microsoft, nvidia and google Updates

Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape various sectors, from education to global geopolitics and industrial infrastructure. Schools in Dubai and Washington D.C. are actively integrating AI into their curricula, teaching students responsible use and leveraging tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot to enhance personalized learning and staff efficiency. For instance, GEMS Dubai American Academy uses Copilot to save time and create tailored educational plans, while D.C. public schools are developing clear AI policies with the help of nonprofits like AI for Equity.On the international stage, the "AI race" is intensifying, with U.S. policy makers taking decisive action. Eight Republican U.S. senators recently commended President Donald Trump for maintaining restrictions on China's access to Nvidia's advanced AI chips, specifically mentioning Nvidia's Blackwell chips. This move aims to safeguard America's technological lead, a sentiment echoed by Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, who previously stressed the importance of China continuing to use American-made chips.The burgeoning demand for AI is also creating significant energy and infrastructure needs. The AI boom is a boon for companies like Comstock Resources Inc., a Texas natural gas producer backed by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, which holds vast reserves in the Haynesville Shale. Natural gas is becoming a crucial, reliable power source for the massive data centers required by tech giants. Similarly, European industrial stalwarts such as Legrand SA, Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, and ABB Ltd. are thriving by supplying essential equipment—including server racks, cooling systems, and power tools—for these energy-intensive AI data centers. Legrand, for example, generates approximately 20% of its revenue from cooling servers for major tech players like Alphabet (Google) and Amazon.While AI offers immense potential for efficiency, it also introduces new challenges. A recent report indicates that most organizations experienced data loss last year, largely due to human error, with AI tools creating new avenues for data exposure. Many security leaders lack visibility into how generative AI handles sensitive information, exacerbating existing struggles with data volume and skilled staff shortages.In the competitive AI development landscape, Alibaba-backed startup Moonshot, based in Beijing, recently updated its AI model to Kimi K2 Thinking. This model claims superior understanding of user needs compared to OpenAI's ChatGPT, even without detailed instructions, and cost $4.6 million to train. Some U.S. companies, like Airbnb, are reportedly finding Chinese AI models to be effective and more cost-efficient alternatives.Furthermore, AI is transforming workforce development and manufacturing. EY, a major accounting firm, developed an internal AI tool called AI Now 2.0, which uses a ChatGPT-like interface (EYQ) to help its 406,000 employees understand AI's impact on their roles and identify necessary new skills. Over half of EY's workforce has voluntarily engaged with this program. In manufacturing, Xometry CEO Randy Altschuler highlights how their AI platform significantly speeds up the sourcing of products, providing a critical advantage in what he calls a "speed war."Regarding policy and funding, David Sacks, President Donald Trump's AI and Crypto Czar, firmly stated there would be no federal bailout for AI companies. This declaration followed OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar's earlier mention of a federal "backstop," which she later clarified as a call for government and private sector collaboration to build industrial capacity, rather than direct financial aid. Sacks emphasized that the administration aims to facilitate infrastructure development and power generation, trusting the robust U.S. AI market to self-regulate.

Key Takeaways

• Schools in Dubai and Washington D.C. are integrating AI, with Microsoft 365 Copilot used for personalized learning and efficiency.
• Eight Republican U.S. senators praised President Trump for blocking China's access to Nvidia's advanced AI chips, including Blackwell chips, to maintain America's technological lead.
• The AI boom is driving a significant demand for natural gas, benefiting companies like Comstock Resources Inc. for powering data centers.
• European industrial giants such as Legrand SA, Schneider Electric SE, Siemens AG, and ABB Ltd. are thriving by supplying essential equipment for AI data centers, with Legrand earning ~20% of revenue from cooling servers for companies like Alphabet (Google) and Amazon.
• EY developed an internal AI tool, AI Now 2.0, to help its 406,000 employees understand AI's impact on their jobs and identify new skill requirements.
• Alibaba-backed Moonshot released its Kimi K2 Thinking AI model, claiming superior user understanding to OpenAI's ChatGPT and costing $4.6 million to train.
• Data loss incidents are increasing, with AI tools creating new security risks due to lack of visibility into how generative AI handles sensitive information.
• David Sacks, Trump's AI Czar, stated there would be no federal bailout for AI companies, emphasizing infrastructure development over direct financial aid, following OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar's comments.
• Xometry's AI platform is accelerating manufacturing product sourcing, providing a crucial speed advantage in the market.
• AI tools are enhancing efficiency and productivity for staff in educational institutions.

Dubai School Teaches Students to Solve Problems with AI

GEMS Dubai American Academy's AI and Robotics Center teaches students to use Artificial Intelligence. Teacher Ulysses Cortes Sanchez helps Grade 7 and 8 students build robotic arms and solve challenges. He uses tools like Microsoft 365 Copilot to save time and offer personalized learning plans. The school also teaches students to use AI responsibly, emphasizing its power and the need for careful use. Noah Choucair, a 14-year-old student, is excited about AI's potential to solve global issues.

DC Schools Embrace AI for Learning and Efficiency

Public schools in Washington D.C. are adapting to Artificial Intelligence, with students and teachers wanting clear AI policies. AI for Equity, a nonprofit, helps schools create best practices for fair AI integration. A survey shows about half of all school districts, and more low-poverty ones, now train teachers on AI. Washington Leadership Academy PCS uses a top-down approach and partners with groups like AI for Equity to teach students responsible AI use and digital literacy. Staff also report that AI tools help them become more efficient and productive.

Republicans Praise Trump for Blocking AI Chips to China

Eight Republican U.S. senators praised President Donald Trump for stopping China from getting Nvidia's advanced AI chips. They sent a letter on Thursday, stating this decision helps America win the AI race. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang had previously said keeping China using American chips was important for U.S. success. However, Trump did not lift any export restrictions on Nvidia's Blackwell chips after his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

US Senators Commend Trump on China AI Chip Ban

Eight Republican U.S. senators publicly praised President Donald Trump's choice to keep Nvidia's advanced AI chips from China. In a letter on Thursday, they stated this action ensures America stays ahead in the AI race. The senators specifically mentioned Nvidia's Blackwell chips. This decision helps protect America's technological lead.

Data Loss Worsens as AI Expands Security Risks

A 2025 report shows that most organizations experienced data loss last year, mainly due to human error. Data is growing faster than security teams can manage, spreading across clouds and devices. Insider risks like mistakes and malicious actions remain a big problem. AI tools, while efficient, create new ways for data to be exposed, as many security leaders lack visibility into how generative AI handles sensitive information. Security teams are struggling with too much data and not enough skilled staff, making investigations slow and leaving data vulnerable.

Jerry Jones Backed Gas Company Fuels AI Boom

The growing demand for Artificial Intelligence is creating a huge need for natural gas. Comstock Resources Inc., a Texas company backed by Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, is benefiting greatly. The company holds large amounts of natural gas in the Haynesville Shale, a key area for energy. Big Tech companies need massive amounts of electricity for their AI data centers, and natural gas is a clean and reliable choice. Comstock's CEO, M. Jay Allison, calls their gas reserves the "holy grail" for this new market.

EY Uses AI Tool to Prepare Staff for Future Jobs

EY, a major accounting and consulting firm, developed an internal AI tool called AI Now 2.0 to help staff understand how AI will change their jobs. Employees use EYQ, a ChatGPT-like tool, to answer questions about their roles. The tool then suggests how AI might impact their work and what new skills they will need. Simon Brown, EY's global learning leader, says about half of their 406,000 employees have used this voluntary program. This initiative helps EY personalize training and prepare its workforce for the future of work with AI.

Alibaba Backed Moonshot Updates AI Model Kimi

Alibaba-backed startup Moonshot, based in Beijing, released its second AI update in just four months. Their new model, Kimi K2 Thinking, claims to be better than OpenAI's ChatGPT at understanding user needs without detailed instructions. This update comes as China's AI competition grows, with some U.S. companies like Airbnb finding Chinese AI models to be good and cheaper options. The Kimi K2 Thinking model cost $4.6 million to train and can automatically use hundreds of tools to complete tasks, reducing the need for human help.

Trump AI Czar Rejects Federal Bailout for AI Firms

David Sacks, President Donald Trump's AI and Crypto Czar, stated there will be no federal bailout for Artificial Intelligence companies. His comments followed OpenAI CFO Sarah Friar's mention of a federal "backstop" for the industry. Sacks believes the U.S. has many strong AI companies, and if one fails, others will step up. He clarified that the Trump administration aims to make it easier to build infrastructure and generate power, not to provide bailouts. Friar later softened her stance, explaining she meant government and private sectors should work together to build industrial capacity.

Xometry CEO Says AI Speeds Up Manufacturing Sourcing

Xometry CEO Randy Altschuler explained how his company's Artificial Intelligence platform helps customers. The AI tool allows businesses to find and source manufacturing products much faster. Altschuler described the current market as a "speed war," highlighting the importance of quick sourcing. This technology helps manufacturers gain an edge by reducing the time it takes to get necessary parts and materials.

European Industrial Giants Thrive on AI Data Center Boom

The Artificial Intelligence boom is boosting old industrial companies in Europe, not just tech firms. French companies like Legrand SA and Schneider Electric SE, along with Germany's Siemens AG and Switzerland's ABB Ltd., are providing essential equipment for AI data centers. These companies supply server racks, cooling systems, and power tools needed for the massive energy demands of AI. Legrand, for example, gets about 20% of its revenue from cooling servers for tech giants like Alphabet and Amazon. While some warn of an "AI bubble," these European firms have safety nets, including retrofitting existing data centers and broader real estate business.

Sources

• From exploration to transformation: How GEMS Education is empowering students in Dubai to solve real-world problems using Artificial Intelligence 
• D.C. Voices: Artificial Intelligence (AI) in public education
• Republican US Lawmakers Applaud Trump for Holding Back Nvidia Chips From China
• Republican US lawmakers applaud Trump for holding back Nvidia chips from China
• Humans built the problem, AI just scaled it
• Big Tech's AI power needs left a Jerry Jones-backed Texas gas giant sitting on the 'holy grail' of supply
• EY staff are using AI to tell them how AI is going to change their jobs
• Alibaba-backed Moonshot releases its second AI update in four months as China’s AI race heats up
• Trump AI czar Sacks says 'no federal bailout for AI' after OpenAI CFO's comments
• CEO touts AI platform helping customers find and source manufacturing products faster: ‘It’s a speed war’
• The AI Bubble Has Sucked in France and Germany, Too