September 17, 2025

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Meta AI Smart Glasses, Salesforce Copilot, ChatGPT

Workday is significantly bolstering its AI capabilities with the acquisition of Sana, an AI firm, for approximately $1.1 billion. This strategic move aims to position Workday as the primary entry point for work by integrating Sana's AI search and learning tools, which will enhance employee efficiency through proactive information finding, content creation, and task automation. Sana's technology will also personalize skill-building within Workday's learning platform. Workday is also expanding its Illuminate platform with new AI agents for HR and Finance, including a Business Process Copilot and a Financial Close Agent, to automate complex tasks and drive efficiency. Meanwhile, in the fintech sector, Rulebase has secured $2.1 million in pre-seed funding to develop an AI 'coworker' focused on automating back-office tasks like compliance and dispute resolution for financial institutions. In other AI developments, Meta is focusing on its AI smart glasses, with its upcoming 'Hypernova' model heavily reliant on Chinese supplier Goertek for manufacturing. The UAE has released K2 Think, a powerful 32-billion parameter open-source AI reasoning model, demonstrating that efficient engineering can yield strong AI performance. At the academic level, San Diego State University's Idea Lab is fostering entrepreneurship by helping students turn AI projects, such as 'Academic Advisor AI' developed using tools like ChatGPT, into startups. In the realm of AI satire, California Governor Gavin Newsom is using AI-generated content to mock political opponents. Language learning app Babbel has launched 'Babbel Speak,' an AI feature to help beginners practice speaking new languages, and CRM provider Nutshell has introduced an AI Sales Pipeline Creator to help businesses design and optimize sales processes. However, the semiconductor industry faces potential boom-bust cycles despite AI demand, with analysts warning of over-optimism regarding long-term AI growth.

Key Takeaways

  • Workday is acquiring AI firm Sana for $1.1 billion to integrate AI search, learning, and automation tools into its platform.
  • Workday is expanding its Illuminate platform with new AI agents for HR and Finance to automate tasks like performance reviews and financial close.
  • Rulebase, a fintech startup, has raised $2.1 million in pre-seed funding for its AI 'coworker' designed to automate back-office tasks.
  • Meta's AI smart glasses, including the 'Hypernova' model, face supply chain reliance on Chinese supplier Goertek.
  • The UAE has released K2 Think, a 32-billion parameter open-source AI reasoning model that rivals larger systems in performance.
  • San Diego State University's Idea Lab is helping students launch startups based on AI projects, utilizing tools like ChatGPT.
  • Morningstar analysts caution that the semiconductor industry may experience a boom-bust cycle despite current AI demand.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom is using AI-generated satire and mock content to criticize political figures.
  • Nutshell has launched an AI Sales Pipeline Creator to help businesses design and optimize sales processes.
  • Language learning app Babbel has introduced 'Babbel Speak,' an AI feature to assist beginners in speaking new languages.

Workday to acquire AI firm Sana for $1.1 billion

Workday is acquiring Sana, an AI company, for approximately $1.1 billion. This deal aims to make Workday the main entry point for work, combining Sana's AI search and learning tools with Workday's data. The acquisition is expected to close by January 31, 2026. Sana's technology will help employees find information, act proactively, create content, and automate tasks. It will also enhance Workday's learning platform with personalized skill building.

Workday adds new AI agents for HR and Finance

Workday is expanding its Illuminate platform with new AI agents specifically designed for HR, Finance, and various industries. These agents are embedded within Workday's system to automate complex tasks like performance reviews and financial close. The goal is to help organizations work more efficiently and gain measurable value from AI. New agents include a Business Process Copilot for HR and a Financial Close Agent for Finance. Workday is also offering Flex Credits to give customers flexible access to AI innovations.

Workday buys AI firm Sana for $1.1 billion amid HR software consolidation

Workday announced its plan to acquire AI firm Sana for about $1.1 billion. This move highlights the increasing consolidation in the HR software market as companies integrate AI into their products. Sana, founded in 2016, develops AI agents that automate tasks. The acquisition will allow Workday customers to generate custom dashboards and automate processes like performance reviews. The deal is expected to finalize in the fourth quarter of Workday's fiscal year 2026.

Workday acquires Sana for $1.1 billion, boosting AI capabilities

Workday is acquiring AI firm Sana for approximately $1.1 billion, reflecting a trend of consolidation in the HR software sector. Sana's AI agents help automate specific tasks, and will be integrated into Workday's platform. This acquisition will enable Workday customers to automate processes like performance reviews and create tailored dashboards. The transaction is anticipated to close in the fourth quarter of Workday's fiscal year 2026.

Workday to acquire AI firm Sana for $1.1 billion

Workday announced it will acquire AI firm Sana for about $1.1 billion to integrate AI capabilities into its products. This acquisition is part of a broader trend of deal-making in the HR software industry. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of Workday's fiscal year 2026, ending January 31. Allen & Company is serving as the financial advisor for Workday.

Workday buys Sana for $1.1 billion to enhance learning and work experience

Workday is acquiring AI company Sana for $1.1 billion to transform its learning platform and create a new 'front door for work.' Sana's AI-native platform offers learning, knowledge management, and agentic applications. This acquisition will significantly upgrade Workday's learning solutions and provide an agent platform for a more intelligent employee experience. Sana's tools will allow employees to search across various data sources, act proactively, create content, and automate tasks.

Meta's AI smart glasses rely heavily on Chinese supplier Goertek

Meta is facing challenges in reducing its reliance on Chinese supplier Goertek for its AI-powered smart glasses. Goertek is increasing its control over the supply chain, even as Meta aligns with US anti-China policies. The company is manufacturing Meta's upcoming 'Hypernova' smart glasses and has acquired other key component suppliers. Despite Meta's efforts to diversify production, Goertek remains a critical partner for its wearable devices.

Meta Connect 2025: AI smart glasses are the focus

Meta is shifting its focus from virtual reality headsets to smart glasses, unveiling its most advanced model, 'Hypernova,' at its Connect event. These glasses, expected to cost $800, feature a small display controlled by hand gestures and build on the success of the Ray-Ban Meta partnership. While Meta's Reality Labs division has incurred significant losses, analysts see smart glasses as a more promising and mass-market investment than VR. The company hopes these glasses will become the next major computing platform.

AI chatbots in healthcare: Balancing benefits and HIPAA risks

AI chatbots offer significant benefits for healthcare professionals, improving efficiency in tasks like managing records and coding. However, using them for patient communication raises concerns about HIPAA compliance. Healthcare providers must ensure patient confidentiality is protected by obtaining consent and anonymizing data before using AI chatbots. Resources like the NIST AI Risk Management Framework can help manage these risks, ensuring AI enhances healthcare while maintaining patient privacy.

UAE releases K2 Think, a small but powerful open-source AI model

The United Arab Emirates has released K2 Think, an open-source AI reasoning model with 32 billion parameters, developed by MBZUAI and G42. Despite its smaller size, K2 Think rivals much larger AI systems in performance on various benchmarks, including math, coding, and science tasks. The model is fully open-source, allowing global researchers to study and build upon its development. This release emphasizes that smarter engineering, not just size, can lead to powerful AI capabilities.

SDSU's Idea Lab turns student AI projects into startups

San Diego State University's H.G. Fenton Company Idea Lab is helping students transform AI projects into real startups. Business students Roberto Sanchez, Nathan Patel, and Gavin Chesen developed 'Academic Advisor AI' to help transfer students with course planning. Using tools like ChatGPT and V0.dev, they created a functional prototype in under an hour. The lab provides resources and support, enabling students to rapidly develop and test their ideas, honoring their late professor David Turner.

Morningstar warns chip industry faces boom-bust cycle despite AI demand

Morningstar analysts caution that the semiconductor industry may be heading towards a boom-bust cycle, even with the current AI demand. While AI investments have prolonged the upcycle, the firm believes the market is overly optimistic about long-term AI growth. Semiconductor billings growth has started to slow, and weak consumer demand for non-AI products adds pressure. Morningstar predicts AI spending may peak in 2025, with potential slowdown risks in 2026.

Rulebase raises $2.1 million for AI coworker in fintech

Y Combinator-backed startup Rulebase has raised $2.1 million in pre-seed funding to develop its AI 'coworker' for the fintech industry. Founded by Gideon Ebose and Chidi Williams, Rulebase aims to automate back-office tasks like compliance and dispute resolution. Their AI agent integrates with existing platforms to manage workflows, saving time and reducing errors. The company is targeting business banks, neobanks, and card issuers, with plans to expand into insurance.

Gavin Newsom uses AI satire to mock Donald Trump

California Governor Gavin Newsom is employing AI-generated satire and provocative communication tactics to criticize Donald Trump. His office recently shared a digitally altered photo of Trump, making him appear unwell, which was viewed millions of times. Newsom's strategy includes using ALL CAPS messages and creating fake AI-generated content, such as a mock Time magazine cover, to mirror Trump's online style. This approach aims to 'punch back' against Trump's criticisms.

Nutshell launches AI tool to create sales pipelines

Nutshell, an AI-powered CRM provider, has launched its AI Sales Pipeline Creator. This tool helps businesses design and optimize sales processes quickly by analyzing their industry and sales methods. Users can simply describe their business to the AI agent, which then recommends and builds a customized pipeline within Nutshell. The tool can also analyze existing pipelines to suggest improvements for better conversion rates and shorter sales cycles.

Babbel launches AI feature to help users speak new languages

Language-learning platform Babbel has introduced 'Babbel Speak,' a new AI-powered feature designed to help beginners start speaking new languages. This voice-led trainer aims to overcome the common barrier of not knowing how to begin speaking. Users can access the feature through a new tab on their home screen. Babbel CEO Tim Allen discussed the feature and the demand for language learning apps in a recent interview.

Sources

AI acquisition Workday Sana AI agents HR software Finance technology Learning platform Employee experience Meta Smart glasses AI in healthcare HIPAA compliance Open-source AI UAE AI K2 Think AI startups Semiconductor industry AI demand Fintech AI Rulebase AI satire Sales pipeline Nutshell CRM Language learning AI Babbel Speak