996 work schedule (9 a.m. to 9 p.m., six days a week) is becoming more common in U.S. AI startups, with experts warning of burnout and negative impacts on well-being and creativity.
• Anthropic's cofounder Mike Krieger advises companies to focus on measurable AI results and user engagement, rather than adopting AI out of fear of missing out.
• OpenAI is collaborating with Wall Street firms on Project Mercury to train AI models using specialized financial data for enterprise applications.
• Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon believes the AI revolution is accelerating faster than previous technological shifts, potentially leading to greater job market disruption.
• Google is providing significant funding to Miami Dade College for an AI training initiative aimed at equipping students and the workforce with AI skills.
• Samsung is integrating Perplexity AI into its smart TVs, offering users an additional AI option for media search and voice commands.
• Living Security has launched an AI-native Human Risk Management platform to predict and mitigate risks posed by both human actions and AI agents.
• Penn State Professor Chaopeng Shen received an IEE award for his AI research in water and Earth systems management, utilizing deep learning for improved predictions.
• DigitalNet.ai has appointed Paul Dillahay as its new President of AI, underscoring the company's strategic focus on artificial intelligence.
• AI agents are transforming IT support by providing continuous, scalable assistance and handling repetitive tasks, allowing human workers to focus on strategic projects.

Grueling 996 work schedule gains traction in US

A demanding work schedule known as 996, requiring employees to work from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. six days a week, is becoming more common in the U.S., particularly in AI startups. This intense schedule, which originated in China and faced protests, is being adopted by some companies seeking highly dedicated workers. Leaders like Elon Musk have promoted similar work ethics, suggesting that significant achievements require more than a 40-hour week. However, experts warn that this trend could lead to burnout and negatively impact creativity and employee well-being.

Health warnings issued for 996 work trend in US

The 996 work schedule, demanding 70-hour weeks, is spreading in the U.S. AI sector despite being banned in China. Companies like Cognition and Rilla expect employees to work extreme hours, with Google's AI division suggesting 60 hours as a minimum. While this may boost short-term output, experts warn of serious health risks and unsustainable work practices. Sociologists note that this 'heroic masculine culture' in tech can exclude those with other responsibilities and may ultimately harm productivity, as research shows optimal productivity occurs around 49 hours per week.

Living Security launches AI platform to reduce workforce risk

Living Security has introduced a new AI-native Human Risk Management (HRM) platform designed to proactively manage risks in the age of artificial intelligence. Using the largest HRM dataset available, the platform predicts risks from both human actions and AI agents. It provides security teams with clear, explainable AI insights and can autonomously take steps to reduce these risks. This innovative solution aims to help organizations navigate the complex security challenges that arise as AI becomes more integrated into business operations.

Paul Dillahay named President of AI at DigitalNet.ai

DigitalNet.ai has appointed Paul Dillahay as its new President of AI. Dillahay, who founded Harmonic AI and advises RIVA Solutions, brings extensive experience in technology and business leadership. He has previously held executive roles at various government contracting firms. His appointment signals a strategic move by DigitalNet.ai, a global technology company with offices in the U.S., Canada, India, and Poland, to strengthen its focus on artificial intelligence.

Penn State professor Chaopeng Shen wins IEE award for AI water research

Penn State Professor Chaopeng Shen received the Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE) Person of the Year award for 2025. Shen is recognized for his pioneering work in combining artificial intelligence with water and Earth systems research. His innovative models help societies better manage floods, droughts, and ecosystems. Shen's approach uses AI, specifically deep learning and neural networks, to analyze complex data and improve predictions for water management, contributing to more accurate national and global water models.

Goldman Sachs CEO sees AI revolution as faster than past tech shifts

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon believes the current AI revolution is similar to past technological advancements but significantly faster. He noted in a CNBC interview that this rapid pace could cause more disruption and uncertainty in the job market. Solomon mentioned that Goldman Sachs is undergoing an AI-driven overhaul, including job cuts, to integrate AI into its operations for increased productivity. Despite potential job shifts, he expressed optimism about the economy's ability to adapt.

Instagram cofounder criticizes AI adoption driven by fear

Mike Krieger, cofounder of Instagram and chief product officer at Anthropic, criticized companies for adopting AI due to 'AI FOMO' (fear of missing out) without clear success metrics. He stated that companies are now re-evaluating AI investments to find measurable results. Krieger advises businesses to ask if a product is good now and set up for future success. He highlighted that daily active user metrics for AI tools like Anthropic's Claude Code can indicate value, as people tend to use tools that provide real benefits.

OpenAI partners with Wall Street for AI training data

OpenAI is collaborating with Wall Street firms to gather specialized financial data for training its AI models. This initiative, known as Project Mercury, aims to move beyond general internet data to use structured, real-world financial information. By recruiting former bankers, OpenAI seeks to create more accurate and commercially viable AI for enterprise use cases, particularly in regulated financial environments. This move addresses the challenge of training AI on complex financial reasoning and multi-step calculations.

AI agents offer always-on IT support

AI agents are transforming IT support by providing continuous assistance and learning over time, moving beyond traditional automation. These agents can follow company policies, allowing IT teams to scale support without increasing staff. While concerns about job security exist, autonomous IT aims to support human workers by handling repetitive tasks, freeing them for strategic projects. Implementing AI agents involves starting with low-risk issues, building trust through technician-in-the-loop workflows, and connecting them to knowledge bases for tailored responses.

Samsung integrates Perplexity AI into smart TVs

Samsung has partnered with Perplexity to feature its AI engine on select new smart TVs, marking a new frontier in the AI competition for living room devices. Users can choose Perplexity alongside Microsoft's Copilot and Samsung's own TV AI when using the TV's AI button. This collaboration is Perplexity's first global TV partnership and is currently free for users. Samsung sees AI as a key technology to enhance the TV experience, particularly for voice-activated queries and media search.

Google funds Miami Dade College AI training program

Google is awarding millions of dollars to support an artificial intelligence training initiative led by Miami Dade College. This funding aims to equip students and the workforce with essential AI skills. The initiative seeks to integrate AI education into classrooms and beyond, preparing individuals for the growing demands of the AI-driven economy. The partnership highlights Google's commitment to advancing AI education and accessibility.

Sources

• So long, 9-to-5. Hello, 996
• The ‘996’ work trend comes with dire health warnings
• Living Security Previews AI-Native HRM Platform That Proactively Reduces Workforce Risk in the AI Era
• DigitalNet.ai Appoints Paul Dillahay as President of AI
• Water, AI researcher honored with IEE 'Person of the Year' award
• David Solomon says there's a key difference between AI and past job revolutions
• Instagram cofounder rips 'AI FOMO' that caused a rush to adopt and no metrics: 'When it gets fuzzy, it's very hard to then evaluate'
• OpenAI Turns to Wall Street as AI Training Help
• How AI agents provide always-on support
• Exclusive: Samsung inks Perplexity deal to bring AI to the TV
• Google awards millions to Miami Dade College AI training initiative