Sci-Tech News

Finnish quantum computing firm IQM has achieved early-stage profitability by leveraging a SpaceX-inspired strategy of selling pre-commercial quantum systems to government-backed research institutions and supercomputing centers, CEO Jan Goetz announced at The Next Web (TNW) conference. This approach has generated over €90 million ($100 million) in orders since its 2018 founding,

France’s third-largest city Lyon announced on June 27 it will replace Microsoft products—including Office and Microsoft SQL—with open-source alternatives like Linux, PostgreSQL, and OnlyOffice. The move aims to reduce reliance on U.S. software, extend hardware lifespans to cut environmental impact, and strengthen technical sovereignty in public services.

The Trump administration announced on June 25 that it will accelerate exploration and development of offshore critical minerals, foreign media reported.

At the 16th Summer Davos Forum on June 25, the World Economic Forum (WEF) officially released its 2025 list of Top 10 Emerging Technologies. The selected technologies include collaborative sensing, generative watermarking, green nitrogen fixation, nanozymes, engineered living therapies, GLP-1 drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, autonomous biochemical sensing, structural battery composites, osmotic energy generation systems, and advanced nuclear energy technologies.

Anthropic’s latest report reveals only 2.9% of users turn to its AI model Claude for emotional companionship, with conversations involving companionship or role-playing accounting for less than 0.5%. This contrasts sharply with perceptions of surging demand for AI companionship.

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) is planning to revoke "blanket exemptions" that allow TSMC, Samsung Electronics, and SK Hynix to use American technology in their Chinese mainland facilities without prior approval, The Wall Street Journal reported on June 20. If implemented, the move would force these companies to apply for individual licenses for U.S.-made semiconductor equipment shipments to China, with approval processes potentially dragging on for months and disrupting production upgrades and capacity expansion .

The UK government has introduced a series of new policies to significantly boost support for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. On June 22, it announced the establishment of a “Global Talent Fund” with an investment of £54 million to attract world-leading researchers to the UK. A “Global Talent Taskforce” was also set up, dedicated to recruiting scientists, engineers, and creative talents—with a special focus on key areas like AI and green technology—and encouraging them to innovate and develop long-term in the UK.

As the world’s universally recognized most developed nation, the United States has long dominated the global economy, consistently ranking first in economic power. Its technological prowess equally leads the world, with the nation achieving numerous global firsts in fields such as healthcare, electronic information, aerospace, and nuclear industry within its short 200 - year history. At the heart of this technological dominance is Silicon Valley, located in the southern San Francisco Bay Area of Northern California.

Since the founding of the People's Republic of China 75 years ago, the nation has made remarkable strides in science and technology. Guided by the principles that technology is the foundation of national strength and innovation is the soul of national progress, China has not only caught up with and surpassed many developed countries in traditional technological fields but also emerged as a global leader in cutting - edge and emerging sectors.

Germany has established itself as a global leader in technology, with distinct strengths in several cutting - edge sectors. From quantum technology to advanced engineering, the country’s technological dominance stems from strategic investments, a culture of innovation, and a highly skilled workforce. Here’s a closer look at its key areas of excellence.

As the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, Britain has long been a cornerstone of global innovation. Though no longer the sole industrial powerhouse, the nation remains a formidable force in cutting-edge technology, with key strengths in microprocessor design, gene editing, biopharmaceuticals, and deep-sea oil drilling. These fields reflect a blend of historical expertise and modern research prowess.

Once part of Asia’s “Four Little Dragons,” South Korea has transformed from a developing nation into a global technological powerhouse. Renowned for its dominance in mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, and semiconductors, the country continues to diversify its technological strengths, investing heavily in emerging sectors such as aerospace, defense, nanotechnology, and healthcare.

As a long - standing industrial powerhouse, France seamlessly marries its rich manufacturing heritage with a reputation for aesthetic excellence, evident in its iconic automotive designs. However, the nation’s true global influence lies in its technological leadership, particularly in aerospace, maglev (magnetic levitation) technology, and nuclear power—fields where French innovation sets international standards.

Other participating investors include Sony Innovation Fund and Bosch Ventures. Founded in 2018 as a spinoff from University of Cambridge, Camgraphic is building a graphene microchip that uses light and electrical signals to transmit data in a way that is faster, cheaper and more energy efficient than silicon-based photonics alternatives.

Despite its small size, Israel has emerged as a global technological powerhouse, particularly excelling in the semiconductor industry, agricultural technology, and defense science. These sectors not only underpin its economic growth but also have far - reaching global impacts.

Japanese corporate TOPPAN and its Indian subsidiary TOPPAN Speciality Films announced they are acquiring 80% of shares in Irplast, an Italian high-performance Biaxially Oriented PolyPropylene (BOPP) film manufacturer.