Top 10 in Tech – January 2025

1- How Chinese AI Startup DeepSeek Made a Model that Rivals OpenAI
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek, founded by hedge fund leader Liang Wenfeng, has become a major competitor to Western firms by optimizing resources and embracing open-source collaboration. Facing US chip export restrictions, it developed efficient AI models using innovative techniques, achieving high performance with fewer resources. Operating independently and focusing on long-term research, DeepSeek is challenging assumptions about China’s AI capabilities and reshaping the global AI landscape.
Source: Wired

2- Trump announces a $500 billion AI infrastructure investment in the US
Donald Trump, alongside OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle leaders, announced Stargate, a $500 billion AI infrastructure project aimed at building data centers and creating 100,000 jobs to ensure US leadership in AI. The project will start with a $100 billion investment, with SoftBank managing finances and OpenAI handling operations. Despite concerns over past large-scale projects failing, Trump remains confident in Stargate’s potential to boost the US economy and AI dominance.
Source: CNN

3- Microsoft launches Copilot Chat for businesses to boost AI adoption
Microsoft introduced Copilot Chat, a free AI-powered service allowing businesses to create AI agents for tasks like market research and document writing. Powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4, the service follows a pay-as-you-go model, with advanced features requiring a $30 monthly Microsoft 365 Copilot subscription. As Microsoft faces pressure to justify its $80 billion AI investment, the introduction of autonomous AI agents aims to drive adoption and monetization.
Source: Reuters

4- Tech titans bicker over $500bn AI investment announced by Trump
Following Trump’s announcement of the $500 billion Stargate project, tech leaders Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and Satya Nadella exchanged criticisms. Musk dismissed the project as financially unviable, questioning SoftBank’s funds, while Altman defended the initiative, and Nadella affirmed Microsoft’s separate $80 billion Azure investment. The feud highlights Musk and Altman’s ongoing rivalry, while Trump has yet to respond to Musk’s criticisms.
Source: The Guardian

5- AI could help diagnose dementia through eye tests
Scottish researchers are developing an AI tool to detect early dementia signs through routine eye tests. The NeurEYE team, led by the University of Edinburgh, has built a database of one million eye scans to develop an algorithm analyzing retinal blood vessels for signs of neurodegenerative diseases. Expected in opticians by 2026, the technology aims to enable earlier diagnosis and better preparation for patients and families.
Source: BBC

6- Musk, MrBeast, Larry Ellison – Who might buy TikTok?
Several high-profile figures, including MrBeast, Elon Musk, and Oracle’s Larry Ellison, are interested in buying TikTok as ByteDance faces a January 19 deadline to sell or face a US ban. Trump has suggested a 50% US ownership model while extending the sale deadline. Musk has criticized TikTok’s access in the US versus X in China, while Oracle and investor Frank McCourt are also considered key contenders.
Source: BBC

7- The Evolving Role Of The CISO
CISOs are evolving from cybersecurity gatekeepers to strategic business partners, influencing risk management and digital transformation. The 2025 State of the CISO Report categorizes them into Strategic, Functional, and Tactical roles based on executive influence. Despite expanded responsibilities, compensation remains limited, though hybrid roles offer better pay. Success requires aligning security with business goals and enhancing executive engagement.
Source: Forbes

8- Survey: 68% Of Execs Plan To Funnel Up To $250 Million Into AI
KPMG’s latest survey shows that 68% of executives plan to invest heavily in AI within the next year, as businesses rapidly shift from pilot projects to large-scale adoption. Despite growing enthusiasm, challenges such as data quality, economic pressures, and employee adoption persist. Interest in AI agents is rising, but only 12% have implemented them. C-suite leaders are driving AI usage, though broader workforce adoption remains low, highlighting the need for better training and integration.
Source: Forbes

9- The Cause of the LA Fires Might Never Be Known—but AI Is Hunting for Clues

The causes of many wildfires in the Western US, including recent ones in Los Angeles, often remain unknown, hindering prevention efforts. The US Forest Service and data scientists are using AI to analyze past cases, revealing that 80% of fires are human-caused, with vehicles and equipment being the leading triggers. While AI models show promise in identifying broad causes, accuracy in pinpointing specific sources remains a challenge. Experts stress the need for better data tracking, proactive prevention measures like burying power lines, and enhancing community resilience to address the growing wildfire threat.

Source: Wired

10- Nvidia’s $560 Billion DeepSeek Rout Is Largest in Market History

Nvidia’s stock plunged 18%, wiping out $560 billion in value—the largest one-day loss in US market history—due to concerns over Chinese AI startup DeepSeek’s low-cost, high-performance technology. DeepSeek’s AI model, seen as a rival to OpenAI and Meta, has raised fears that US firms may have overinvested in costly AI infrastructure. Nvidia’s decline triggered a broader tech selloff, with analysts warning that DeepSeek’s efficiency could disrupt the AI market. Despite US restrictions on AI chip exports, Chinese firms continue to make significant progress.

Source: Bloomberg