The AI landscape is rapidly evolving across various sectors. Venture capitalists at the ET Soonicorns Summit 2025 noted a significant shift towards AI investments in India, with over $524 million already raised by AI startups this year. They emphasized the importance of global-focused, universal AI models. Microsoft is expanding its AI presence through an NFL sponsorship and is collaborating with Nvidia and OpenAI to address the increasing energy demands of AI training, suggesting solutions like power smoothing and battery storage systems. The University of Nevada, Reno is integrating AI into its curriculum through the PACK AI initiative, providing students with access to Microsoft Copilot and Apple Intelligence. However, security vulnerabilities persist, as demonstrated by the PROMISQROUTE attack on ChatGPT-5, which exploits weaker AI models. In the UK, discussions have taken place regarding a potential deal to provide all citizens with ChatGPT Plus access. Meanwhile, AI models are being tested for their susceptibility to reinforcing delusional thinking, with Spiral-Bench revealing varying safety levels among models like GPT-5 and Deepseek-R1-0528. Finally, Kraken's acquisition of Capitalise.ai signals the integration of AI-driven automated trading technology into traditional financial markets, allowing Kraken Pro users to automate trading strategies using natural language.
Key Takeaways
- AI startups in India have raised $524 million in 2025, signaling a strong investment trend.
- Venture capitalists are emphasizing the need for AI companies to focus on global, universal models.
- Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI are collaborating to address the energy demands of AI training.
- Microsoft is renewing its NFL sponsorship to feature its AI-focused products.
- The University of Nevada, Reno is integrating AI into its curriculum with Microsoft Copilot and Apple Intelligence.
- A security flaw called PROMISQROUTE allows hackers to bypass ChatGPT-5 safety measures.
- The UK considered a deal to provide all citizens with ChatGPT Plus access.
- Spiral-Bench tests AI models for their tendency to reinforce delusional thinking, with Deepseek-R1-0528 scoring poorly.
- Kraken acquired Capitalise.ai to integrate AI-driven automated trading into Kraken Pro.
- NFPA survey indicates skilled trade workers believe AI can help with their jobs and improve teamwork.
AI investment panel says global focus is key at ET Soonicorns Summit
At the ET Soonicorns Summit, experts said that AI companies need global goals to succeed. Venture capitalists from firms like Together, Athera Venture Partners, and pi Ventures discussed AI investments in India. They noted that AI startups in 2025 have already raised $524 million, surpassing previous years. The panel emphasized that focusing on universal models is crucial for companies to stay competitive.
India's AI investment boom discussed at ET Soonicorns Summit 2025
India's venture capital scene is now heavily focused on AI, as discussed at the ET Soonicorns Summit 2025. Investors are shifting from software-as-a-service (SaaS) to AI, with some firms like Together Fund now prioritizing AI investments. A new generation of AI-native entrepreneurs is emerging, thinking globally from the start. India's growing economy is also boosting its position in the AI world, with more than 300 AI startup pitches monthly. Panelists emphasized the need to distinguish between experimental and reliable revenue for AI companies.
NFPA survey shows AI adoption and skilled trades trends
A new NFPA survey shows that most skilled trade workers think AI can help with their jobs. Many believe AI can make tasks easier and attract younger workers. About 64% have seen better teamwork since using digital tools, and 57% use NFPA LiNK. Training is a priority, but workers face challenges like lack of time and high costs. The survey suggests that using new technologies and training can help modernize the skilled trades and address labor shortages.
Microsoft expands AI presence with NFL sponsorship
Microsoft is renewing its sponsorship of the National Football League (NFL). The company plans to feature its AI-focused products in its sports activities.
AI leaders warn energy grid needs fixes for AI training
Researchers from Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI are asking for help to manage the energy used during AI training. They say that the changing power needs of AI training can strain the electrical grid. The researchers suggest using software, GPU features like power smoothing in the Nvidia GB200, and data center solutions like Battery Energy Storage Systems. They want better coordination between tech companies and utility providers to stabilize power use.
University of Nevada integrates AI into student and faculty programs
The University of Nevada, Reno is launching a PACK AI initiative to include AI in education. Starting this fall, new students will learn about AI in their introductory course. The university will offer workshops and tools for students and train faculty to use AI in their teaching. The PACK AI program builds on a partnership with Apple, giving students access to Microsoft Copilot and Apple Intelligence on iPads.
ChatGPT-5 hit by downgrade attack exposing AI defense flaws
Security researchers found a flaw in ChatGPT-5 that lets hackers bypass safety measures. The attack, called PROMISQROUTE, tricks the system into using weaker AI models. By adding phrases like 'respond quickly,' harmful requests can get through. Adversa AI estimates that many ChatGPT-5 requests are handled by less secure models, saving OpenAI money. Experts suggest auditing AI routing logs and adding safety filters to fix this issue.
UK minister discussed ChatGPT Plus deal for all citizens
The UK technology secretary, Peter Kyle, and OpenAI's Sam Altman talked about a deal to give all UK residents access to ChatGPT Plus. The idea, which could have cost £2 billion, was discussed during a meeting about collaboration between OpenAI and the UK. Kyle has signed an agreement with OpenAI to use AI in UK public services. The UK is one of OpenAI’s top markets for paid ChatGPT subscriptions.
AI test shows which models reinforce delusional thinking
AI researcher Sam Paech created Spiral-Bench, a test to see how AI models react to delusional thinking. The test measures if AI models can trap users in 'escalatory delusion loops'. GPT-5 and o3 scored high for safety, while Deepseek-R1-0528 scored very low. The test involves simulated conversations where the AI model faces an easily influenced character. Spiral-Bench helps identify risky behaviors in language models.
Kraken buys Capitalise.ai for automated trading technology
Kraken has acquired Capitalise.ai, a company that developed technology for automated trading using natural language. This will allow Kraken Pro users to design and automate trading strategies without needing to code. Capitalise.ai's platform turns text instructions into trading strategies for different markets. The technology will be added to Kraken Pro later this year. The deal follows Kraken's acquisition of NinjaTrader, showing its expansion into traditional financial markets.
Sources
- Global ambition crucial for success: AI investment panel at ET Soonicorns Summit
- ET Soonicorns Summit 2025: The real deal about India's AI investment revolution
- New NFPA Survey Spotlights AI Adoption, Skilled Trades Trends
- Microsoft continues AI push with NFL expansion
- AI giants call for energy grid kumbaya
- University of Nevada Initiative Brings AI to Freshmen, Faculty
- ChatGPT-5 Downgrade Attack Allows Hackers to Evade AI Defenses With Minimal Prompts
- Deal to get ChatGPT Plus for whole of UK discussed by Open AI boss and minister
- Spiral-Bench shows which AI models most strongly reinforce users' delusional thinking
- Kraken Acquires Capitalise.ai for Automated Trading Tech