Meta AI chief scientist Yann LeCun leaving to start new company

Google is investing €5.5 billion ($6.4 billion) in Germany's cloud infrastructure—its largest commitment in the country to date. The investment includes a new data center near Frankfurt, expansions of existing facilities, and increased office space. The initiative will support 9,000 jobs annually, focus on sustainability through renewable energy and heat recovery projects, and boost Germany's AI capabilities. This investment aligns with broader European efforts to compete with the US and China in cloud and AI technologies, receiving support from German officials and reflecting growing AI adoption among German companies.

SoftBank sold its entire $5.8 billion Nvidia stake, raising concerns about an AI investment bubble while funding Masayoshi Son's ambitious AI projects. The proceeds will support data centers, robotics manufacturing, and strategic investments in AI companies. Despite market skepticism, SoftBank maintains its bullish outlook on AI, insisting the sale reflects capital needs rather than doubts about Nvidia's prospects.

Yann LeCun, Meta's chief AI scientist, is leaving to launch his own startup. A pivotal figure at Meta who led the Facebook AI Research lab and advanced deep learning technologies including PyTorch, LeCun's departure represents a significant shift for Meta's AI division. While details about his new venture are limited, it's expected to focus on cutting-edge AI research and could signal a trend of top AI talent seeking independence from big tech companies.

UK employers plan to maintain a 3% median pay rise for the coming year amid weakening hiring intentions, especially in the public sector. One in six businesses expect to reduce staff due to AI implementation, with potential cuts exceeding 10% in some cases, primarily affecting administrative and junior management roles. The CIPD urges the government to avoid tax policies that could further discourage hiring, instead advocating for skills investment and AI workforce planning. While wage growth shows signs of slowing, the Bank of England continues monitoring pay trends for inflation impact.