Cisco Systems introduced its new Silicon One G300 switching chip on February 10, 2026, in both Amsterdam and San Francisco. This 3-nanometer technology chip, designed to power new N9100 and 8000 line Ethernet systems, aims to significantly boost AI deployments for hyperscalers, businesses, and operators. It features "shock absorber" capabilities to manage large data spikes and uses Intelligent Collective Networking to improve network utilization by 33%, speeding up AI computing tasks by 28% by automatically re-routing data. The G300, which will be available in the second half of the year, directly competes with offerings from Nvidia and Broadcom, positioning Cisco as a key supplier in the growing AI infrastructure market.
In response to the increasing demand for skilled AI professionals, educational institutions are expanding their offerings. Columbia Engineering launched a new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program on February 9, 2026, combining core AI studies with specializations like robotics and finance. Similarly, Kennesaw State University will introduce a Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program in Fall 2026, available both on campus and online. Beyond formal degrees, Step8Up Academy, led by CEO Jeev Sahoo, is providing accredited "AI Essentials" and "AI Foundations" training courses nationwide, noting a surge in sign-ups since January to help businesses and IT specialists leverage AI.
The broader impact of AI is also under scrutiny, with a Harvard Business Review article from February 9, 2026, suggesting that AI tools often intensify work rather than reduce it, leading to feelings of being overworked and job insecurity, as noted by Autodesk's Matt Sivertson. Meanwhile, the search for Nancy Guthrie, mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, has been complicated by AI-generated deepfakes, highlighting challenges in verifying authenticity in critical situations. In response to such risks, Nebraska Senators Eliot Bostar and Tanya Storer introduced bills on February 9, 2026, including the "Conversational Artificial Intelligence Safety Act," which mandates clear AI disclosure, bans reward systems for minors, and requires crisis referrals, especially following incidents like a teen's death linked to ChatGPT.
Companies are strategically integrating AI into their operations and infrastructure. Helport AI Limited, for instance, outlined plans for global expansion on February 10, 2026, aiming to deliver scalable, expert-level AI solutions for customer communication. In Texas, Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller proposed "Agriculture Freedom Zones" on February 8, 2026, to encourage data center and energy project development on less fertile land, balancing technological growth with farmland preservation. Additionally, AI tools like Apollo, Gong, and Pitch AI are transforming sales by automating tasks and providing insights, while ChatGPT assists in drafting personalized sales messages, allowing sales teams to focus more on closing deals.
Key Takeaways
- Cisco's Silicon One G300 chip, launched February 10, 2026, uses 3-nanometer technology to speed AI computing tasks by 28% and competes with Nvidia and Broadcom.
- The G300 chip powers new N9100 and 8000 line Ethernet systems, offering liquid cooling for 70% better energy efficiency in AI networks.
- Columbia Engineering launched a new Master of Science in AI (MSAI) program on February 9, 2026, and Kennesaw State University will offer a Bachelor of Science in AI in Fall 2026.
- Step8Up Academy, led by CEO Jeev Sahoo, provides BCS-accredited "AI Essentials" and "AI Foundations" training courses, experiencing a surge in sign-ups.
- A Harvard Business Review article from February 9, 2026, suggests AI tools intensify work and contribute to job insecurity rather than reducing workload.
- AI-generated deepfakes are complicating law enforcement investigations, such as the search for Nancy Guthrie, making proof of life verification difficult.
- Nebraska introduced bills (LB 1185, LB 1083) on February 9, 2026, to establish AI safety rules for minors, including disclosure requirements and incident reporting, partly in response to a teen's death linked to ChatGPT.
- Helport AI Limited plans global expansion for its AI-powered customer communication software, focusing on product development and market reach.
- Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller proposed "Agriculture Freedom Zones" to incentivize building data centers on less fertile land, protecting prime farmland.
- AI tools like Apollo, ChatGPT, Gong, and Pitch AI are enhancing sales team performance by automating tasks, generating personalized content, and providing call insights.
Cisco G300 Chip Boosts AI Networks for Everyone
Cisco launched its new Silicon One G300 switching chip at Cisco Live in Amsterdam on February 10, 2026. This chip helps hyperscalers, businesses, and operators with AI deployments. It uses Intelligent Collective Networking to improve network use by 33% and speed up AI tasks. The G300 chip powers new N9100 and 8000 line Ethernet systems, which offer liquid cooling for 70% better energy efficiency. Cisco also updated its Nexus One software and added new AI services to support these advanced AI networks.
Cisco Reveals New AI Networking Chip G300
Cisco Systems introduced its new Silicon One G300 switch chip and a router on February 10, 2026. This chip will help AI systems communicate faster within large data centers. Made with 3-nanometer technology, it includes "shock absorber" features to handle big data spikes without slowing down. Cisco expects the G300 to speed up AI computing jobs by 28% by automatically re-routing data. The chip will be available in the second half of the year and competes with products from Broadcom and Nvidia.
Cisco Boosts AI Infrastructure with New Products
Cisco Systems (CSCO) recently launched a range of new products focused on AI infrastructure. These include the Silicon One G300 switching chip, new N9000 and 8000 data center systems, and improved AI security features. The company also introduced AgenticOps tools to manage AI workloads across different networks. Cisco aims to offer complete solutions for high-performance networking, strong security, and easy management of AI. This strategy helps Cisco become a more important supplier in the growing AI market, potentially increasing its revenue and profits.
Cisco Challenges Rivals with New AI Chip
Cisco Systems announced its new Silicon One G300 switch chip on February 10, 2026, in San Francisco. This chip will help AI systems communicate more efficiently, especially over many connections. Made with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co's 3-nanometer technology, it can speed up AI computing tasks by 28% by automatically fixing network issues. Martin Lund, a Cisco executive, stated the chip focuses on total network efficiency. The G300 chip, available in the second half of the year, aims to compete directly with offerings from Nvidia and Broadcom.
Columbia Engineering Launches New AI Master's Degree
Columbia Engineering announced a new Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence (MSAI) program on February 9, 2026. This program combines core AI studies with specialized areas like robotics, finance, and healthcare. It aims to meet the high demand for skilled AI professionals and will offer both in-person and online learning. The 30-credit degree includes core AI courses, concentration courses, and a capstone project with industry partners. Graduates will be prepared for roles such as AI/ML engineer and data scientist in New York City's growing AI market. Applications for Fall 2026 are open until March 15, 2026.
Kennesaw State Offers New AI Bachelor's Degree
Kennesaw State University (KSU) will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence program in Fall 2026. This degree will be available on the Marietta Campus and online, building on KSU's current AI programs. It aims to prepare students for careers in AI and meet Georgia's need for a skilled workforce. The program includes hands-on learning like an applied AI capstone project with industry partners. Students will also learn to apply AI ethically and effectively across various fields.
AI Tools Intensify Work Not Reduce It
A Harvard Business Review article from February 9, 2026, suggests that AI tools intensify work instead of reducing it. While many companies hope AI will lessen routine tasks and free up time for important work, the reality is different. Matt Sivertson from Autodesk noted that people feel overworked and fear losing their jobs at the same time. He explained that AI tools, like Autodesk's Flow Studio, can speed up creative tasks and remove the less enjoyable parts of jobs, especially in animation. The main challenge is managing data with AI while keeping human decision-making at the center.
Hampshire Businesses Gain from New AI Training
Businesses in Hampshire are seeing benefits from new AI training courses offered by Step8Up Academy. The academy provides "AI Essentials" and "AI Foundations" courses, both accredited by the British Computer Society. These courses are designed for beginners, using simple language and requiring no prior experience. Jeev Sahoo, CEO of Step8Up Academy, noted a surge in sign-ups since January. The training is available nationwide to both business professionals and IT specialists, leading to a globally recognized BCS AI certificate.
AI Deepfakes Complicate Search for Nancy Guthrie
The search for Nancy Guthrie, 84-year-old mother of Today show co-host Savannah Guthrie, is complicated by AI and "deepfakes." Law enforcement has received ransom notes, but AI can easily create fake voices, images, and documents, making proof of life difficult to verify. Joseph Lestrange, an expert in identifying AI content, explained that digital forensics labs need time to confirm authenticity, which is critical in kidnapping cases. Eman El-Sheikh from the University of West Florida Center for Cybersecurity advises people to stay calm, verify information directly, and protect personal data online to guard against AI scams. The case highlights the challenges AI poses for investigations.
Helport AI Plans Global Expansion for Expert AI
Helport AI Limited (NASDAQ: HPAI) held its annual global strategy conference in Thailand on February 10, 2026. The company, which provides AI-powered customer communication software, outlined its plan to deliver scalable, expert-level AI solutions globally. Helport AI aims to help businesses improve efficiency and customer satisfaction by integrating advanced AI into their communication systems. The strategy includes speeding up product development, reaching more markets, and investing heavily in research. This move is expected to boost the company's growth and strengthen its worldwide presence.
Texas Proposes Zones to Protect Farmland from AI
Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller proposed "Agriculture Freedom Zones" on February 8, 2026, in Lubbock. These zones would encourage developers to build data centers and energy projects on less fertile land, not prime farmland. The plan offers tax incentives for choosing marginal land, aiming to balance technology growth with farming. Miller also suggested using small modular reactors for power and water protection, calling this "Agriculture 3.0." He presented his idea to White House and Congressional officials, seeking federal approval to implement these zones.
Nebraska Bills Propose AI Safety Rules for Minors
Nebraska state Senators Eliot Bostar and Tanya Storer introduced new bills on February 9, 2026, to create safety rules for AI conversation tools. LB 1185, the "Conversational Artificial Intelligence Safety Act," requires clear AI disclosure, bans reward systems for minors, and prevents AI from acting as mental health providers. It also mandates crisis referrals for users expressing self-harm. LB 1083, the "Transparency in Artificial Intelligence Risk Management Act," requires large AI developers to publish safety plans and report incidents, especially after cases like a teen's death linked to ChatGPT. Both bills aim to protect children from AI risks.
Autodesk VP Discusses AI Impact on Creative Jobs
Matt Sivertson, Autodesk's VP and Chief Architect for Media and Entertainment, discussed AI's future on January 25. He noted that movie making is often inefficient due to large amounts of data and many people involved. Sivertson observed that people feel both overworked and worried about losing their jobs because of AI. He highlighted tools like Autodesk's Flow Studio, which can speed up artists' work and remove repetitive tasks. The main challenge, he stated, is managing data with AI while ensuring humans remain central to all decisions.
Top AI Tools Boost Sales Team Performance
AI tools are transforming sales by helping teams automate tasks and close more deals. These tools handle repetitive work like prospecting, data entry, and content creation, allowing sales representatives to focus on selling. Key AI tools include Apollo for quick prospect research and ChatGPT for drafting personalized sales messages and narratives. Gong provides AI-powered insights by analyzing sales calls to improve presentation strategies. Pitch AI helps create and personalize presentations, generating first drafts and translating content for global buyers.
Sources
- Cisco takes hyperscale tech to the masses with G300 switching chip
- Cisco unveils new AI networking chip
- Is Cisco’s End-to-End AI Infrastructure Push Reshaping The Investment Case For Cisco Systems (CSCO)?
- Cisco unveils new AI networking chip, taking on Broadcom and Nvidia
- Columbia Engineering Announces New Program: Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
- Kennesaw State University to launch Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence in Fall 2026
- AI Doesn’t Reduce Work—It Intensifies It
- Hampshire businesses benefitting from new AI training courses
- How the use of AI and 'deepfakes' play a role in the search for Nancy Guthrie
- Helport AI Outlines Global Strategy for Scalable, Expert-Level Artificial Intelligence Delivery
- Sid Miller proposes Agriculture Freedom Zones, protecting farmland from AI expansion
- New bills propose safety guidelines for artificial intelligence conversation tools
- “Everyone Is Overworked and Afraid of Losing Their Job”: Autodesk VP on the Future of AI
- 6 AI tools for sales team to close more deals
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