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NVIDIA’s Inception Programme Empowers 4,500 European AI Startups for Breakthrough Innovations, Belgium

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NVIDIA’s Inception programme supports 4,500 European startups working on artificial intelligence (AI).

Stijn Verrept knew in 2018 that his company needed to find an unconventional solution if they were going to develop a quality smart lamp to detect the motion of an older person’s fall to notify caregivers.

Verrept, the founder of Belgian startup Nobi, tried manually calculating the distance a person could fall, mounting cameras to the ceiling or the lamps themselves with no luck. The tech is meant to allow the elderly to stay in their homes.

They decided to pivot to artificial intelligence (AI), with the company choosing NVIDIA microchips for their high processing power and the ability to quickly retrain the lamps.

By 2020, Nobi and its smart lamps joined NVIDIA’s Inception programme to help startups evolve faster through cutting-edge technology, according to the company’s website.

Nobi redeemed $100,000 (€92,000) worth of NVIDIA credits to store their AI training on the company’s cloud, where it still stays today.

It helped a lot because every dollar that you don’t have to spend on cloud cost, you can put into development, and any tech startup is development-heavy, Verrept told Euronews Next.

Nobi is one of 4,500 companies in Europe and over 17,000 around the world that are supported by the programme, according to a spokesperson from NVIDIA.

Through Inception, NVIDIA offers a headstart to select AI startups on the continent with preferred pricing on their graphics cards, courses and exclusive events, according to their website.

It’s one of three investment arms that the world’s second-most profitable company is using to build what they call a global AI ecosystem.

Verrept estimates that the programme gave his company Nobi something of an 18-month head start on building their prototype.

At Moon Surgical, a French-American medical technology startup, Inception allowed them to access NVIDIA technology to build a surgical robotics system designed to help surgeons with precision and control in minimally invasive procedures.

Jeffery Alvarez, Moon Surgical’s chief operating officer, said they gained three to six months to refine the algorithms and make the hardware more reliable.

Startups enrolled with NVIDIA can access training credits for courses on programming and preferred pricing on the company’s products.

By 2023, two years after Moon Surgical joined Inception, NVIDIA became a formal investor in Moon Surgical, giving the company $55 million (€51.19 million) in a funding round.

Mohamed (Sid) Siddeek, head of NVIDIA’s venture capitalist arm Nventures, is now a board observer at the company.

Serge Palaric, vice president of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at NVIDIA, previously told Euronews Next the Inception programme is part of the company’s broader ecosystem to work with every AI company.

We create a full ecosystem in order to be able to address and support these enterprises that want to make the move to [generative] AI, Palaric said.

The goal of the programme, Palaric continued, is to bring the ingredients to AI companies so they can develop their own devices but they are not developing the application for them.

NVIDIA has separately invested in France’s Mistral AI and Hugging Face along with the UK’s Synthesia.

Anne-Christine Witt, professor of antitrust law at EDHEC Business School in Lille, said antitrust lawyers would need to prove three things to make a case against NVIDIA or any startup programme supported by Big Tech companies.

These include showing proof of a having significant market share, misusing that share to dissuade any competition, or abusing their dominance to acquire smaller companies.

It would be very hard to say that [the Inception programme promotes] anti-competitive conduct; as long as the startups are free to switch to another technology, Dewitt said.

NVIDIA’s market share is estimated at anywhere between 70 to 95 per cent, according to media reports, but Dewitt says having a large market share is not illegal.

There are no conditions keeping Nobi with NVIDIA products or in its Inception programme, according to founder Stijn Verrept. Nobi can still pivot to a cheaper and more efficient model if it exists, he said.

It’s hard for antitrust professionals to know whether there are any breaches of merger control or other factors because of a lack of transparency from tech companies, Dewitt explained.

This is not information that is in contracts that we can make available to competition agencies, Dewitt continued. A lot of this is in the blackbox, it’s all kept very secret.

The European Commission has the Digital Markets Act, a new law that could assist with investigating breaches of antitrust laws by artificial intelligence companies on a case-by-case basis, a spokesperson told Euronews Next.

The Commission refused to comment about NVIDIA specifically, which reportedly faces possible antitrust charges in France, but did say they are looking into some of the agreements that have been conducted … between large digital market players and generative AI developers and providers, and how they are impacting market dynamics.

Ali Khan’s Four-Wicket Haul Secures Victory for Los Angeles Knight Riders, US

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Ali Khan delivered a stellar performance, claiming four wickets as Los Angeles Knight Riders secured a thrilling 12-run victory in a Major League Cricket (MLC) 2024 encounter at Grand Prairie Stadium in Dallas last Saturday. Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Texas Super Kings faced strong bowling from Los Angeles Knight Riders. Unmukt Chand smashed 68 runs off 45 balls and guided his team to a competitive total of 162 for 7 in their allotted 20 overs. In response, Texas Super Kings managed to reach 150 for 8 in their 20 overs, largely due to Ali Khan’s exceptional four-wicket haul. Los Angeles Knight Riders’ captain Sunil Narine praised Unmukt Chand for his outstanding innings, particularly highlighting his contribution in the match.

Trump Focuses on VP Selection Amid Biden Mental Fitness Scrutiny, US

Former President Donald Trump remains out of the public eye as President Joe Biden faces scrutiny over his mental fitness and reelection campaign. Trump’s team closely monitors Biden’s responses to challenging questions regarding his political future. Despite President Joe Biden’s mental fitness and the status of his reelection campaign being public, former President Donald Trump remains out of the public eye, as he feels confident following last week’s debate. We’re trying something new and shutting up, one source described the Trump team’s strategy. ABC News has been informed by numerous sources who are close to Trump that they are closely monitoring and anticipating the responses of Biden and his campaign to challenging inquiries regarding his political future. Biden will have a critical occasion to do so during a sit-down interview with ABC News’s George Stephanopoulos on July 5. The initial excerpts will be broadcast on World News Tonight, the interview will be transmitted in its entirety on a prime-time ABC network, particularly on July 5 evening at 8 p.m. ET. This week, the White House reiterated that Biden was not contemplating resigning. Trump and his campaign have publicly argued that Biden will ultimately become the Democratic nominee while simultaneously contending that he is insufficiently competent to endure through November. Nevertheless, sources assert that the campaign is preparing for all possible outcomes. They then praise Trump’s debate performance and the polling data they believe is trending in their favor. For instance, the Trump campaign and the Republican National Committee have dedicated the past week to emphasizing Vice President Kamala Harris’s errors and criticizing her record. Harris has been the subject of speculation as a potential replacement for Biden in the event of his withdrawal. Joe Biden is weak, failed, dishonest, and not fit for the White House, senior campaign advisers Chris Lacivita and Susie Wiles wrote in a statement. Every one of them has lied about Joe Biden’s cognitive state and supported his disastrous policies over the past four years, especially Cackling Copilot Kamala Harris. This week, Trump was captured on camera outside the clubhouse of his Bedminster golf course, where he disparaged Harris and criticized Biden’s prospects of reelection. I got him out of the race — and that means we have Kamala, Trump said in a video someone covertly took of him and obtained by The Daily Beast, which Trump later posted on his social media platform. I think she’s going to be better. She’s so bad. She’s so pathetic. She’s just so f—— bad. The Biden campaign responded to the video by compiling a catalog of some of the bad events under Trump. No, Donald. What is bad is taking away women’s rights; What is bad is losing an election and encouraging a violent mob to attack the Capitol, the Biden campaign said in a statement with more than 20 reasons — including that he has a lousy golf game. After the Supreme Court primarily ruled in his favor regarding presidential immunity, Trump has remained silent, allowing the Biden campaign’s future to consume the news cycle, except for that video, a couple of radio interviews, and victory social media posts. Trump delivered virtual remarks to veterans in Wisconsin and Florida on July 4. According to a post on his social media platform, he did so from Bedminster, New Jersey, where he has been residing for the past week. Before the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee later this month, he is scheduled to campaign in Butler, Pennsylvania, and Doral, Florida, next week. This will be his first public campaign appearance since the Virginia rally the day after the debate. Trump’s campaign schedule was relatively light this week, following a string of fundraising and campaigning events in the preceding weeks. This has been the case since the conclusion of his hush-money payment trial, which resulted in his release from the Manhattan courthouse. However, the jury found him guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in New York. Since the trial concluded in late May, the former president has traveled nationwide, engaging in discussions with affluent donors on the West Coast and mobilizing voters in battleground states such as Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Pennsylvania. In contrast, Biden has been making consecutive public appearances since the debate to reassure the American public that he is qualified for the position and to alleviate skepticism within his party. As president, Biden has participated in official White House events, held numerous campaign fundraisers, and visited significant and minor campaign stops. Sources maintain that Trump has been at his most composed in recent months. He has finally had the opportunity to explore more of his political life, as the courtroom has been relatively silent. Additionally, the downtime has enabled Trump to concentrate on selecting a vice-presidential candidate and organizing the convention, according to aides who spoke with ABC News. Sources have informed ABC News that the selection of a running mate has yet to be finalized. However, the former president may choose to announce his choice before the party’s convention, which commences on July 15. The former president has also been fundraising from the potential announcement of his running companion and the news cycle this week. In a fundraising blast released on Friday morning, he claimed to supporters that Biden could be dropping out.

Suzuki’s Next Bharat Venture: Investing in Rural Entrepreneurs for Future Growth, India

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Suzuki has launched a $40 million fund in India aimed at boosting rural startups in exchange for market presence. The fund, known as Next Bharat Venture, will focus on supporting startups in the agriculture and microfinance sectors, while also providing training to rural entrepreneurs.

Suzuki, via Maruti Suzuki India Ltd., is the largest automaker in the country with a 41.6% market share. However, the company faces challenges due to a limited range of hybrid cars and the absence of electrified options. To expand its reach and tap into a broader audience, Suzuki plans to invest in startups and develop business opportunities in underserved rural areas.

The company aims to harness the potential of the fund to not only support local entrepreneurs but also to create new business opportunities for itself in the long run. By establishing a network of entrepreneurs across India, Suzuki hopes to strengthen its foothold in the market and explore new sectors for growth.

The Next Bharat Venture fund will be based in three key offices in Gujarat, Bangalore, and Hyderabad, led by Vipul Nath Jindal. Through initiatives like the Suzuki Innovation Center at the Indian Institute of Technology in Hyderabad, the company is focusing on enhancing its understanding of remote areas and identifying potential areas for expansion.

As Suzuki ventures into new territories such as biogas in India, the fund underscores the company’s commitment to long-term investments and sustainable growth. With evolving market dynamics and increased competition in the automotive sector, this strategic move highlights Suzuki’s proactive approach to stay ahead in the game.

In a bid to cater to India’s expanding consumer market and stay abreast of technological advancements, Suzuki is positioning itself to leverage local talent and innovations. This fund represents a significant step towards engaging with rural communities, fostering entrepreneurship, and driving inclusive growth for both the company and the nation’s economy.

Teenage Boy Dies in NSW Road Accident, Driver Tests Positive, Australia

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A 16-year-old boy died and three other teenagers were injured in a road accident in New South Wales, Australia. The incident occurred when a white Ford Falcon containing five young persons, aged 14-17, left the roadway and collided with a tree. The driver, a 17-year-old boy, tested positive for alcohol and was taken to the hospital for mandatory testing. The deceased teenager was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital, while the three injured passengers were also hospitalized for their non-life-threatening injuries. The tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially for young drivers and passengers.

Tripura Faces Public Health Crisis as 47 Students Die from HIV, India

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Tripura is facing a severe public health crisis, with 47 student deaths attributed to HIV and a total of 828 HIV-positive students identified. The Tripura State AIDS Control Society (TSACS) has reported that five to seven new HIV cases are detected daily, highlighting a concerning trend in the state. The Joint Director of TSACS revealed that drug abuse among students from various educational institutions has been identified as the primary driver behind the rise in HIV cases. This epidemic has impacted students from 220 schools and 24 colleges and universities across Tripura. The overall HIV scenario in the state remains alarming, with 8,729 individuals registered in antiretroviral therapy (ART) centers, of which 5,674 are actively receiving treatment for HIV. The surge in HIV cases has been linked to high levels of drug abuse among students from affluent families and government employees. The situation demands immediate attention and concerted efforts to address the root causes of this growing public health concern.

Detroit City FC Women Advance to USL W League Central Conference Final with 3-0 Victory over River Light FC

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Detroit City FC’s women’s team advanced to the Central Conference final in the USL W League with a 3-0 victory over River Light FC. The win secured DCFC’s spot in the championship game against Indy Eleven, scheduled for Sunday at Keyworth Stadium. The team’s impressive performance was highlighted by goals from Lilley Bosley, Emily Pagett, and Lily Jeakle, securing their path to the next stage of the competition. With the upcoming conference final on the horizon, Detroit City FC’s women’s team is gearing up to continue their pursuit of the national playoffs.

Researchers Challenge Traditional View of Alzheimer’s Disease Initiation and Offer New Approach, Australia

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A call to rethink the possible early cause of Alzheimer’s disease that challenges the accepted view of a build-up of amyloid proteins in the brain has come from QUT scientists. Researchers suggest a paradigm shift is needed to explore the ‘triggers’ behind toxic amyloid and tau proteins, with a focus on impaired adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) as a potential early causal factor in Alzheimer’s disease. The study, published in Open Biology, indicates that AHN may diminish before amyloid and tau proteins appear, highlighting its initiating role in the early stages of AD development. The identification of disruptions and interactions within molecular pathways regulating AHN could lead to new insights into treating Alzheimer’s disease.

Keir Starmer Vows National Renewal After Labour’s Landmark Victory in UK

A Guide To Optimizing Your Credit Score

Obtaining a good credit score can be a gamechanger when it comes to applying for loans, credit cards or mortgages. Your credit score is a number that can either help or hinder your financial future, so it’s essential to understand how it works and ways to optimize it. Here are some key tips to help you boost your credit score and secure your financial wellness:

1. Pay Your Bills on Time: Payment history plays a significant role in determining your credit score. Make sure to pay all your bills – whether it’s credit card payments, utility bills, or loan instalments – on time to avoid negative marks on your credit report.

2. Keep Credit Card Balances Low: Credit utilization, or the amount of credit you’re using compared to the total amount available to you, is another crucial factor that impacts your credit score. Try to keep your credit card balances low and avoid maxing out your cards.

3. Monitor Your Credit Report: Regularly checking your credit report can help you spot any errors or unauthorized activity that could be dragging down your credit score. You’re entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion – every year.

4. Avoid Opening Too Many New Accounts: Each time you apply for new credit, it triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score. Try to avoid opening multiple new credit accounts within a short period.

5. Diversify Your Credit Mix: Having a mix of different types of credit, such as credit cards, a mortgage, and an auto loan, can demonstrate to creditors that you can manage different types of credit responsibly. However, only take on credit that you need and can manage effectively.

6. Keep Old Accounts Open: The length of your credit history is also an important factor in determining your credit score. If you have old credit accounts with a positive payment history, consider keeping them open to show a longer credit history.

7. Be Patient and Persistent: Improving your credit score takes time and consistent effort. Be patient with the process and continue practicing good credit habits to see positive results over time.

By following these tips and staying proactive about managing your credit, you can work towards building and maintaining a healthy credit score. Remember that a good credit score can open doors to better financial opportunities, so it’s worth investing the time and effort to optimize it.

Anchorman 20th Anniversary: Ron Burgundy’s Mustache in 4K Blu-ray, US

You stay classy, San Diego, as Anchorman is here to celebrate its 20th anniversary with a new 4K Blu-ray release. I’m Ron Burgundy?

At long last, the glorious mustache of Ron Burgundy can be admired in ultra-high definition. Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy has long been hailed as one of the greatest comedy movies of all time, and a 4K Blu-ray version is finally available as of this week. You can secure your copy of the 4K edition for $23.19 (was $26) at Amazon, just in time to watch it on Anchorman’s 20th anniversary on July 9. The 4K Blu-ray edition of Anchorman also comes with 1080p Blu-ray and digital formats.

In case you haven’t seen it–or you need to revisit it–Anchorman was one of Will Ferrell’s breakout hits in the early 2000s. Going from Saturday Night Live sensation to cannon fodder for Austin Powers, Ferrell starred as the titular Ron Burgundy, San Diego’s number one TV news anchor in a time when cable ruled the airwaves. Having become very comfortable in the male-dominated world of news, Burgundy faces a new challenge, when rising reporter Veronica Corningstone–played by Christina Applegate–turns his world upside down.

Also, Burgundy’s on-air weather reporter Brick Tamland actually murders a man from another TV station in a brutal news team brawl. Why is he not in jail? We don’t know, but Brick totally did kill a guy, using a trident. In addition to Ferrell, the film also starred Steve Carrell, Paul Rudd, David Koechner, and Fred Willard.

For the special features, you’ll get over two hours of original extras inherited from previous releases and new material like cast auditions, bloopers, deleted scenes, interviews, and a music video featuring the Anchorman cast performing Afternoon Delight. Both the theatrical and extended cuts of the film, all remastered in 4K.