Ori partners with Kao Data to accelerate UK AI infrastructure
The UK’s artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem has received a significant boost with cloud provider Ori selecting Kao Data’s Harlow campus for its first AI cloud region in the country. The partnership positions Ori as the first AI cloud provider to deploy NVIDIA’s latest H200 GPUs in the UK, reinforcing the nation’s role in the global […]
The invisible infrastructure powering AI
Artificial intelligence is evolving at an extraordinary pace, reshaping industries and raising vital questions about sustainability, infrastructure, and cost. Mark Venables examines where AI lives, breathes, and evolves, exploring how technology leaders balance innovation with environmental and economic realities. Artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from a domain of scientific research to an integral part of […]
Episode 1 – Bringing AI from development to production
In this episode, I’m joined by Dom Couldwell, Head of Field Engineering at DataStax. Dom works with organisations deploying generative AI, helping them navigate the complexities of bringing AI models from development to production.
AI and the data centre revolution
AI is transforming data centre infrastructure, pushing organisations to rethink scalability, cost management, and energy efficiency. Mark Venables explores how hyperconverged infrastructure, hybrid multi-cloud strategies, and automation are reshaping the way enterprises deploy and manage AI workloads. AI is transforming business operations at an unprecedented pace, placing new demands on IT infrastructure. Traditional data centre […]
The rise of specialised GPU providers in AI deployment
Specialised GPU providers are emerging as challengers to cloud giants in AI deployment, offering tailored performance and cost advantages. Mark Venables explores whether these alternatives can truly rival the scalability, integration, and support of traditional cloud ecosystems, or if a hybrid approach is the smarter path forward. Artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries at an […]
Schneider Electric reshapes leadership to meet AI infrastructure challenge
Schneider Electric has appointed Pablo Ruiz Escribano as Senior Vice President for its Secure Power and Data Centre Business in Europe, signalling a renewed focus on the energy and infrastructure demands created by artificial intelligence (AI). With nearly two decades at the company, Ruiz Escribano steps into the role at a critical moment as the […]
Reimagining data architecture to empower artificial intelligence
As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionise industries, the underlying data architectures that support these technologies are undergoing significant transformations. Starburst, a data platform rooted in the open-source SQL engine Trino, has recently announced enhancements aimed at optimising AI flow management. This development underscores a broader industry trend: the convergence of data analytics and AI, […]
The role of AI in transforming retail supply chains
Artificial intelligence reshapes retail supply chains by transforming inventory management, demand forecasting, and last-mile delivery with unparalleled precision and agility. As Mark Venables discovers, with consumer expectations for personalisation, sustainability, and rapid delivery growing, and disruption increasingly impacting global operations, AI has become essential for navigating complexity and ensuring supply chain resilience. Artificial intelligence has […]
AI’s transformative power in research, development, and innovation
Artificial intelligence is transforming research, development, and innovation (R&D&I) from an experimental tool into a core driver of productivity, creativity, and breakthrough discoveries. Mark Venables examines Arthur D Little’s Eureka! On Steroids report, which explores AI’s potential, the challenges of adoption, and the strategic paths organisations can take to stay ahead. Artificial intelligence has moved […]
Mistaken identity and the cost of getting customer data wrong
As AI-driven marketing accelerates, brands grapple with the costly consequences of flawed customer data. Mark Venables explores how identity resolution challenges undermine personalisation, compliance, and revenue, and how AI offers a path forward. Amid the rapid acceleration of AI-driven marketing, businesses still struggle with a fundamental issue: knowing who their customers are. Brands operate across […]
The network infrastructure powering AI’s next wave
AI is accelerating at an unprecedented pace, but the digital infrastructure supporting it must evolve just as rapidly to meet the increasing demands of bandwidth, low latency, and scalability. But as Mark Venables explains as businesses push AI into more data-intensive applications, the shift towards Network-as-a-Service and private connectivity is becoming critical to ensure performance, […]
AI is reshaping data analysis but spreadsheets hold it back
New research has highlighted a paradox at the heart of the modern data economy. While artificial intelligence is enhancing the role of data analysts, allowing them to take on more strategic responsibilities, a deep-rooted reliance on spreadsheets continues to pose risks to data quality. A global study of 1,400 data, IT, and operations analysts across […]
The battle over AI identity and who pays the price
As AI adoption accelerates, regulatory uncertainty and cybersecurity vulnerabilities expose mistaken identity risks in large language models. As Mark Venables discovers, as companies struggle to balance compliance, economic viability, and ethical concerns, the battle over AI governance is just beginning. Recent reports have raised alarm bells about the inability of leading AI models to comply […]
Is AI’s energy consumption the industry’s dirty little secret?
Artificial intelligence has become a cornerstone of modern business, promising transformative efficiencies across industries. But as AI adoption accelerates, so does its energy consumption. The environmental footprint of AI models, particularly large-scale generative models, remains largely opaque, raising concerns about sustainability in an era of mounting pressure to curb carbon emissions. A new benchmark for […]
UK shifts AI focus to security amid rising cyber threats
The UK government has repositioned its AI Safety Institute as the UK AI Security Institute, sharpening its focus on the national security risks artificial intelligence poses. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle announced the move at the Munich Security Conference and underscored the government’s commitment to tackling AI-driven cyber threats, fraud, and the development of AI-enabled weaponry. […]
AI playbook to drive UK public sector efficiency
The UK government has taken a decisive step towards integrating artificial intelligence into public services with the launch of its AI Playbook, a comprehensive guide designed to support civil servants in harnessing AI’s potential while mitigating its risks. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) has positioned the playbook as a framework for safe […]
Europe’s bold AI investment plan signals a new era for innovation
The European Union has unveiled an ambitious initiative to position itself as a global leader in artificial intelligence with the launch of InvestAI, a €200 billion investment drive aimed at accelerating the continent’s AI capabilities. Announced at the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, the initiative includes a €20 billion fund for AI gigafactories, designed […]
How data centres are evolving to meet the rising demand from AI applications
As AI adoption accelerates, data centres must rapidly adapt to support the immense computational power and connectivity demands of modern AI workloads. Mark Venables spoke to Tiffany Osias, Managing Director, xScale, Equinix to see how AI is shaping the infrastructure of the future, and how the company are ensuring businesses can scale, optimise, and sustain […]
AI’s moment of transformation in industry and manufacturing
Sundar Pichai’s speech at the AI Action Summit in Paris provided an unfiltered look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping the industrial landscape. The Google CEO positioned AI as not just a technological evolution but a seismic shift in the way businesses operate. While some comparisons have been made to previous transformations, the rise of […]
Business leaders push for ethics, data, and skills at AI Action Summit
The global race to regulate artificial intelligence has intensified as world leaders, technology executives, and academics convene in Paris for the AI Action Summit, a pivotal gathering aimed at shaping the future of AI governance. Delegates from 80 countries, including India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US Vice President JD Vance, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, and […]
AI growth zones spark regional revival as UK Government backs digital transformation
Thousands of new jobs are set to be created as the UK government accelerates its push to establish AI Growth Zones, a strategic initiative designed to revitalise local economies and position the country as a leader in artificial intelligence. Local and regional authorities are being urged to submit proposals to become hubs for AI infrastructure […]
The AI paradox creating a data crisis in business
The rapid adoption of artificial intelligence in businesses across the UK and US is exposing a critical flaw, many organisations lack the foundational data strategies needed to ensure AI’s success. Research from Carruthers and Jackson reveals that over a quarter (26 per cent) of businesses have no formal data strategy, despite a significant increase in […]
EMEA business leaders push forward with AI but scaling challenges remain
Business investment in artificial intelligence across EMEA is set to more than double this year but scaling deployments and a lack of technical skills remain significant obstacles, according to new research from Lenovo. While regional businesses report the highest satisfaction with AI projects globally, sustained growth depends on overcoming data quality issues and ensuring governance […]
Rewriting the rules of software testing with AI-powered engineers
Artificial intelligence is transforming businesses’ operations, and software testing is no exception. As organisations increasingly adopt AI tools, the impact on efficiency, accuracy, and scalability is profound. According to the CompTIA Community, AI is projected to create 12 million more jobs than it will replace, underscoring its role as a catalyst for workforce evolution rather […]
From industry to ecosystem how AI is redefining healthcare
The fusion of AI, accelerated computing, and biological data is propelling healthcare and life sciences towards an unprecedented transformation. What was once a highly specialised industry, defined by incremental progress and regulatory caution, is evolving into a dynamic AI-driven ecosystem. From clinical research to digital pathology, AI is increasingly interwoven with healthcare processes, shaping the […]
How AI is tackling agriculture’s toughest challenges
Mark Venables spoke to James French, Director of Systems & Sensors at TOMRA, to understand how the company’s AI capabilities are setting new standards in produce processing while helping the industry respond to the pressures of population growth and environmental constraints. Artificial intelligence (AI) is making waves across multiple industries, and agriculture is no exception. […]
Driving the future with high-performance computing and AI
The rapid evolution of high-performance computing (HPC) systems, driven by the demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and ever-increasing data volumes, is reshaping industries and scientific discovery. The interplay between cutting-edge hardware, such as central processing units (CPUs) and graphics processing units (GPUs), and AI capabilities is at the heart of this transformation, enabling solutions to […]
Creative industry workers see job value and security eroded by AI
Workers in the UK’s creative industries are increasingly concerned about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on their livelihoods, according to new research from Queen Mary University of London. Findings from the Crafting Responsive Assessments of AI & Tech-Impacted Futures (CREAATIF) project reveal fears over diminishing job security, reduced earnings, and a decline in the […]
The rising costs of cybersecurity in an AI-powered world
The digital arms race between cybercriminals and global enterprises has taken a significant turn. As organisations grapple with emerging technologies like the Metaverse, artificial intelligence, and blockchain, a new wave of cybersecurity challenges is forcing IT leaders to rethink their strategies and budgets. New research conducted by Naoris Protocol, a firm specialising in post-quantum security, […]
AI energy crisis looms as enterprises fail to address surging power demands
A stark gap in readiness is emerging as enterprises race to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations, with new research highlighting widespread concern about the energy demands of AI systems alongside a significant lack of action to address the issue. According to a survey commissioned by SambaNova Systems, nearly half of business leaders, 49.8 […]
Nebius brings affordable text-to-image AI models to the creative forefront
The transformative potential of artificial intelligence continues to expand as Nebius, a global provider of AI cloud services, introduces an innovative suite of text-to-image generation tools. This move not only highlights the growing demand for scalable AI content creation but also positions Nebius as a frontrunner in the competitive landscape of generative AI. Nebius AI […]
Unlocking Coca-Cola’s future through data
Walking into The Coca-Cola Company’s headquarters in downtown Atlanta feels like stepping into a living museum of American history, where the echoes of its origins blend seamlessly with the forward momentum of a global brand. Coca-Cola began its journey in 1886 when pharmacist Dr John S Pemberton introduced a syrupy concoction at a local pharmacy, […]
AI and the future of inclusion with a blueprint for intelligent economies
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the transformative potential to drive economic growth and societal progress, yet disparities in access, infrastructure, and skills continue to hinder its equitable adoption. A new report from the World Economic Forum, unveiled during the 2025 Annual Meeting in Davos-Klosters, Switzerland, seeks to address these challenges with a comprehensive strategy for building […]
Can AI decode personality from faces?
Advances in artificial intelligence are now intersecting with the labour market in a way that could fundamentally alter hiring and career progression processes. Researchers from institutions such as Wharton and Yale have developed a novel methodology that extracts the Big Five personality traits – openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism – from facial images using […]
How new AI breakthroughs are shaping the next generation of vehicles
The automotive sector is undergoing a seismic transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a key enabler for safer, more efficient, and increasingly autonomous vehicles. At the forefront of this shift is NVIDIA’s new DRIVE AGX Thor, a centralised compute system poised to revolutionise software-defined vehicles (SDVs). Introduced at CES and slated for production vehicles […]
AI-driven data explosion set to transform cloud storage demand
A seismic shift in cloud storage requirements is on the horizon as artificial intelligence (AI) adoption drives organisations to generate and retain unprecedented volumes of data. A recent global survey by Recon Analytics, commissioned by Seagate Technology, reveals that 61 per cent of businesses using cloud-based storage anticipate their storage needs will more than double […]
BBC doubles investment in data expertise for a digital-first future
The BBC has significantly increased its investment in data capabilities, doubling its data team from 139 to 277 employees over the past three years and allocating over £34 million to data-related roles. The figures, obtained through a Freedom of Information (FOI) request and analysed by the Parliament Street think tank, underline the growing importance of […]
When AI meets beauty: How IBM and L’Oréal are shaping a sustainable future
IBM and L’Oréal have announced a groundbreaking collaboration to advance sustainability in the beauty industry through the development of an AI-powered model designed to transform cosmetic formulation processes. This initiative leverages IBM’s generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) expertise alongside L’Oréal’s unparalleled knowledge of cosmetic science to accelerate the shift toward environmentally responsible beauty products. The partnership […]
Data quality emerges as key obstacle to UK AI leadership
A groundbreaking report has highlighted that poor data quality remains the most significant hurdle to achieving AI success, with 68 per cent of Chief Data Officers (CDOs) citing it as their top concern. The Ataccama Data Trust Report 2025, based on a survey of 300 senior data leaders, reveals that only a third of organisations […]
The future of diabetes care with AI-driven predictive technologies
AI revolutionises diabetes management by shifting from reactive care to proactive, personalised solutions. Mark Venables discovers how Roche’s Accu-Chek SmartGuide Predict app harnesses advanced predictive algorithms to empower individuals with foresight and control, redefining the future of chronic disease care. Managing diabetes is a relentless and complex daily task for millions worldwide. Despite the widespread […]
UK bets big on AI to power a new era of growth and innovation
The UK government has unveiled an ambitious plan to position the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence, signalling a significant shift in its industrial strategy. Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced today that the government will adopt all 50 recommendations from Matt Clifford’s AI Opportunities Action Plan, marking a decisive step toward integrating AI […]
The hidden challenges of data management in AI
AI’s transformative potential hinges on robust data management, yet many organisations struggle with data trust, integration, and governance. As Mark Venables explains addressing these challenges is critical to unlocking reliable, high-impact AI outcomes and driving meaningful digital transformation. Artificial intelligence (AI) has quickly become a defining force in digital transformation. From predictive maintenance in manufacturing […]
Embracing collaboration and transparency in AI development
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, Mark Venables spoke to Tracy Hinds, Chair of the Open Source Initiative, to discuss the launch of the Open Source AI Definition (OSAID), a groundbreaking framework that aims to establish ethical standards and foster collaboration in the development of open source AI technologies. In the rapidly […]
Data leaders warn of competitive risks from AI adoption lag
As the race to adopt artificial intelligence intensifies, enterprise data leaders are sounding the alarm about the potential costs of inaction. According to the Ataccama Data Trust Report 2025, 72 per cent of senior decision-makers in data strategy fear that failing to integrate AI could erode their competitive edge, underscoring the high stakes of the […]
IT professionals struggle with cloud complexities
Less than one in five IT professionals believe their cloud infrastructure meets their organisation’s needs, according to a new study by SolarWinds. The findings, based on a survey of 272 global IT professionals, reveal significant challenges in cloud adoption, with only 25 per cent describing their approach as carefully considered and successful. The study highlights […]
AI innovation to enhance industrial efficiency and sustainability
ABB has unveiled a generative AI-powered solution, Genix Copilot, aimed at transforming industrial operations by delivering real-time, actionable insights. Developed in collaboration with Microsoft and leveraging Azure OpenAI Service, the system integrates generative AI capabilities with industrial data to improve productivity, efficiency, and sustainability across sectors such as energy and utilities. Harnessing large language models […]
The generational divide in AI adoption for customer engagement
The enthusiasm for artificial intelligence in customer engagement strategies may not be as universal as it appears. A new survey by Apply Digital, a global digital transformation firm, reveals surprising generational divides among senior managers regarding AI’s importance. While 93 per cent of respondents across all age groups consider AI critical to customer engagement, only […]
Vertiv and Compass unveil cooling system for AI-driven data centres
Data centre operators face mounting challenges as they adapt to support the growing demands of artificial intelligence alongside traditional IT applications. Vertiv and Compass Datacenters have joined forces to create a groundbreaking hybrid cooling system that blends air and liquid technologies to meet these evolving needs. The Vertiv CoolPhase Flex, a next-generation innovation, integrates liquid […]
Navigating new risks in an AI-driven world
AI is revolutionising enterprise operations, but it also exposes organisations to unprecedented cyber threats, from data poisoning to deepfake-driven scams, as Mark Venables explains. With attackers leveraging AI’s capabilities to outpace defences, businesses must adopt proactive strategies to secure their systems and maintain resilience. Artificial intelligence has quickly become a cornerstone of modern business, promising […]
McLaren Racing fast-tracks data analytics in the race to accelerate
McLaren Racing’s resurgence this season has been nothing short of spectacular. After years of relentless development and strategic focus, the team heads into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the season’s final race, with two drivers occupying the front row of the grid, a testament to their unwavering commitment to innovation and precision engineering. This remarkable […]
T-Mobile’s data transformation journey from breach to trust
Faced with mounting data security challenges and a major breach, T-Mobile embarked on a data transformation journey to secure sensitive information, streamline compliance, and deepen customer insights. As Mark Venables explains by building a trusted data foundation, the company now leads in proactive data management, turning risk into competitive advantage. T-Mobile, a leading mobile and […]
Creativity meets AI in the new era of advertising
As AI reshapes the advertising landscape, companies like WPP face balancing human insight with machine-driven innovation to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. Mark Venables heard from Stephan Pretorius, WPP’s Chief Technology Officer, at IBM’s AI for Business event. In the rapidly evolving world of modern advertising, agencies face mounting pressure to navigate a […]
Schneider Electric and NVIDIA unveil AI-ready data center design
Schneider Electric is accelerating the transformation of data centers to meet the soaring energy demands brought on by artificial intelligence (AI). With its new solutions, the company aims to tackle AI’s growing sustainability challenges by combining energy efficiency with high-density infrastructure that is ready to scale. In partnership with NVIDIA, Schneider Electric has developed a […]
The transformative power of AI in manufacturing
AI is reshaping manufacturing, bringing new opportunities for efficiency and innovation. At Rockwell Automation Fair, industry leaders Blake Moret and Rev Lebaredian discussed how their collaboration transforms automation and empowers people through cutting-edge technologies. Rockwell Automation Fair in Anaheim brought together two leading minds in industrial technology: Blake Moret, Chairman and CEO of Rockwell Automation, […]
NatWest setting new standards with technology-led customer experiences
As AI reshapes customer service in banking, NatWest’s pioneering chatbot Cora and its advanced iteration, Cora Plus, showcase the potential of AI-driven personalisation to enhance customer experiences and streamline operations. Mark Venables met with NatWest’s Product Director Miles Hillier at IBM’s AI in Business event to hear his views on balancing innovation with ethical responsibility […]
Transforming innovation and unleashing new frontiers with Generative AI
Generative AI is driving innovation by bridging research gaps and accelerating new discoveries across sectors. Mark Venables spoke with Anthony Schiavo, Senior Director at Lux Research about the company’s latest eBook that explores how AI reshapes R&D, helping industries overcome traditional limitations and unlock unprecedented opportunities. Generative AI, especially through large language models (LLMs), is […]
Can AI save us from ourselves
Mark Venables reports on a landmark keynote at the United Nations General Assembly’s first-ever Summit of the Future, where Sundar Pichai outlined a bold vision for the role of AI in shaping global progress. Highlighting the potential for AI to drive economic growth, enhance climate resilience, and ensure equitable inclusion, Pichai stressed that the path […]
BSI calls for a contestability tool to enhance trust in AI
In recent incidents, the potential harm of flawed AI systems became alarmingly clear. From erroneous customer support responses to misguided health advice, these missteps highlight the urgent need for accountability in artificial intelligence. This week, new research from the British Standards Institution (BSI) proposes a solution: a universal contestability tool, a mechanism that could allow […]
How AI is reshaping design engineering
In the fast-evolving manufacturing and product development landscape, engineering teams face mounting pressure to accelerate design cycles, reduce errors, and innovate under tight deadlines. CoLab, founded in 2017, is at the forefront of meeting these demands with its AI-powered Design Engagement System (DES). Fortune 500 companies already use the platform to streamline design feedback, speed […]
Bridging the gap between sensors and AI innovation
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform how industries operate, yet its true potential often depends on what happens at the edge, where data is generated, captured, and analysed in real-time. For sectors such as healthcare, automotive, and manufacturing, edge AI represents an opportunity to improve decision-making, enhance efficiency, and unlock new capabilities. However, the integration […]