Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently underscored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, particularly during his address at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India. He announced a significant $15 billion investment aimed at establishing a comprehensive AI hub in Visakhapatnam. This ambitious project, part of what could be called 'Pichai Dreams' for India's digital future, includes substantial computing power and a new international subsea cable gateway, enhancing AI connectivity between India and the US. Pichai emphasized that AI represents the biggest platform shift of our time, crucial for solving global challenges and creating jobs, while stressing the need for responsible development to prevent a digital divide.
Furthering its commitment to AI development and adoption, Google also launched a new AI Professional Certificate course in India, developed in collaboration with Wadhwani AI. This initiative, part of the India-America Connect program, aims to equip students and early-career professionals with essential AI skills. Beyond India, Google is expanding its AI footprint through strategic partnerships, notably with Sea Ltd, the owner of Shopee. This collaboration focuses on developing AI tools for e-commerce, such as an AI shopping assistant for Shopee, and enhancing game development for Sea's unit, Garena, leveraging Google Cloud's AI and data analytics technology in Southeast Asia.
The broader impact of AI is also drawing significant attention across various sectors. Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr outlined three potential economic scenarios, ranging from widespread unemployment if training doesn't adapt, to a gradual adoption allowing for worker retraining and wage growth. Meanwhile, Cisco's 'State of AI Security 2026' report highlights rapidly expanding AI security threats, with many organizations unprepared for the secure use of new AI technologies. Concerns about AI's influence on public policy have also emerged, as an AI platform generated thousands of emails that impacted a proposal in Southern California, prompting discussions among lawmakers about potential regulation.
Businesses are actively integrating AI for operational improvements. TreviPay introduced its AI-Powered Growth Center to predict B2B buyer behavior and boost sales, using machine learning to identify at-risk customers. A webinar on February 19, 2026, will further explore strategies for using AI to enhance customer engagement and sales productivity. In the financial world, WisdomTree launched a new ETF (WPAI) focused on companies involved in physical AI, humanoids, and drones, while Crypto.com became the first digital asset platform to earn ISO 42001 AI certification in 2026, demonstrating its commitment to AI governance and security in areas like fraud detection.
Key Takeaways
- Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a $15 billion investment to build a full-stack AI hub in Visakhapatnam, India, including computing power and a subsea cable gateway.
- Google launched a new AI Professional Certificate course in India, developed with Wadhwani AI, to train students and professionals in AI.
- Google is partnering with Sea Ltd (owner of Shopee and Garena) to develop AI tools for e-commerce and gaming in Southeast Asia.
- Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr presented scenarios for AI's economic impact, emphasizing the need for worker adaptation and training.
- Cisco's 'State of AI Security 2026' report warns of rapidly expanding AI security threats and organizational unpreparedness.
- An AI platform influenced public policy by generating thousands of emails against a gas appliance proposal, raising concerns about AI-driven advocacy.
- TreviPay introduced an AI-Powered Growth Center to predict B2B buyer behavior and boost sales through machine learning.
- WisdomTree launched a new ETF (WPAI) focused on investments in physical AI, humanoids, and drones.
- Crypto.com received ISO 42001 AI certification in 2026, becoming the first digital asset platform to do so, highlighting its commitment to AI governance and security.
Google CEO Pichai Dreams Big with AI in India
Google CEO Sundar Pichai spoke at the AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, India, sharing his excitement for artificial intelligence. He announced a $15 billion investment to build a full-stack AI hub in Visakhapatnam, India. This hub will include large-scale computing power and a new international subsea cable gateway. Pichai believes AI is the biggest platform shift of our time and can help solve major global problems. He stressed the importance of developing AI boldly and responsibly to benefit everyone.
Google CEO Bets $15 Billion on India's AI Future
At the AI Impact Summit, Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a $15 billion investment in India, including a new AI hub in Visakhapatnam. He called AI the biggest platform shift of our lifetimes and aims to create jobs and improve access to technology. Pichai emphasized the need for responsible AI development to avoid a digital divide. He highlighted AI's real-world impact, such as helping Indian farmers with forecasts and improving drug discovery. Google is also launching new AI training programs to help workers adapt.
New Google AI Course Launched in India
Google CEO Sundar Pichai announced a new Google AI Professional Certificate course at the AI Summit 2026 in New Delhi. This course is part of the India-America Connect initiative to boost AI connectivity. Developed with Wadhwani AI, it aims to help students and early-career professionals master AI for their work. Pichai also detailed Google's $15 billion investment in India's infrastructure, including an AI hub in Visakhapatnam. The initiative includes new sub-sea cable routes to improve AI connectivity between India and the US.
Google and Sea Partner for AI in E-commerce and Gaming
Google and Sea Ltd, the owner of Shopee, have formed a new partnership to create artificial intelligence tools for e-commerce and gaming. They will explore building an AI shopping assistant for Shopee and use AI to improve game development for Sea's unit, Garena. This collaboration aims to leverage Google's AI and cloud technology to enhance Sea's services in Southeast Asia. The partnership focuses on monetizing AI capabilities beyond simple tasks, applying them to shopping and complex workflows.
Google and Shopee Owner Sea Team Up on AI Tools
Google and Sea Ltd, owner of Shopee, are partnering to develop AI tools for e-commerce and gaming. They plan to create an AI shopping prototype for Shopee and use AI to boost game development productivity. Google Cloud will provide AI and data analytics technology to Sea. This collaboration aims to enhance user experiences and personalize services across Sea's platforms in the growing Southeast Asian market. The partnership highlights AI's growing role in the e-commerce and gaming industries.
Fed Governor Barr: AI Could Boost Economy or Cause Jobless Boom
Federal Reserve Governor Michael Barr presented three scenarios for the AI economy. One scenario suggests AI could lead to widespread unemployment if education and training don't adapt. Another predicts an AI 'bust' due to limitations like data or energy shortages. Barr also outlined a balanced path where AI adoption is gradual, allowing workers to retrain and wages to rise. He emphasized that regardless of the scenario, AI's long-term impact could be positive, but managing the transition for workers is crucial.
Cisco Report: AI Security Threats Expanding Rapidly
Cisco's 'State of AI Security 2026' report reveals that AI security threats are growing quickly as AI adoption accelerates. Many organizations are not ready to securely use new AI technologies like agentic AI. The report highlights risks from AI vulnerabilities, complex supply chains, and autonomous AI agents. It also examines AI policy approaches in the US, EU, and China. Cisco urges a fundamental change in how companies approach digital security to address these evolving challenges.
TreviPay Launches AI Tool to Predict Buyer Behavior
TreviPay has introduced its AI-Powered Growth Center to help businesses predict buyer behavior and boost B2B sales. The tool uses machine learning to identify customers at risk of becoming inactive and suggests targeted incentives. It combines transactional data with behavioral insights to help sales, operations, and finance teams engage buyers effectively. Pilot tests showed the Growth Center accurately predicted dormant buyers, leading to increased spending after targeted outreach and incentives.
AI Emails Influence Policy, Lawmakers May Act
An AI platform generated thousands of emails that helped defeat a proposal to phase out gas appliances in Southern California. This incident raises concerns about AI influencing public policy through automated campaigns. Letters to the editor suggest that lawmakers may take action to prevent future manipulation. The use of fake or AI-generated emails in public comment periods is being questioned, highlighting the need for transparency and regulation in AI-driven advocacy.
AI vs. Real Headshots for Your Job Search
The market for AI-generated headshots is growing rapidly, but experts advise caution. While AI can create professional-looking photos, there are potential drawbacks to consider for job seekers. This report explores the pros and cons of using AI-generated images versus traditional, real headshots. It highlights important factors to watch out for when choosing a virtual portrait for professional use.
Webinar: Boost Sales with AI Engagement
A webinar on February 19, 2026, will offer practical strategies for using artificial intelligence to improve customer engagement and sales productivity. Experts Patrick Whelan and Kate Dunn will share actionable tactics. The session focuses on how businesses can leverage AI tools to enhance their sales efforts and connect more effectively with customers. This event provides insights for immediate application in sales and engagement strategies.
WisdomTree Launches ETF for AI, Robotics, and Drones
WisdomTree has introduced a new exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on companies involved in physical AI, humanoids, and drones. The WisdomTree Physical AI, Humanoids and Drones UCITS ETF (WPAI) aims to track the performance of the WisdomTree Physical AI UCITS Index. This thematic ETF, with a 0.45% expense ratio, began trading on several European stock exchanges. It expands WisdomTree's range of thematic investment products.
Crypto.com Earns AI Certification
Crypto.com is the first digital asset platform to receive ISO 42001 AI certification in 2026. This certification demonstrates their commitment to AI governance and security. The ISO/IEC 42001:2023 standard requires organizations to manage AI risks, including ethical considerations and transparency. Crypto.com uses AI for fraud detection, security, and efficiency, and this certification adds to its existing security and privacy management systems.
Sources
- “No technology has me dreaming bigger than AI”
- AI Impact Summit: Pichai bets $15 billion on India’s AI future, calls it the ‘biggest platform shift’
- Sundar Pichai announces new Google AI professional certificate course under India -America connect initiative
- Google, Shopee-owner Sea to develop AI tools for e-commerce, gaming
- Google, Shopee-owner Sea to develop AI tools for e-commerce, gaming
- Three Scenarios for the AI Economy: Fed Governor Outlines the Future of Work
- Cisco explores the expanding threat landscape of AI security for 2026 with its latest annual report
- TreviPay Announces AI-Powered Growth Center to Help Enterprises Predict Buyer Behavior and Drive B2B Sales
- Letters to the Editor: Lawmakers will likely take no action against AI-generated email campaigns
- Should you pay for real headshots or use AI? Weighing the pros and cons
- Webinar on Using AI for Engagement and Sales Productivity
- WisdomTree floats physical AI and autonomous systems ETF
- Crypto.com adds ISO 42001 to its AI, security certifications
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