Large Language Models

While the US dominates AI funding, Europe sees potential in practical AI applications. European startups face challenges including conservative investors and market fragmentation but have advantages in talent acquisition. Companies like Mistral, Synthesia, and ElevenLabs (an AI voice generation startup) are building specialized AI solutions, some developing their own LLMs. The key to success lies in rapid iteration, securing capital, and fostering a more ambitious mindset among European entrepreneurs. Building independent AI infrastructure is also crucial.

An MIT study investigated the cognitive effects of LLM use compared to search engines and independent thought. EEG data revealed reduced brain activity and lower ownership of work among LLM users, suggesting decreased cognitive engagement. Participants who initially used LLMs exhibited weaker neural connectivity and cognitive processing even after switching to independent work, while those who used LLMs after independent work showed cognitive benefits. This highlights the potential for LLMs to hinder cognitive development if used as a substitute for critical thinking, urging cautious AI integration.

Mistral AI, a European AI leader, secured €1.7 billion in Series C funding, led by ASML, valuing the company at €11.7 billion. ASML’s €1.3 billion investment grants them an 11% stake. This more than doubles Mistral’s previous valuation, highlighting strong investor interest in AI. The funding and partnership provide Mistral with resources to scale operations and enhance infrastructure, crucial given the link between AI software and hardware and ongoing chip shortages. It also emphasizes the growing importance of hardware-software collaboration in the AI industry.

AbbVie’s Rachel James discusses leveraging AI, specifically Large Language Models, to enhance cybersecurity by analyzing security alerts, identifying patterns, and uncovering vulnerabilities. AbbVie uses OpenCTI to transform unstructured threat data using AI. James, a contributor to ‘OWASP Top 10 for GenAI’, highlights risks like inherent unpredictability, transparency challenges, and ROI assessment. She emphasizes understanding attacker mindsets and advocates for integrating data science and AI into cybersecurity, capitalizing on intelligence data sharing. Professionals are encouraged to embrace AI.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman revealed that GPT-6 development is progressing faster than its predecessor, with a focus on deep personalization. GPT-6 aims to move beyond simple question answering, striving for “deep alignment” with individual users through enhanced memory capabilities. The model will recognize and store user preferences and habits to optimize behavior and deliver highly customized interactive experiences. OpenAI is also collaborating with psychologists to understand user emotions, potentially releasing data related to these efforts in the future.

Huawei is expected to unveil a significant AI inference technology at an upcoming forum, potentially reducing China’s reliance on High Bandwidth Memory (HBM). HBM is crucial for AI inference due to its high bandwidth and capacity, enabling faster access to large language model parameters. However, HBM supply constraints and export restrictions are pushing Chinese companies to seek alternatives. This innovation could improve the performance of Chinese AI models and strengthen the Chinese AI ecosystem.

The U.S. is launching “Project ATOM,” a strategic initiative to regain leadership in open-source AI amid growing competition from China, particularly Alibaba’s Qwen models. This U.S.-based non-profit AI lab will develop freely accessible AI models, supported by over 10,000 GPUs. Backed by industry leaders, the project addresses concerns about the U.S.’s lagging open-source contributions, highlighted by the dominance of Chinese-developed open-source LLMs. Project initiator Lambert emphasizes the need for coordination and funding, warning of potential U.S. decline in global AI influence if the initiative fails.

The 10th Scientific Data Conference highlighted Hygon DCU-powered innovations and collaborations with CAS, IHEP, and NAOC. Hygon and IHEP unveiled a scientific LLM solution leveraging Hygon’s DCUs and IHEP’s data. CAS showcased multimodal AI applications (“Zidong Taichu”). IHEP uses Hygon DCUs to manage big data in high energy physics, creating “Xi Wu,” a leading L2 model. Hygon’s DTK, DAS, and DAP optimize scientific software, achieving significant efficiency gains in astronomy and cryo-electron microscopy. Hygon aims to foster a Chinese technological innovation ecosystem.

The 2025 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) showcased a shift in focus from Large Language Models (LLMs) to embodied intelligence, particularly humanoid robots. The event, touted as the “largest WAIC ever,” featured over 800 exhibitors. While humanoid robots drew huge crowds and high ticket prices, some insiders noted a “playing it safe” approach, prioritizing fundraising over groundbreaking innovation. LLM companies, while still present, appeared more subdued, focusing on practical applications and revenue generation, with many aiming for “¥1 billion in revenue.” Concerns linger about a potential bubble, especially in embodied intelligence.

Tencent’s Robotics X Lab and Futian Lab launched Tairos, a modular embodied AI open platform designed to advance robotics in China. Tairos uses large-scale AI models, offering a “plug-and-play” system with development tools and data services. The platform empowers robots to perceive, plan, and autonomously make decisions. Tairos includes multi-modal perception, planning, and perception-action joint models, improved by a cloud simulation environment and Tencent Games’ scene generation tech. Initial partners will help improve real-world applications of embodied AI tech through collaboration.