Recent developments in AI span safety initiatives, technological advancements, and integration across various sectors. Yoshua Bengio, an AI pioneer, launched LawZero, a nonprofit with $30 million in funding, to focus on AI safety and develop 'Scientist AIs' to monitor AI behavior and prevent potential harm. IBM acquired Seek AI to enhance its Watsonx AI Labs in NYC, focusing on data analysis using natural language. BCforward is investing in Stellar to boost its AI capabilities. MIT researchers are using AI to improve concrete recipes, reducing cement usage and emissions. Google DeepMind's AlphaFold3 is aiding protein science by predicting molecular shapes, while Google's NotebookLM now allows users to share notebooks and AI-generated podcasts. The first SXSW event in London featured discussions on AI and trade, with speakers like Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis. NYC Tech Week emphasized the importance of human connection alongside AI advancements, and AI's limitations in travel planning were highlighted, noting the continued need for human expertise. Filmmaker Brady Corbet expressed support for using AI in filmmaking, sparking debate about artistic integrity.
Key Takeaways
- Yoshua Bengio launched LawZero with $30 million to focus on AI safety and develop AI guardrails.
- LawZero aims to create 'Scientist AIs' to monitor and prevent dangerous AI behaviors.
- IBM acquired Seek AI to enhance its Watsonx AI Labs in NYC, focusing on AI-driven data analysis.
- BCforward is investing in Stellar to enhance its AI technology.
- MIT researchers are using AI to optimize concrete recipes, reducing cement usage and emissions.
- Google DeepMind's AlphaFold3 is advancing protein science by predicting molecular shapes.
- Google's NotebookLM now allows users to share notebooks and AI-generated podcasts.
- SXSW London featured discussions on AI and trade, highlighting London as a tech hub.
- NYC Tech Week emphasized the importance of human connection alongside AI advancements.
- AI trip planning tools have limitations, underscoring the need for human expertise and verification.
AI Safety Pioneer Yoshua Bengio Starts LawZero Nonprofit with $30M
Yoshua Bengio, a leading AI expert, launched LawZero, a nonprofit focused on AI safety, with $30 million in funding. LawZero will develop 'Scientist AIs' to monitor and prevent dangerous actions by AI agents. This initiative contrasts with OpenAI's structure, aiming to ensure AI systems are safe and beneficial. Bengio cited examples of AI exhibiting deceptive and self-preservation behaviors as reasons for creating LawZero. The organization seeks to create AI guardrails to protect humanity from rogue superintelligent AIs.
Yoshua Bengio's $30M Lab LawZero Aims to Rethink AI Safety
Yoshua Bengio launched LawZero, a new lab with $30 million, to focus on AI safety. The goal is to rethink how AI is designed. Ina Fried reported the news.
Yoshua Bengio Launches LawZero to Build Safer AI Agents
AI pioneer Yoshua Bengio is launching LawZero, a nonprofit research group, to promote safer AI development. With $30 million in funding, LawZero will create Scientist AI, acting as a guardrail for AI agents. This system aims to understand the world rather than act in it, minimizing potential harms. Bengio, along with Geoff Hinton and Yann LeCun, has raised concerns about AI control. LawZero seeks to ensure AI systems follow instructions and avoid dangerous behaviors.
AI Pioneer Yoshua Bengio Launches LawZero for Honest AI
Yoshua Bengio, a leading AI expert, has launched LawZero, a nonprofit dedicated to developing 'honest' AI. The organization aims to create AI that can detect deceptive behaviors in other AI systems. With $30 million in funding, Bengio is developing Scientist AI, a system that acts as a guardrail against AI agents. This system will predict the probability of harm from an agent's actions and block potentially dangerous behavior. LawZero's backers include the Future of Life Institute and Skype co-founder Jaan Tallinn.
Yoshua Bengio Launches LawZero AI Safety Lab
Yoshua Bengio, a Turing Award winner, is launching LawZero, a nonprofit AI safety lab. The lab aims to build safer AI systems. LawZero has raised $30 million from various contributors. The name LawZero references the Zeroth Law of Robotics, prioritizing humanity's protection. Bengio has expressed concerns about the safety priorities of OpenAI and Google.
SXSW London Features AI, Trade, and $24 Socks
The first South by Southwest (SXSW) event in London included discussions on AI and trade. London Mayor Sadiq Khan promoted the city as a tech hub. Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and Hugging Face co-founder Thomas Wolf spoke at the event. Attendees could buy SXSW-branded socks for $24. Hassabis discussed artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its potential impact.
SXSW London Highlights AI, Trade, and Expensive Socks
South by Southwest (SXSW) debuted in London, showcasing technology, film, and music. London's Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized the city's role as a hub for tech and innovation. The event featured speakers like Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis and Hugging Face's Thomas Wolf. Attendees could purchase SXSW-branded socks for \u00a318 ($24). AI was a major theme, with discussions on its future and impact.
BCforward Invests in Stellar to Boost AI Capabilities
BCforward is increasing its AI abilities through a major investment in Stellar. The investment aims to enhance BCforward's AI technology. Copyright Business Wire 2025.
NYC Tech Week Focuses on AI's Limits Human Connection Still Crucial
New York City Tech Week kicked off with discussions about AI. Founders and investors emphasized the importance of human connection. They agreed that AI can't replace interpersonal skills. AI enthusiasts noted that face-to-face interaction remains essential. While AI is advancing, emotional intelligence and design skills are still best handled by humans.
AI Travel Planning Has Limits, Human Touch Still Needed
AI trip planning tools like ChatGPT have limitations, according to Wayfairer Travel CEO Jay Stevens. While AI can find good recommendations, it struggles with accuracy in rural areas. Stevens found ChatGPT unreliable for bus schedules and local logistics during a trip to Japan. Experts say AI is useful for inspiration but lacks the human touch of travel advisors. Double-checking important details with official sources is recommended when using AI for travel.
IBM Buys Seek AI, Launches AI Accelerator in NYC
IBM has acquired Seek AI, a data analysis startup, for an undisclosed amount. Seek AI's technology will be part of IBM's new Watsonx AI Labs in NYC. Seek AI uses natural language to help users analyze enterprise data. IBM aims to grow its AI investments with this acquisition. Watsonx AI Labs will bring together researchers and engineers to build AI solutions.
MIT Study Uses AI to Improve Concrete Recipe
MIT researchers are using AI to reduce cement in concrete, lowering costs and emissions. They created a machine-learning framework to evaluate materials for replacing cement. The AI analyzed scientific literature and over 1 million rock samples. The framework identified 19 types of suitable materials, including ceramics and mining byproducts. These materials can be incorporated into concrete mixes with minimal processing.
AI Helps Map the Organized Chaos in Our Cells
Artificial intelligence is making a big impact on protein science. Google DeepMind's AlphaFold3 can predict the shape of proteins and other molecules. This helps scientists understand how cells work. Researchers hope this technology will solve problems related to disease and climate. The AI program can predict how proteins attach to other molecules to function.
Filmmaker Says FW Murnau Would Use AI Today
Filmmaker Brady Corbet stated he supports using AI in filmmaking. He believes filmmakers should have access to all available tools, including AI. Corbet suggested that F.W. Murnau would have used AI if it existed in his time. His comments have sparked debate, with some criticizing his stance. The use of AI in film raises concerns about artistic integrity and job security.
Google NotebookLM Lets You Share Notebooks and AI Podcasts
Google's NotebookLM now allows users to share notebooks with others via a public link. Viewers can ask questions and interact with AI-generated content. The app can provide summaries, generate podcast-style discussions, and chat about the material. Users can also share notebooks by entering email addresses, granting editing access. Audio overviews can be shared from within the Gemini app.
Sources
- AI Pioneer Yoshua Bengio Launches Nonprofit to Develop Safe AI
- Youshua Bengio launches $30M lab to rethink AI design
- AI Pioneer Launches Research Group to Help Build Safer Agents
- AI pioneer announces non-profit to develop ‘honest’ artificial intelligence
- Yoshua Bengio launches LawZero, a nonprofit AI safety lab
- AI, trade and $24 socks: Inside the inaugural SXSW in London
- AI, trade and $24 socks: Inside the inaugural SXSW in London
- BCforward Deepens AI Capabilities with a Major Strategic Investment in Stellar
- I went to a NYC Tech Week kickoff event and heard there's one crucial thing AI can't do
- The limits of artificial intelligence in travel planning
- IBM acquires data analysis startup Seek AI, opens AI accelerator in NYC
- AI stirs up the recipe for concrete in MIT study
- How AI could help map the organized chaos in our cells : Short Wave
- Brady Corbet Says FW Murnau Would Use AI if Alive Today
- Google’s NotebookLM now lets you share your notebook — and AI podcasts