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Boston Globe
3 days ago
- Business
- Boston Globe
Can Boston's innovation scene get its mojo back? The Globe's 2025 Tech Power Players say yes.
But the local tech scene has more than a chance to regain its buzz. And the road back to prominence goes through what investors say is the only area in technology that matters right now: artificial intelligence. How — and how quickly — the Boston, however, has an advantage, one captured by the Globe' s Tech Power Players, our annual list of the most consequential leaders in the region's innovation economy. In a word, it's diversity — an exceptional combination of academics, entrepreneurs, investors, and industries, ranging from software to clean energy to health care. Advertisement This diversity provides the talent and opportunity to not only advance foundational AI models that learn from vast troves of data, but also to develop applications that spread the benefits of AI to businesses and consumers — in ways that affect lives. Thanks to key leaders in the scene, that development is underway. Advertisement PathAI, a Boston company that has raised more than $250 million in VC funding, has trained AI models to help pathologists diagnose disease and pharmaceutical companies to develop treatments while improving laboratory workflows; the firm is led by physician-scientist-turned-CEO Andy Beck. Familiar Machines & Magic of Woburn, Boston firm Motional's IONIQ 5 robotaxi parked along the Boston Harbor. Motional The state's biggest industries, meanwhile, are looking to AI — and local tech firms — to make them more efficient, effective, and competitive. Boston Medical Center, for example, is experimenting with AI tools to schedule operating rooms, translate medical records into different languages, and take notes during doctor-patient conversations, allowing doctors to focus on care. 'When you put together health care with all the innovation in Boston,' says Joy Brown, BMC's chief digital information officer, 'you have the opportunity to change health care.' When it comes to emerging technologies, the race often goes to the early, not just the swift. The question is whether Boston, which famously missed the personal computer wave and the interactive, social internet known as Web 2.0 (so long, Facebook!), is embracing AI too late. The Advertisement The Bay Area accounted for 33 of the 50 companies on Mikey Shulman, CEO and cofounder of Suno, in the company's Cambridge office. Barry Chin/Globe Staff 'It's time for Boston to reinvent itself,' says Adrian Mendoza, founder and general partner of the Boston VC firm Mendoza Ventures. 'We've got to create an AI hub here.' Mendoza and others in the tech community say the state should support AI on the scale of the vaunted biotech initiative, which was launched in 2008 and solidified Boston and Cambridge as the premier life sciences cluster. Daniela Rus, director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at MIT, says the key is creating compelling opportunities for local university graduates to stay here rather than take their smarts, ambitions, and startups to Silicon Valley and other places. One way to attract and keep talent here, she says, would be to provide startups low- or no-cost access to the massive — and expensive — computing power needed to build and train AI models. Most important, Rus says, the state needs to go big. 'The moment is now,' she says, 'not 10 years from now.' Rus is among those who say the Advertisement Sabrina Mansur, executive director of the Massachusetts AI Hub, the Healey administration's AI initiative, says the $100 million will be a catalyst to encourage partnerships between companies, industries, universities, and government. Massachusetts, she adds, can offer more than just money to AI entrepreneurs; the state presents the opportunity to work with industries such as robotics, clean energy, and biotech. 'This is where you come to change the world,' Mansur says. Just look at the region's clean energy and sustainability sectors, which have some of the world's leading companies. Form Energy, cofounded by MIT materials scientist A computer rendering of a commercial-scale fusion power plant that Commonwealth Fusion Systems plans to build in Virginia, not far from Washington D.C. Commonwealth Fusion Systems Is all this enough to change the trajectory of the local tech sector? Employment in Boston-area startups declined more than 4 percent last year, according to San Francisco VC firm SignalFire, while venture investment in local information technology companies fell to the lowest level in six years, according to PitchBook. Advertisement But local techsters say the region still has the key ingredients: talent and money. Universities, teaching hospitals, and growing companies continue to fight to attract the best and the brightest while venture capital remains a robust industry. Only California and New York have bigger VC sectors than Massachusetts, according to the National Venture Capital Association. What Boston needs to become a stronger innovation hub are more successful home-grown companies, along the lines of tech stars HubSpot ($32 billion stock market value), Toast ($25 billion market value), and Klaviyo ($10 billion market value), says Jeff Bussgang, cofounder and general partner of the Boston VC firm Flybridge. What it will take are determined founders, smart investors, and, ultimately, the approach of Red Sox slugger Rafael Devers. 'We just gotta keep swinging hard,' says Bussgang, 'and connect on one or two pitches.' Explore the list by sector Rob Gavin can be reached at
CNBC
02-05-2025
- Automotive
- CNBC
Uber inks robotaxi deal with Momenta to launch service in Europe next year
Uber said on Friday that it's partnering with Chinese self-driving startup Momenta to launch robotaxi services outside of the U.S. and China. The first deployment is scheduled to roll out in Europe in early 2026, with safety operators onboard. Uber said the goal is to combine its global ridesharing network with Momenta's technology to deliver safe and efficient robotaxi services. "This collaboration brings together Uber's global ridesharing expertise and Momenta's AI-first autonomous driving technology, paving the way for a future where more riders around the world experience the benefits of reliable and affordable autonomous mobility," Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said in the press release. Momenta CEO Xudong Cao said the arrangement "completes the key ecosystem needed to scale autonomous driving globally." Terms of the agreement weren't disclosed. This self-driving car technology stock could pop by more than 400%, say three analysts Looking for alternatives to Nvidia? Futurum CEO names 3 he's bullish on for 2024 Bernstein tech analyst's best idea for 2024 is to short Tesla Morgan Stanley picks 'alpha' opportunities in China tech - giving one 52% upside Momenta, based in Beijing, is a leading autonomous driving company known for its "two-leg" product strategy. It offers both Mpilot, a mass-production-ready assisted driving system, and MSD (Momenta Self-Driving), aimed at full autonomy. The company has years of experience operating autonomous vehicles in cities across China and has partnerships with large equipment manufacturers. Competition is heating up in the robotaxi market, and Uber is actively seeking deals to sustain a ride-hailing business as robots replace drivers. Uber has partnered with companies including Motional and Waymo in select U.S. cities. Motional hit pause on its robotaxi deployments with both Uber and Lyft last year. This marks Uber's first major push to deploy AVs abroad in partnership with a Chinese startup. Uber previously had its own self-driving car unit, but it sold the division in 2020 to Aurora Technologies, an Amazon-backed self-driving car firm. As part of that deal, Uber said it would invest $400 million into Aurora.
Fox News
26-02-2025
- Automotive
- Fox News
Autonomous robotaxi successfully completes 75 mph highway testing
Ever wonder when you'll actually see self-driving robotaxis on the highway? Well, Motional is getting closer. Its IONIQ 5 robotaxi just nailed high-speed tests, cruising at 75 mph. This is a big deal for its goal of making transportation safer and easier for everyone. Motional has been steadily expanding its testing grounds, moving from busy urban centers like Singapore, Boston and Las Vegas to now include highway environments. This progression reflects the company's commitment to developing autonomous vehicles capable of handling a wide range of real-world scenarios. The recent high-speed tests were conducted at Hyundai's Proving Grounds in California City, California, utilizing a 6.4-mile oval track. This testing was made possible through Motional's strategic partnership with Hyundai Motor Group and collaboration with Hyundai America Technical Center Inc. Before the vehicles hit the track, Motional's engineering team employed a rigorous, data-driven process to ensure safety. Custom simulation tools were used for vigorous validation, followed by the collection of performance data on lateral and longitudinal control. The team gradually increased speed and test complexity, carefully tuning braking, acceleration and steering for optimal high-speed operations. This meticulous approach underscores Motional's unwavering commitment to safety in autonomous vehicle development. While achieving high speeds is impressive, Motional's focus extends beyond mere velocity. The company emphasizes the importance of passenger comfort and enjoyment in their autonomous vehicles. To this end, Motional incorporates non-engineer feedback on ride comfort and conducts data analysis comparing rider feedback to system performance. Furthermore, they are leveraging machine learning to predict rider responses to various events. This comprehensive approach aims to create not just safe but also comfortable and enjoyable autonomous rides. Motional's successful high-speed testing is a crucial step toward commercial highway operations for autonomous vehicles. By expanding its capabilities from urban environments to highway speeds, Motional is paving the way for broader applications of its driverless technology. Motional's high-speed robotaxi testing, reaching speeds of 75 mph, is a major milestone for self-driving cars. They're wisely focused on safety and comfort alongside speed. This really pushes the technology and shapes how we'll get around in the future. Would you trust a robotaxi at 75 mph? Why or why not? Let us know by writing us at For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Follow Kurt on his social channels: Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions: New from Kurt: Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Yahoo
13-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Kia Will Put the Electric EV4 Sedan's Funky Styling Into Production
Kia will show off three new electric models on February 27, including a production version of the sedan that was shown in concept form in 2023. Kia also teased a tiny EV2 hatchback, which is expected to be related to the Hyundai Inster and, like the Hyundai, not sold in the U.S. The third model is the production version of the PV5 van, the first in a line of electric commercial vehicles, although it will also probably skip the U.S. market. Kia's transition towards a more electrified lineup got off to a strong start with the EV6 crossover in 2022 and was bolstered by the arrival of the three-row EV9 SUV in 2024. A smaller, more affordable electric SUV, the EV3, will join Kia's arsenal for 2026, but an even more drastic expansion is also in the works. Today, Kia teased a trio of new electric vehicles that will be revealed on February 27th as part of Kia's second EV Day event in Tarragona, Spain, including the EV4 electric sedan that was shown in concept form in 2023. The 2023 EV4 concept featured a funky, angular design, and the teaser photos seem to show the unorthodox look carrying over to production. We can spot the same blunt front end with a hockey-stick-shaped headlight and trapezoidal plastic cladding around the wheel well. The fastback roofline, unusual C-pillar treatment, and hooked taillight shape also look to be nearly identical to the concept car. Little is known about what's going on underneath the EV4's bodywork, but we wouldn't be surprised if it shared components with the EV6. Kia also teased the EV2 concept, which will slot below the EV3 as an affordable electric hatchback. The EV2 appears to feature two-piece headlights, with a small, vertical element sitting inboard of a longer LED strip that stretches rearwards onto the front fender. At the rear, the taillights are pushed to the outer edge of the car and are integrated with the black cladding. In spy photos, the EV2 appears to share a body shape with the Hyundai Inster, a tiny EV that isn't offered in the U.S. The Inster is based on the gas-powered Hyundai Casper, which itself recently spawned a Kia sibling, the Syros. The EV2 will likely share the same underpinnings as the Inster, but the hatchback's diminutive size means it likely won't reach the U.S. market. Lastly, Kia will use the EV Day event to show off the production version of the PV5, an electric cargo van that Kia first revealed at CES 2024. The PV5 will form the basis for a new line of electric commercial vehicles, and the teaser photos show the simple LED lighting elements carrying over to the production van. Kia aims to sell the PV5 with a variety of bodies, including a traditional cargo van, a high-roof variant, a chassis-cab setup, and a passenger van model. There will also be a dedicated Robotaxi version that will be used for a mobility service operated by Motional, a joint venture between Hyundai Motor Group and automotive tech supplier Aptiv. At CES 2024, Kia also showed off a larger van called the PV7 and a tiny cargo carrier called the PV1. However, due to the so-called Chicken Tax—a 25 percent tariff applied to imported trucks and vans, among other goods—the PV5 will likely not be sold in America, at least initially. Kia plans to build the PV5 at a dedicated factory in South Korea. Kia didn't release any information on the three vehicles with the teaser images. Production of the EV4 is expected to begin in 2026, with a likely introduction to the U.S. market for the 2027 model year. The cadence for the EV2 and PV5 is less clear. Check back on February 27 to get the full breakdown on the EV4 sedan, EV2 concept, and PV5 van. You Might Also Like Car and Driver's 10 Best Cars through the Decades How to Buy or Lease a New Car Lightning Lap Legends: Chevrolet Camaro vs. Ford Mustang!
