This Week in AI

The 3rd cohort of my Generative AI for Business Executives course is now live. Enroll now to master how to implement Generative AI in your business with real results.

p.s. here’s a testimonial from a recent student ??

“Great course! Ayesha's knowledge, content, and delivery are truly unmatched.”

— Robin Lee (General Manager, Hawk AI)

Now, let's get into this week's insights.

Here’s a new term you need to know: AI Washing.

Paul Hudson, the CEO of Sanofi, a leading biopharmaceutical company, warned business leaders about the dangers of overhyping AI capabilities, saying, "There is a lot of AI washing and CEOs talking about AI projects," highlighting that many executives are exaggerating their companies' AI capabilities.

He emphasized the importance of calibrating AI success, being careful about its risk management, and providing realistic expectations regarding AI’s role in their companies.

I totally agree: there are many benefits to using AI, but it often takes time to build data and AI solutions, and too many executives claim huge success before it actually happens. ??

LightOn becomes Europe’s first publicly listed Gen AI company

LightOn, a French generative AI startup, is set to make history as Europe's first publicly listed GenAI company. LightOn specializes in providing large language model (LLM) software to businesses and the French government, positioning itself as a pioneer in the European AI landscape.

Shares are expected to be priced at 10.35 euros each, valuing the company at approximately 50 million euros.

The company's decision to go public stands in contrast to its European peers, such as Mistral and DeepL, which have opted to remain private, making LightOn's IPO a unique opportunity for investors to participate directly in the growth of a French technology champion in the rapidly evolving field of generative AI.

South Africa’s Teraco begins construction of $443M data centre

Teraco has launched construction on JB7, a state-of-the-art 40MW hyperscale data centre in Johannesburg, funded by a $443 million syndicated loan. The facility, scheduled for completion in 2026, will feature sustainable cooling and water management systems, aligning with Teraco’s ESG goals.

Positioned at the Isando Campus, JB7 will increase Teraco's critical power load to 110MW, supporting Africa’s growing enterprise and cloud demands. This expansion strengthens South Africa’s position as a tech hub, aided by investments in connectivity projects like Equiano and 2Africa. JB7’s eco-friendly cooling systems align with Teraco’s renewable goals, which include a 120MW solar PV plant supplying the Eskom grid.

Take a virtual AI tour of St. Peter’s Basilica

The Vatican and Microsoft teamed up to create a new way to experience St. Peter's Basilica. Using AI, a digital version of the basilica was developed that lets you take virtual tours and explore digital exhibits showcasing its amazing details. You can even see parts of the basilica that are usually inaccessible, like the tombs and artwork in the dome.?

To create this model, drones, cameras, and lasers were used to scan the structure. Then, AI was used to combine the scanned information and create a complete and detailed digital model available to the almost 50,000 visitors who visit the Basilica every day.?

Pope Francis thanked the developers upon seeing the AI exhibit, admiring how modern technology is helping to preserve and share a historic faith tradition.

I love seeing how this project blends the old and new.

The Beatles are up for two Grammy Awards

The Beatles’ recent AI-refined track, Now and Then, is up for two Grammy awards: Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance. Paul McCartney initiated the project using AI to enhance an old John Lennon demo from 1978, improving the sound quality without digitally reconstructing Lennon and George Harrison’s voices.?

Inspired by AI techniques used in Peter Jackson's The Beatles: Get Back documentary, McCartney applied similar technology to separate and enhance the audio quality of Lennon’s original vocals.

This AI-assisted track will compete with current artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Beyoncé, marking an interesting return to the Grammys for the Beatles, who disbanded half a century ago.?

Until next time! The future awaits.

Ayesha ??