Portugal is participating in Web Summit 2025 with 115 startups selected under the 'Road 2 Web Summit' program, which has already raised around €40 million in funding. The initiative aims to enhance international visibility and attract investment for local entrepreneurs. Startup Portugal, the national platform, supports startups through programs such as Startup Voucher and Startup Visa, helping new ventures and skilled talent thrive. According to project manager Carolina Valinho, Portugal is being celebrated as a European hub for entrepreneurship, offering a dynamic environment for innovation and expansion. Analyst Carolina Soja noted that Portugal serves as a central gateway to the European market, backed by accelerator programs and investment incentives. With seven unicorns, including Tekever recently joining the list, Portugal’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, positioning the country as a leading destination for digital entrepreneurs.

Russia has successfully conducted a test of its nuclear-powered intercontinental cruise missile Burevestnik, President Vladimir Putin announced on Sunday. The test, completed on Tuesday, marks a major milestone in Russia’s advanced weapons program. According to Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov, the missile covered approximately 14,000 kilometers (8,700 miles) and stayed airborne for 15 hours. Putin hailed the missile as a “truly unique weapon” that no other nation possesses, highlighting the country’s growing technological and military prowess. Burevestnik, known to NATO as SSC-X-9 Skyfall, first drew attention in 2019 after a failed test caused fatalities in the Arctic. Analysts say the latest success strengthens Russia’s long-range strike capability and advances its nuclear modernization efforts amid rising global tensions.

Pakistan has successfully launched its first hyperspectral satellite, H-1, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, calling it a “significant milestone” in the country’s space program. Hyperspectral satellites can detect subtle chemical and material changes on Earth’s surface, making them invaluable for monitoring crop quality, managing water resources, and assessing natural disaster damage. SUPARCO Chairman Muhammad Yousuf Khan stated that the satellite’s data will revolutionize agricultural productivity, enhance climate resilience, and optimize the management of vital natural resources. The launch reflects Pakistan’s growing space capabilities and its long-standing peaceful cooperation with China. This year alone, Pakistan has successfully deployed three satellites, with EO-1 and KS-1 already fully operational, signaling a strong push forward in its national space ambitions.

OpenAI has introduced a new affordable version of its popular AI chatbot, ChatGPT Go, in Bangladesh and 17 other Asian nations, following successful trials in India and Indonesia. The subscription plan aims to meet long-standing user demand for a cost-effective option while providing access to the latest GPT-5 model. Users will enjoy all free-version features plus additional benefits such as image generation, file uploads, advanced data analysis, and higher usage limits. The service is priced as the company’s most affordable plan, with India at INR 399/month and Indonesia at IDR 75,000/month. OpenAI’s CEO Nick Tarle emphasized the goal of bringing AI capabilities to more people. According to OpenAI, usage growth in lower-income countries has outpaced wealthier nations by over four times, reflecting the growing global demand for accessible AI tools.

Elon Musk has unveiled plans to create Grokipedia, a new open-source digital encyclopedia designed as an alternative to Wikipedia. Built on XAI’s chatbot Grok, the platform aims to provide “more neutral, intelligent, and limitless” knowledge, according to Musk. He invited users on the X platform to contribute, promising a collaborative space where information is free from political bias. Musk has often criticized Wikipedia for left-leaning tendencies and even offered $1 billion to acquire it in 2023. The announcement comes amid renewed controversy around Wikipedia, as co-founder Larry Sanger called it “a propaganda machine” and accused administrators of censoring conservative and libertarian perspectives. With Grokipedia, Musk seeks to position his platform as a major competitor in the global knowledge and technology space, sparking curiosity and debate among tech enthusiasts and information seekers alike.

Chinese researchers have created a new medical adhesive called “Bone-02” that can join broken bones in just three minutes. The glue stabilizes bone fragments and is naturally absorbed by the body after healing, eliminating the need for implant removal surgery. Inspired by how mussels cling underwater, it works even in blood-soaked conditions. Tested on over 150 patients, the glue shows strong bonding and compressive strength, potentially replacing metal plates and screws while reducing complications and infection risks.

US tech giant Microsoft has disabled certain cloud and AI services for an Israeli Ministry of Defense unit following claims of mass surveillance on Palestinians. The decision, based on internal reviews of records and communications, aims to prevent the use of Microsoft technology for monitoring civilians. Microsoft stressed it never accessed customer content, consulted IMOD before acting, and said the move won’t affect its cybersecurity work in Israel or regional cooperation under the Abraham Accords. Further details are expected soon.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to significantly expand global trade over the next 15 years. According to the World Trade Organization (WTO), AI could lower business costs and increase productivity, potentially raising trade in goods and services between countries by 34–37%. WTO Deputy Director-General Johanna Hill described AI as a “bright opportunity” for global commerce but cautioned that without proper policies, it may worsen economic inequality worldwide.

Chinese tech giant Huawei aims to build the world’s most powerful AI computing cluster within two years, relying on lower-power domestic semiconductors due to U.S. export restrictions. At its Shanghai conference, Huawei revealed timelines for Atlas 950 and Atlas 960 SuperPods, set for 2026 and 2027, which will combine into SuperClusters capable of running advanced AI models. Analysts see this as a major push for self-reliance, with Huawei’s roadmap including Ascend 950, 960, and potential 970 chips to strengthen its computing architecture.

Xiaomi is recalling nearly 147,000 units of its 33W power bank (model PB2030M1) due to safety concerns. The 20,000mAh devices, sold mainly between August and September last year, contain defective 126280 battery cells that may damage smartphone batteries under prolonged use or simultaneous charging. Although no accidents have been reported, Xiaomi is offering a full refund of 159 yuan (about USD 22) for returned units. The recall follows growing safety concerns in Asia after similar incidents with other brands.

Honda is introducing the Fastport E-Quad, a four-wheeled pedal-powered vehicle with electric assistance, designed for urban delivery in congested cities like New York and Los Angeles. The lightweight quadracycle carries more cargo than bicycles or scooters, navigates traffic easily, and comes in two sizes, with the larger model carrying up to 295 kg. Developed by Honda’s U.S. startup lab, the E-Quad aims to support logistics and delivery services, with small-batch production starting in Ohio and full-scale rollout planned next summer.

During a military parade in Beijing, Presidents Xi Jinping and Vladimir Putin, along with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, were spotted walking together. Reports suggest Putin discussed how modern biotechnology, including organ transplants, could extend human lifespan. Xi’s interpreter added that humans could potentially live over 150 years this century. The parade also included 24 other world leaders. Analysts suggest the joint appearance may send a message to Western nations, while former U.S. President Donald Trump commented on the meeting.

A team of researchers at Bangladesh Agricultural University has developed an eco-friendly fungicide called PG Trichoderma using a native fungus, Trichoderma asperellum. This innovation reduces chemical fertilizer use by 20-25% while increasing crop yields. The fungicide also acts as an organic fertilizer, improving soil health by controlling acidity and salinity. Field trials showed significant benefits, including disease control and cost savings for farmers. The product is now in pilot production and nearing commercial registration, promising safer food and environmental sustainability.

OpenAI has launched ChatGPT-5, its most advanced AI model yet, offering it for free to users worldwide. CEO Sam Altman describes it as faster, smarter, and capable of delivering expert-level responses. Though it doesn’t learn from real-time data, it's considered a major step toward Artificial General Intelligence. The model is trained to provide safe, honest answers and avoid harmful content. OpenAI also released two customizable models, signaling greater transparency and intensifying competition in the global AI race.

Microsoft and Amazon are planning to transform aging coal and gas power plants across Europe into AI data centers. These facilities offer ideal infrastructure, such as electricity and water access, crucial for cooling and power stability. With AI's rising energy needs, European energy companies like RWE, Engie, and Enel see this as a profitable opportunity. Repurposing old plants avoids costly shutdowns and supports long-term green energy contracts. This approach could ensure reliable power for tech firms while aiding the transition to sustainable infrastructure.