August 16, 2025

news  
databricks, openai and google Updates

AI is making waves across various sectors, from investment strategies to product development and even weather forecasting. Gartner reports that AI procurement is currently facing a "trough of disillusionment," with many companies struggling to see returns on their AI investments due to fragmented data and complex integration. However, OurCrowd views AI as a breakthrough investment area for 2025, incorporating it into nearly every aspect of their operations and noting successful exits from AI-driven companies like Databricks. The Ai4 2025 conference highlighted emerging AI solutions, with discussions around agentic AI, automation platforms, and AI infrastructure, while EY's AI Pulse Survey indicates growing investment in the field. Generative AI is also transforming digital product development by accelerating coding, UI design, and user behavior prediction. The market is projected to grow significantly, reaching nearly $25 billion by 2029. Tools like GitHub Copilot are already assisting in coding, but it's important to avoid 'AI feature creep' by ensuring new AI features align with product vision and business goals. MWS has launched MWS DevRails, an AI platform automating 40% of digital product development tasks. In other applications, Hong Kong is increasing its AI investment after its AI systems, including the Huawei Cloud Pangu-Weather Model and technology from Fudan University, accurately predicted heavy rainfall, enhancing preparedness for extreme weather. OpenAI is partnering with UAE's G42 to promote democratic values through AI, though this has raised some skepticism. The Air Force is actively testing AI microservices in battle management wargames to improve command and control, while Connecticut schools are integrating AI for tutoring and assessment. HexStrike AI v6.0 now links ChatGPT with over 150 security tools to automate security tasks. Oracle is also leveraging Google's Gemini AI to enhance its cloud services, enabling customers to build AI agents and improve data integration.

Key Takeaways

  • Gartner reports AI procurement is in a "trough of disillusionment" due to integration challenges.
  • OurCrowd considers AI a breakthrough investment for 2025, citing successful investments in companies like Databricks.
  • The Ai4 2025 conference showcased agentic AI, automation platforms, and AI infrastructure.
  • Generative AI is transforming digital product development, with the market expected to reach nearly $25 billion by 2029.
  • Hong Kong is increasing AI investment after AI accurately predicted heavy rainfall.
  • OpenAI is partnering with UAE's G42 to promote democratic values through AI, facing some skepticism.
  • The Air Force is testing AI microservices in battle management wargames.
  • Connecticut schools are expanding the use of AI for tutoring and assessment.
  • HexStrike AI v6.0 links ChatGPT with over 150 security tools for automated security tasks.
  • Oracle is using Google's Gemini AI to enhance its cloud services and enable AI agent creation.

Gartner says AI procurement is in a 'trough of disillusionment'

A Gartner analysis says that using AI in procurement is in a "trough of disillusionment." Some companies see benefits, but many aren't getting good returns on their investment. Fragmented data and complex integration are challenges. However, AI can still improve efficiency and save costs for procurement. Gartner uses the Hype Cycle to track AI's progress in procurement.

OurCrowd sees AI as a breakthrough investment in 2025

Guy Dassa from OurCrowd says 2025 is a breakthrough year for AI investments. OurCrowd uses AI in almost every part of its operations, like finding new deals and managing investments. They've had 11 exits from AI-driven companies, including investments in Groq and Databricks. Dassa says that AI startups need strong technology and clear business plans to succeed.

Ai4 Vegas 2025 highlights emerging AI solutions for businesses

The Ai4 2025 conference in Las Vegas showcased new AI technologies for businesses. Agentic AI, automation platforms, embedded finance, and AI infrastructure were key topics. EY's AI Pulse Survey showed that many companies plan to invest more in AI. MongoDB introduced new AI infrastructure tools like voyage-context-3. Lendflow launched an AI Automation Suite for embedded lending, and Intellect launched Purple Fabric for banking operations.

Generative AI transforms digital product development in 10 key ways

Generative AI is changing how digital products are made, making it faster and cheaper. It helps with coding, designing user interfaces, and predicting user behavior. Companies are using AI to automate tasks, make better decisions, and create new ideas. The AI market for product design is expected to grow from $15.84 billion in 2025 to nearly $25 billion by 2029. Examples include GitHub Copilot for coding and AI-driven UI/UX design.

Avoid AI feature creep build products that matter

AI feature creep is when AI tools are added to products without a clear purpose, which can waste resources. Product managers can avoid this by making sure new features fit the product's vision. They should also test ideas with data and focus on how AI can improve the business. For example, adding AI summaries to a platform confused users because they didn't know how to use it.

Hong Kong boosts AI investment after weather tech predicts heavy rain

Hong Kong plans to invest more in AI after its AI system accurately predicted heavy rainfall. The AI models predicted the downpour a week in advance. The Hong Kong Observatory uses AI from Huawei Cloud Pangu-Weather Model and Fudan University to forecast weather. AI is also used to predict tropical cyclones and floods, improving the accuracy of forecasts and helping the city prepare for extreme weather.

OpenAI aims for democratic AI in UAE faces skepticism

OpenAI is partnering with UAE's G42 to provide AI services that support democratic values. The goal is to counter China's influence in AI and promote free expression. The deal involves building a large datacentre in the UAE to serve the region. Experts are skeptical, noting the UAE's authoritarian government and existing use of Chinese AI for surveillance. The partnership aims to increase US involvement in the UAE's technology sector.

Air Force tests AI microservices in battle management wargames

The Air Force is testing AI in battle management through DASH wargames. These events bring together industry and Air Force teams to build and test AI software. The goal is to improve the Air Force's command and control abilities. The experiments focus on specific decisions battle managers make. The Air Force is using the results to develop AI microservices and improve communication with vendors.

AI expands its role in Connecticut classrooms this year

Artificial intelligence will have a bigger role in Connecticut schools this year. Students will use AI for tutoring, feedback, and note-taking. Teachers will use AI to assess student work and track AI usage. One student, Isaac Shobula, used ChatGPT to simplify his coding curriculum for younger students. Schools are working to balance the benefits of AI with concerns about cheating.

HexStrike AI links ChatGPT with 150+ security tools

HexStrike AI v6.0 connects AI models like ChatGPT with over 150 security tools. It helps with tasks like penetration testing and finding vulnerabilities. The platform uses an Intelligent Decision Engine to choose the best tools for each job. It includes specialized AI agents for bug bounties and exploit generation. The tool aims to automate complex security tasks and speed up security testing.

Oracle uses Google's Gemini AI to boost cloud services

Oracle is partnering with Google Cloud to use Google's Gemini AI models in its cloud services. This will allow Oracle customers to build AI agents for various tasks. Oracle will also use Gemini in its Fusion Cloud Applications. The integration aims to make it easier for Oracle clients to use AI and improve data integration. Oracle's stock has increased due to investments in AI.

MWS launches AI platform for digital product development

MTS Web Services (MWS) has launched MWS DevRails, a platform for developing digital products. The platform uses AI to manage the entire product lifecycle. AI agents automate 40 percent of tasks, speeding up development.

Sources

AI Artificial Intelligence Procurement Investment OurCrowd AI Startups Ai4 Conference Agentic AI Automation Platforms Embedded Finance AI Infrastructure Generative AI Digital Product Development AI Feature Creep Product Management Weather Prediction Huawei Cloud Pangu-Weather Model OpenAI UAE G42 Air Force Battle Management Wargames AI Microservices Education ChatGPT Security Tools HexStrike AI Vulnerability Detection Oracle Google Gemini AI Cloud Services MWS DevRails Digital Products