The technology sector experienced a major global revival this week. Breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, major financial agreements, startup successes, and strategic partnerships dominated the headlines. Events in both international and local markets highlighted the directions in which the future of technology is likely to evolve.
Rapid Advancements in Artificial Intelligence
This week’s spotlight was firmly on AI innovations. Global tech giants announced new models, applications, and technological collaborations:
- OpenAI introduced its next-generation GPT-5 model, promising higher accuracy and speed. The company also invested in Chai Discovery, a startup accelerating drug discovery, and released its first open AI models. In addition, OpenAI announced plans to establish its first AI data center in Europe, located in Norway.
- Google unveiled its new Gemini Deep Think model, which stands out for its advanced reasoning capabilities, strengthening its position in the AI market.
- Apple confirmed it is developing a ChatGPT-like AI application. CEO Tim Cook revealed plans to integrate AI into all Apple devices and services.
- DeepMind launched its Genie 3 model, taking AI-powered creative content generation to a new level.
- Anthropic restricted access to OpenAI’s Claude models, signaling intensifying competition in the sector.
- Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky noted that AI has yet to replace dominant search platforms like Google.
Startups and Innovative Projects
The global startup ecosystem made headlines with record-breaking investments:
- Uzbekistan’s first unicorn, Uzum, raised $65.5 million, bringing its valuation to $1.5 billion.
- Middle East fintech startup Alaan secured $48 million, marking the region’s highest funding round.
- From Turkey, Good Job Games raised $60 million, while crypto platform Kuantist secured $35 million in investment.
- AI startup SixSense raised $8.5 million for its chip analysis technology.
- OpenAI became the world’s most valuable startup after securing $8.3 billion in investment.
In Azerbaijan, the Bolt Accelerator Program was launched to support the development of the local innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Meanwhile, the CulTech Incubation Program kicked off its latest wave, offering training and support opportunities for local startups.
Strategic Moves from Major Corporations
Global tech giants also made significant investment and partnership announcements:
- Apple pledged $100 billion to strengthen manufacturing in the United States.
- Microsoft surpassed a $4 trillion market valuation — a historic milestone for the tech industry.
- McDonald’s announced plans to double its AI investments by 2027.
- Palantir signed a $10 billion strategic contract with the U.S. Army.
- Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, met with a SpaceX vice president to explore potential collaborations in space and technology sectors.
Enhancing User Experience
Major platforms introduced several features aimed at improving user experience:
- WhatsApp added new tools to enhance user safety.
- ChatGPT rolled out a “pause” feature and set limits for long-term conversations.
- The mygov app reorganized its data and services under unified categories.
- Several popular Coursera courses have been dubbed into Azerbaijani.
This week’s developments show that the technology sector is advancing rapidly — not only in artificial intelligence but also in investment, manufacturing, and user-focused innovation. Strategic moves, substantial funding, and innovative solutions indicate that technology will penetrate even more deeply into every aspect of our lives in the coming years. The pace is expected to accelerate further in the weeks ahead.
