Author: Ugochukwu Levi F

Everbloom, a material science startup, is making waves in sustainable textiles by using artificial intelligence to transform waste streams – including keratin-rich poultry feathers – into high-performance fibres comparable to luxury cashmere. The company’s proprietary AI system, known as Braid AI, combines advanced molecular engineering and predictive modelling to analyse and optimise protein-based waste materials. This technology enables scalable production of fibres that can mimic the softness, strength and texture of cashmere, while also significantly reducing environmental impact. From Waste to Luxury Fibre Everbloom’s process begins by collecting keratin-rich waste from the textile and agricultural sectors – including down bedding and…

Zoom Communications Inc. on Tuesday announced the launch of AI Companion 3.0, the latest version of its artificial intelligence assistant, as the video-conferencing company continues to reposition itself as a broader workplace productivity platform rather than just a meetings provider. The new release introduces agentic AI capabilities, allowing Zoom’s assistant to move beyond summarising meetings and instead help users take action on information discussed during calls, chats and emails. The update also includes a new web-based interface, making AI Companion accessible outside Zoom meetings for the first time. “With AI Companion 3.0, we’re transforming conversations into action,” Zoom said in…

The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has officially entered a strategic partnership with US‑based life sciences firm PromptBio to accelerate AI‑driven precision medicine research tailored to African populations. Under the terms of a newly signed memorandum of understanding and licensing agreement, the collaboration will enhance capabilities for integrated multi-omic data analysis — combining genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic data using artificial intelligence — to power cutting‑edge insights into disease biology. Boosting Clin‑MAP with Advanced AI At the heart of the initiative is the Clinical Multiome Atlas Platform (Clin‑MAP), hosted by the CSIR. The platform aims to build a pan‑African clinical multiome…

Google has launched ‘Disco,’ a new AI-powered browser. It aims to change how we use the internet. This browser uses artificial intelligence. It makes browsing more personal and quick. Users will find it easier to navigate and enjoy a cleaner look. Many in the tech world are excited about ‘Disco’. They wonder how it will change the internet for us. Key Takeaways The ‘Disco’ browser uses AI to improve your experience. It makes browsing more personal and efficient. People are looking forward to ‘Disco’ a lot. ‘Disco’ is set to change the internet. The browser will make it easier to…

The Nigerian banking landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, with artificial intelligence (AI) emerging as a pivotal force reshaping traditional financial services. As Nigeria’s financial sector embraces digital innovation, AI technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for automation, enhanced security, and value creation. This technological revolution is not merely about replacing human tasks but fundamentally reimagining how financial services are delivered, risks are managed, and customer experiences are crafted in Africa’s largest economy. Current Applications of AI in Nigerian Banking Nigerian financial institutions are increasingly adopting AI-driven solutions to enhance their operations and customer experiences. From automated customer service to sophisticated…

In 2025, BudgIT, the Nigerian civic-tech organisation known for promoting transparency and citizen engagement, launched an artificial intelligence-driven chatbot named Bimi to make fiscal and public finance data more accessible to everyday users. The tool represents a significant step in leveraging advanced technology to bridge the knowledge gap between complex government financial records and citizen understanding. Democratizing Access to Fiscal Data Bimi — a name derived from the Yoruba phrase meaning “ask me” — is a web-based AI assistant designed to help Nigerians of all backgrounds obtain precise, accurate, and real-time insights into Nigeria’s public finance landscape. Rather than navigating…

ChatGPT has become the top app on the U.S. App Store in 2025. Apple’s annual rankings show this. It moved up from fourth place the year before. The AI world has changed a lot. ChatGPT is now more popular than TikTok and Google Maps. This shows how AI apps are changing our digital world. ChatGPT’s success will likely shape the future of mobile apps. It’s a big deal for the tech world. ChatGPT Crowned Apple’s Most‑Downloaded U.S. App of 2025: The Achievement ChatGPT has become Apple’s top app in the U.S. in 2025. It beat many others. This shows a…

For the past year, we’ve been told that artificial intelligence is revolutionising productivity, helping us write emails, generate code, and summarise documents. But what if the reality of how people really use AI differs markedly from the promotional narrative? A data-driven study by OpenRouter has pulled back the curtain on real-world AI usage, analysing over 100 trillion tokens-essentially billions of individual exchanges with large language models such as ChatGPT, Claude, and many others. The report’s data challenge common assumptions about how this technology is actually deployed and by whom. ​​OpenRouter is a multi-model AI inference platform that routes requests across…

Brussels – The European Commission has launched a formal antitrust investigation into Google’s rapidly expanding AI-powered search tools, raising fresh questions about competition, transparency, and the future of online search in the European Union. In a statement released Tuesday, EU regulators said they are examining whether Google’s integration of generative AI into its search engine gives the company an unfair advantage over competitors, potentially undermining rivals in online search, digital advertising, and AI services. The probe will assess how Google displays AI-generated summaries, recommendations, and answer features that increasingly appear at the top of search results. AI challenges in Nigeria AI…

Nigeria stands at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey. As artificial intelligence reshapes global business landscapes, Nigerian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) face a pivotal challenge: accessing advanced AI tools that could dramatically enhance their productivity and competitiveness.Given that these technologies are often priced beyond the reach of local businesses, a crucial question arises: Should the Nigerian government step in with subsidies to bridge this digital divide? This analysis explores the multifaceted implications of such a policy decision for Nigeria’s economic future. Background and Context Some of The Advanced AI Tools Relevant for Nigerian SMEs The AI revolution…