technology sector

ISRO is opening its facilities and programmes to India's private space sector, according to Dr M G Suresh Kumar speaking in a widely discussed Malayalam interview. The discussion covers how private companies can now take part in satellite launches, space technology development and related ISRO initiatives, a shift seen as a major step in India's evolving space policy.

Former Ukrainian defence minister Oleksii Fedorov has announced a new project called the Army of Robots. Details of the initiative were not immediately available, but it points to continued efforts to expand the use of robotic and unmanned systems in Ukraine's defence sector. The announcement has drawn attention amid Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia and its push to scale up battlefield technology.

Ukraine's former defense minister Fedorov has announced a new initiative called the 'Army of Robots', his latest project since leaving office. The move signals his continued push into robotics and unmanned systems, areas that have become central to modern warfare and to Ukraine's defense technology sector. The announcement is drawing attention to how the initiative will be funded and staffed.

India's government is highlighting efforts to strengthen the country's space sovereignty, according to official communication from the Press Information Bureau. The push reflects India's broader strategy of building self-reliant space capabilities, from indigenous satellite and launch technology to a growing private space sector following reforms that opened the domain to private players.

New data from South Korea shows that nearly four out of ten reported leaks of industrial technology involve semiconductor-related know-how. The figures underline growing concern in Seoul over the theft of critical chip technology, a sector central to the country's economy and to intensifying global competition over semiconductor supply chains.

Startups are injecting new technology and agility into the defense industrial base, a sector long dominated by large legacy contractors. The report highlights how smaller, innovative firms are developing advanced capabilities that could modernize military supply chains and strengthen national security production. The topic reflects growing interest in diversifying defense manufacturing with venture-backed companies.

Chinese companies are pushing exoskeleton robots beyond industrial and medical use into the consumer mainstream, according to Nikkei Asia. The wearable robotic devices, which assist movement and reduce physical strain, are being marketed to everyday buyers as prices fall and designs improve, positioning China as a leading player in the emerging consumer robotics sector.

Executives from leading artificial intelligence companies have been summoned to testify before a US Senate investigation examining the AI industry. The probe is expected to scrutinise how AI firms develop and deploy their technology, along with associated security risks. The summons signals growing congressional willingness to put the sector's most powerful figures under public questioning.

Japan's Defense Ministry has announced a program to support startups developing unmanned aerial vehicles. The initiative aims to bring innovative private-sector technology into Japan's defense capability, reflecting a broader push to strengthen the country's defense industry base through cooperation with emerging companies rather than traditional contractors.

Walmart is investing in employee training programmes while introducing artificial intelligence-powered shopping tools for customers. The retailer is pairing workforce upskilling with new AI features aimed at personalising and streamlining the shopping experience, positioning itself as a technology-forward company in the competitive retail sector.

The United Nations has added 61 companies to its blacklist of firms operating in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, citing alleged human rights violations against Palestinians. The updated list, maintained by the UN Human Rights Council, names businesses across sectors including construction, technology and finance. It is likely to draw criticism from Israel and its allies while being welcomed by human rights advocates.

HGGC, a private equity firm based in Palo Alto, is investing in middle-market technology and services companies. The firm has drawn attention as a mid-market investor focused on technology and business services sectors, positioning itself as a key player in deals that fall below the radar of the largest buyout houses.

A weekly roundup of energy and climate deal activity for the week of September 21 has been published, summarising investments, acquisitions and funding announcements across the clean energy and climate technology sectors. Such rundowns are closely followed by investors, founders and policy watchers tracking where capital is flowing in the energy transition.

China has introduced new travel restrictions that are causing concern among major technology companies and skilled professionals. The rules reportedly affect the movement of AI expertise and talent, raising questions about how firms operating in China will manage international staffing and collaboration. Observers see the measures as another step in tightening state control over the technology sector, with potential consequences for global tech supply chains and foreign investment.

The Netherlands is joining a broader European movement to migrate public administration computers from Windows to Linux, part of a push among EU countries to reduce dependence on major American technology companies. Commenters note the trend of governments leaving the big tech platforms one after another, framing it as a question of digital sovereignty and control over public IT infrastructure.

A U.S. appeals court has upheld the government's designation of AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a ruling with major implications for the defense sector and the Pentagon's ability to work with leading artificial intelligence firms. The decision resolves a legal challenge to the classification, which can restrict or complicate federal contracts involving the company's technology.

Deutsche Bank has raised its price target for German space and technology group OHB to €300, with analysts pointing to defense-driven growth as the reason for the more optimistic outlook. The upgrade reflects growing investor interest in European defense and security-related space capabilities, a sector that has attracted rising attention as governments increase military and security spending.

Costa Rica is courting Indian companies to establish global service delivery, technology, and artificial intelligence centers in the country. The effort targets India's fast-growing IT and outsourcing sector, positioning Costa Rica as a nearshore hub for the Americas. Officials see investment from India as a way to diversify the economy and create high-skilled jobs, though details on specific companies or deals remain limited.