🖥️ Tech Futures #22

Happy Monday 👋

AWS launched the Amazon Q Developer tool, reducing cloud migration times from months to days using AI technology. SK Hynix developed the 'PS1012 U.2', a 61TB SSD for AI data centers, enhancing performance with PCIe 5.0 technology. The Pentagon's Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC) rule is now effective, requiring defense contractors to meet specific cybersecurity standards. Space42 secured a $5B contract with the UAE government for satellite communications, extending services until 2043. Databricks raised $10B in funding, reaching a valuation of $62 billion, highlighting strong investor interest in AI technology.

What's new?

HolonIQ’s new Green Skills Map and Workforce section reveals industry-wide sustainability skills and jobs, as well as workforce development initiatives, supporting upskilling for a sustainable economy.

HolonIQ's new skills newsletter is here! Get updates on emerging skills, workforce shifts, and industry insights across impact sectors. Subscribe now to stay ahead.

⚙️ Artificial Intelligence

🚀 AWS Introduces Agentic AI to Accelerate Cloud Migration. Amazon Web Services (AWS)  introduced an agentic AI tool called Amazon Q Developer that aims to significantly speed up enterprise cloud migrations from legacy systems like mainframes and VMware environments.

🤖 OpenAI Enhances API with o1 Model and Developer Tools. OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company,  added its o1 reasoning model to its API and introduced other improvements aimed at developers.

⌨️ Microsoft's Phi-4 AI Model Outperforms Larger Competitors. Microsoft's new AI model, Phi-4, outperforms larger competitors like Google's Gemini Pro with superior mathematical reasoning while using fewer resources.

💾 Semiconductors

💻 SK Hynix Develops New High-Capacity SSD for AI Data Centers. SK Hynix, a major semiconductor company, completed the development of PS1012, a high-capacity solid-state drive (SSD) product designed for AI data centers.

🇨🇳 Huawei's Mission to Boost China's Semiconductor Capabilities. Two years ago, Huawei, a Chinese technology company, sent a team of engineers to a little-known supplier, SJ Semicon, in Jiangyin to enhance its capabilities in producing semiconductor chips. The company aims to boost China's technological prowess in the semiconductor industry.

🇳🇱 Netherlands Launches ChipNL Hub to Boost Semiconductor Industry. The Netherlands government unveiled the ChipNL Competence Centre to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry.

🚨 Cybersecurity

🔒 New cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors. The Pentagon's final rule for the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification 2.0 (CMMC) initiative went into effect, requiring companies to meet cybersecurity requirements to win Defense Department contracts.

📞 Communication and Networking

🛰️ Space42 Secures Massive UAE Government Satellite Contract. Space42, a technology company, signed a 17-year $5B contract with the United Arab Emirates government to expand secure satellite communications.

🛰 Thuraya 4 Satellite Arrives for SpaceX Launch to Boost Global Connectivity. The Thuraya 4 satellite arrived for a SpaceX launch, which will enhance global connectivity and support industries with advanced satellite capabilities and AI-powered solutions.

📡 T-Mobile Launches Starlink Satellite Messaging Beta. T-Mobile opened beta registration for Starlink's direct-to-smartphone satellite service, enabling text messaging early next year on select newer devices in most U.S. cellular dead zones with a clear sky view.

💻 Quantum Computing

🔬 Israel Launches First Domestic Quantum Computer. Israel unveiled its first domestically built quantum computer, a 20-qubit system, joining the global race for quantum supremacy. 

🛠️ Skills and Workforce

With reskilling and upskilling playing a key role in closing workforce gaps, HolonIQ is now tracking these impactful initiatives shaping the tech industry. Read on for this week’s insights, and discover more in HolonIQ's latest Skills newsletter.

🤖 Microsoft launched an AI Skills Initiative that aims to equip 1 million people in Australia and New Zealand with essential AI skills by 2026, addressing a key workforce gap. The program offers free tools, including an AI Skills Navigator, and tailored content via Microsoft Learn, LinkedIn, and GitHub, focusing on public services, education, and non-profits. Targeting diverse groups, it ensures AI benefits reach disadvantaged communities. This initiative supports both workforce readiness and Microsoft’s AI ambitions as AI reshapes work and learning.

🧠 Microsoft has launched New Zealand’s first hyperscale cloud region, marking a milestone in its 40-year presence in the country. This data center supports cloud adoption, pledges to train 100,000 New Zealanders in AI and digital skills, and operates on 100% carbon-free electricity via a partnership with Contact Energy. With generative AI projected to add $76B to the economy by 2038, Microsoft’s initiatives focus on workforce inclusivity, reskilling underserved communities, and empowering local innovators to drive economic growth and sustainability.

🖥️ Australian CIOs are urged to support Take2’s initiative, which trains incarcerated individuals in tech skills, preparing them for meaningful careers upon release. Already impactful in New Zealand, Take2 launched its first Australian program in Sydney and plans to expand. Advocating for "fair chance hiring," the program aligns with global trends, fostering justice, economic growth, and inclusivity. As Australia's tech sector faces a 200,000-worker shortage by 2025, this approach offers a dual solution: addressing talent gaps while transforming lives and diversifying the workforce.

HolonIQ has also launched the Green Skills Map, an open-source framework initiated for cataloging, evaluating, and contextualizing the different components of the rapidly expanding field of green jobs. This comprehensive taxonomy will serve as a resource for understanding the full spectrum and complexity of green skills required across various sectors, thereby enabling a cohesive approach toward achieving net zero and decarbonizing the global economy. Green Skills Map spans 11 areas, 54 sub-areas, and 243 green skills clusters. A snippet of the map covering four areas has been included above. Explore the full map on greenskills.org.

💰 Tech Deals

💴 Databricks Raises Record $10B in Venture Funding. Databricks, a data analytics company, raised $10B in venture capital funding at a $62B valuation, setting a record for the largest venture funding deal in 2024.

🚫 Spyware Firm Paragon Acquired for Up to $900M. Spyware startup Paragon been acquired by investment firm AE for up to $900M. Paragon's flagship Graphite product can penetrate encrypted messaging apps.

💵 RED Lattice Acquires Israeli Spyware Firm Paragon for Over $500 Million. RED Lattice, a US cybersecurity firm acquired Israeli spyware company Paragon for over $500M.

💶 Liquid AI Raises $250M in Series A Funding Led by AMD. Liquid AI, an AI startup co-founded by Daniela Rus, raised $250M in a Series A funding round led by AMD.

Like getting this newsletter? For unlimited access to over one million charts, request a demo.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
Have some feedback or suggestions? Let us know at hello@holoniq.com