quantum computing

King's College London researchers are the first UK academic team to access Google's advanced "Willow" quantum computer. This collaboration, part of a Google and NQCC initiative, will leverage Willow's immense power to simulate complex natural systems like photosynthesis. The goal is to unlock secrets that could lead to breakthroughs in solar energy, power grids, and drug discovery.

IBM is set to receive $1 billion from the US government as part of a $2 billion quantum computing funding package. This investment, aimed at bolstering domestic manufacturing and accelerating development in strategic technology sectors, includes minority equity stakes for the government.

IBM shares have seen a significant surge, adding billions to its market value, following a resurfaced video of Donald Trump praising CEO Arvind Krishna. This renewed attention, coupled with optimism around AI and quantum computing developments, has fueled a rally, with analysts pointing to social media buzz and momentum trading as key drivers.

The first challenge was owning a phone. The next is about whether people can use it to access education, jobs, finance and welfare services

Tech layoffs have crossed a lakh in 2026, with Meta, Cisco, Intuit, PayPal and Cloudflare slashing thousands of jobs as AI restructuring takes hold. But one engineering role is booming against the tide. Forward-deployed engineer (FDE) postings on Indeed jumped 729% year-on-year, with salaries ranging from $170,000 to over $200,000. Anthropic, OpenAI, Stripe, Google Cloud, Palantir and McKinsey's QuantumBlack are all hiring FDEs to integrate AI tools into enterprise workflows.

Amaravati, the newly anointed capital city of Andhra Pradesh, is still under construction, but its Quantum Valley project is already luring deeptech startups, scientists and engineers to move in as the first settlers and work on the next frontier of technology

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman is reportedly in talks with the Trump administration about donating company shares to the US government. This move aims to establish a public investment fund, similar to OpenAI's "Public Wealth Fund" proposal, allowing citizens to benefit from AI's economic growth.

The IITs, including Hyderabad, Tirupati, and Madras, are broadening their appeal by welcoming students who wish to explore non-engineering fields. By taking entrance exams like UCEED, JAM, and CAT, candidates can unlock a variety of programs that range from design to management and liberal arts.

In a joint statement, Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and UK Defence Secretary John Healey confirmed the revised arrangement. "The deputy prime minister and secretaries welcomed the proposed approach to streamline Australia's acquisition of Virginia-class submarines (VCS), simplifying supply chain management, operational and maintenance requirements, and maximising cost efficiencies," the statement said.

Universities Introduce Specialised Programmes Aligned With Industry, Emerging Technologies

Maharashtra is poised to become an AI powerhouse, aiming for over 1.5 lakh jobs and ₹10,000 crore investment by 2031. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis unveiled ambitious plans including AI Centers of Excellence and a startup fund. This initiative aligns with the state's goal of a $1 trillion economy by 2030, driven by technology and innovation.

India's student startups are pivoting from consumer internet to deep-tech, with AI, defence, and climate leading the charge. This shift signifies a rise in technical sophistication, as evidenced by a surge in PhD founders and a widening geographical spread of innovation beyond major metros. Edtech and services sectors have seen a notable decline.

Sharda University is rapidly emerging as a leading institution in India's knowledge-driven economy, recognized for its cutting-edge research, AI integration, and global collaborations. With a strong focus on innovation and impact, the university boasts significant research output, faculty excellence, and robust mechanisms for intellectual property commercialization, positioning itself as a key player in Viksit Bharat's ambitions.

JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warns of US weaknesses in defense and supply chains. He announces a ten-year, $1.5 trillion initiative to invest in critical sectors. This plan targets advanced manufacturing, defense, energy, frontier technologies, and pharmaceuticals. Investors are watching closely as economic strength and national security become increasingly linked.