May 14, 2025

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Microsoft OpenAI Partnership, Alibaba ZEROSEARCH, Google 3D Capture, Kyriba TAI, Responsible AI

Recent developments in the tech industry have highlighted the growing importance of artificial intelligence (AI). Microsoft is renegotiating its partnership with OpenAI to protect its equity stake and ensure access to future technologies, as OpenAI plans to convert its for-profit arm into a Public Benefit Corporation. This move is expected to pave the way for an initial public offering and allow OpenAI to generate profits while focusing on social good. Meanwhile, SoftBank has given its blessing to OpenAI's plan, and Microsoft has invested over $13 billion in the company. In other news, Alibaba has introduced a new AI training method called ZEROSEARCH, which reduces the cost of training large language models by nearly 90%. The company has also open-sourced multiple AI models and plans to lead in both e-commerce and cloud services. Google has launched a new AI-based system for 3D object capture, and Kyriba has unveiled its agentic AI solution, TAI, to simplify complex workflows and enhance data-driven decision-making. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on responsible AI, with companies recognizing the need to integrate responsible AI principles into their business strategies to gain competitive advantages and reduce operational risk. As AI continues to evolve, it is likely to have a significant impact on various industries and aspects of our lives, from cybersecurity and education to business operations and sustainability.

Key Takeaways

  • Microsoft is renegotiating its partnership with OpenAI to protect its equity stake and ensure access to future technologies.
  • OpenAI plans to convert its for-profit arm into a Public Benefit Corporation, allowing it to generate profits and focus on social good.
  • SoftBank has given its blessing to OpenAI's plan, and Microsoft has invested over $13 billion in the company.
  • Alibaba has introduced a new AI training method called ZEROSEARCH, reducing the cost of training large language models by nearly 90%.
  • Google has launched a new AI-based system for 3D object capture, simplifying the process for businesses to showcase their products.
  • Kyriba has unveiled its agentic AI solution, TAI, to simplify complex workflows and enhance data-driven decision-making.
  • There is a growing emphasis on responsible AI, with companies recognizing the need to integrate responsible AI principles into their business strategies.
  • AI is expected to have a significant impact on various industries and aspects of our lives, from cybersecurity and education to business operations and sustainability.
  • Alibaba plans to lead in both e-commerce and cloud services, with a commitment of $52 billion to build its AI future.
  • Companies that integrate responsible AI principles into their business strategies can gain competitive advantages, reduce operational risk, and protect brand reputation.

Microsoft Protects Stake in OpenAI

Microsoft is renegotiating its partnership with OpenAI to protect its equity stake and ensure access to future technologies. OpenAI is planning to convert its for-profit arm into a Public Benefit Corporation, which will allow it to generate profits and focus on social good. The new structure is expected to pave the way for an initial public offering. Microsoft has invested over $13 billion in OpenAI and wants to secure its long-term access to OpenAI's tech. The deal is crucial for OpenAI's plans to raise more capital and go public.

Microsoft Negotiates OpenAI Terms

Microsoft is in talks with OpenAI to rewrite their multibillion-dollar partnership. OpenAI wants to convert its for-profit arm into a Public Benefit Corporation, which will allow it to generate profits and focus on social good. Microsoft is willing to give up some of its equity in OpenAI's future PBC in exchange for access to new technology beyond 2030. The deal is crucial for OpenAI's plans to raise more capital and go public. Microsoft has invested over $13 billion in OpenAI and wants to secure its long-term access to OpenAI's tech.

SoftBank Supports OpenAI Restructure

SoftBank has given its blessing to OpenAI's plan to restructure into a for-profit entity. The Japanese giant had invested $30 billion in OpenAI and its support is key to the plan. OpenAI will retain its non-profit arm and convert its limited liability company into a Public Benefit Corporation. The new structure will allow OpenAI to generate profits and focus on social good. Microsoft, another major investor, has not yet approved the plan and is negotiating the terms of its partnership with OpenAI.

Alibaba Cuts AI Training Costs

Alibaba has introduced a new AI training method called ZEROSEARCH, which reduces the cost of training large language models by nearly 90%. The method uses simulated AI-generated documents to mimic real search engine outputs, eliminating the need for expensive API calls. Alibaba's new approach makes advanced AI search functionalities more accessible to developers and businesses, especially small and medium-sized enterprises. The company has also open-sourced multiple AI models to support global developers in building custom AI solutions.

Alibaba's AI Training Method Saves 88% Costs

Alibaba's ZEROSEARCH method can reduce AI training costs by 88% by using simulated AI-generated documents to mimic real search engine outputs. The method eliminates the need for expensive API calls and makes advanced AI search functionalities more accessible to developers and businesses. Alibaba's approach uses a two-step simulation strategy and can generate high-quality 3D visualizations of products for inclusion in Google Shopping listings. The company has also acknowledged the potential limitations of its method, including the need for GPU servers and the impact on sustainability.

Alibaba Stock Surges 6% on AI Plans

Alibaba's stock has surged 6% after Chairman Joe Tsai outlined the company's AI-driven future. Tsai said that AI will be central to all business operations over the next three to five years and will help grow the user base across platforms. Alibaba has committed $52 billion to build its AI future and aims to lead in both e-commerce and cloud services. The company will shift Alibaba Cloud into an 'AI as a service' platform to help clients across sectors. Analysts remain bullish about Alibaba's stock trajectory, with a Strong Buy consensus rating and a 33.35% upside potential.

CRCF Hosts AI Seminar

The Cattaraugus Region Community Foundation will host a seminar on artificial intelligence on May 20. The seminar, titled 'Artificial Intelligence for Nonprofits,' will be held from noon to 1 p.m. and is part of the foundation's Link and Learn Seminar series. The event aims to provide information and insights on AI and its applications for nonprofit organizations.

Google Launches AI-Based 3D Asset Generation

Google has launched a new AI-based system that simplifies 3D object capture, enabling businesses to better showcase their products within Google's shopping listings. The system uses generative AI techniques to create high-quality and shoppable 3D product visualizations from as few as three product images. Google says that its latest system uses its Veo AI video generation model to infer movement and infill frames, creating more responsive and logical depictions of 3D objects.

Deepfake Defense in the Age of AI

The rise of generative AI has dramatically reshaped the cybersecurity landscape, with attackers using large language models to impersonate trusted individuals and automate social engineering tactics at scale. To prevent deepfake attacks, companies need to create conditions where impersonation is impossible, using identity verification, device integrity checks, and visible trust indicators. Traditional defenses focus on detection, but prevention requires a different foundation based on provable trust, not assumption.

Kyriba Unveils Agentic AI Solution

Kyriba has introduced its agentic AI solution, TAI, which simplifies complex workflows, identifies risks with predictive analytics, and enhances data-driven decision-making across treasury, payments, risk management, and working capital. TAI is powered by Kyriba's embedded Large Language Model and over 20 years of unmatched global liquidity data. The solution is designed to transform finance and treasury operations without relying on third-party LLM integrations, prioritizing industry-leading data privacy and empowering enterprise leaders to make faster, smarter decisions.

ScanTech AI CEO to Speak at Conference

ScanTech AI CEO Dolan Falconer will serve as a featured speaker and panelist at the 2025 Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Falconer will discuss strategies for scaling innovation, executing high-impact M&A, and unlocking shareholder value in emerging growth sectors. The conference is a premier gathering of CEOs, investors, and M&A professionals, offering a platform for dynamic discussions on capital raising, business acquisitions, and strategic growth.

Teaching Journalism Students Generative AI

A journalism lecturer has introduced an 'AI diary' to teach students generative AI, replacing traditional critical evaluations. The AI diary requires students to document every interaction with AI, including prompts and responses, and reflect on their use of AI in a more transparent and ongoing way. The approach aims to encourage experimentation, exploration, and critical thinking, and to assess the quality of interactions with AI as a reflection of the student's knowledge and engagement with research.

Responsible AI as a Business Necessity

Responsible AI is becoming a business necessity, driven by top-down regulation, market pressure, and bottom-up public influence. Companies that integrate responsible AI principles into their business strategies can gain competitive advantages, reduce operational risk, and protect brand reputation. The EU AI Act and other regulations are setting the rules, while market forces are driving an internal shift towards responsible AI. Public stakeholder engagement is also key to building trust and driving sustainable business growth.

Sources

Artificial Intelligence OpenAI Microsoft Alibaba AI Training Generative AI