Latest news with #TechnicalUniversityofMunich
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Scientists reveal futuristic farming technique that may solve two global problems at once: 'Can revolutionize food production'
A team of scientists in Singapore has uncovered powerful new evidence that vertical farming — growing food in stacked and often indoor, controlled environments — could radically change how we feed the planet while also helping restore it. The study, led by Dr. Vanesa Calvo-Baltanás and published in the journal PNAS Nexus, examined how six food groups — crops, algae, mushrooms, insects, fish, and cultivated meat — performed in the controlled environmental agriculture of a 10-layer vertical farming system. The results were summarized in a report from the Technical University of Munich, shared by The foods not only dramatically outperformed traditional crop yields, but they also came with significantly lower environmental costs. For example, mushrooms and insects grown in vertical farms could produce up to 6,000 times more protein per acre than traditional farming. They also processed agricultural waste into edible, nutritious food, required very little light, and helped close resource loops that typically lead to pollution or emissions, which have damaging long-term effects on human health. With the climate crisis escalating and the world population projected to be near 10 billion by 2050, according to the United Nations, sustainable food systems are no longer optional. A study published in the journal Nature Food predicted a possible increase in food demand of around 60% by mid-century. Current agricultural methods are vulnerable to rising temperatures, extreme weather, and land degradation, and they consume massive amounts of water, land, and dirty fuels. Vertical farming provides a way to cut down on land use, eliminate pesticides, and produce food locally year-round, even in dense cities. In vertical farming, "food can be grown close to consumers, independent of the weather and using space efficiently," Calvo-Baltanás said in the university report, per In just one acre of vertical space, a greenhouse can yield what would typically require 40 acres of farmland, according to Eden Green Technology. And because it can reduce the need for long-haul shipping of food, it can cut down on transportation pollution and food waste. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The technology isn't without hurdles. High energy demands and social acceptance remain key barriers to scaling up. But the study's authors say policy incentives, public support, and innovations in clean energy could unlock the full potential of this system. "Controlled environment agriculture can revolutionize food production," said Dr. Calvo-Baltanás. "However, technological advances, interdisciplinary research to tackle energy issues, policy incentives, and public engagement are needed to realize its full potential." As part of the Proteins4Singapore project, the researchers hope to help meet 30% of Singapore's nutritional needs locally by 2030 — a model other cities could soon follow if successful. Some innovators are already proving how vertical farms can thrive in urban settings. And, as the research shows, vertical farming may not just feed the future, but also help heal the planet along the way. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
NDTV
3 days ago
- Business
- NDTV
Indian Students Choosing Destinations Beyond US & UK For Higher Studies, Here's Why
Study Abroad: While the US and UK are renowned destinations for international students, the number of Indian students opting for alternative study destinations has been steadily increasing and is expected to grow further. Many students are choosing other countries that offer a comparable quality of education along with several additional benefits. Why Students Are Preferring Countries Beyond US And UK? Low Tuition Fees: Various countries like Germany, Canada, Ireland, and the Netherlands offer zero to very low tuition fees. Cost of Living: Various cities in the US and UK are known for a high cost of living such as New York having a high rent of accommodation makes it unfavorable for students to consider living there. Other countries like Germany and Ireland being relatively cheaper than these countries, draws international students. Post-study Work Opportunities: Countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Canada have favorable post-study work visa options, making them attractive to students seeking international work experience. Simplified Visa Processes: Students are increasingly drawn to destinations where visa and immigration policies are less restrictive and more transparent. Top Countries Students Are Preferring For Studying Over US and UK Germany: Germany is highly favored by international students for providing tuition-free education in their public universities irrespective of the nationality. Various universities like Technical University of Munich (TUM), Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich), Humboldt University of Berlin and University of Bonn, charge zero tuition-fees to international students. Canada: Canada is preferred by many students because of its low tuition fees, cultural diversity and work opportunities. Recently, Canada brough a change in their policy which allows eligible work permit holders to study without a study permit. Australia and New Zealand: Both countries are preferred by international students because they offer globally recognized universities and courses, especially in areas like STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and business. Ireland: Ireland offers various post study work options for international students allowing them to be eligible for up to two years of stay back under the Third Level Graduate Scheme. Ireland is also known for its safe environment. Netherlands: Netherlands is a popular destination for international students due to its strong educational system, multicultural environment, and affordable cost of living. Students must carefully examine the countries and make sure to meet their academic and culture values before choosing to study there.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One of Europe's top AI researchers raised a $13M seed to crack the ‘holy grail' of models
From OpenAI's 4o to Stable Diffusion, AI foundation models that create realistic images from a text prompt are now plentiful. In contrast, foundation models capable of generating full, coherent 3D online environments from a text prompt are only just emerging. Still, it's only a question of when, not if, these models will become readily available. Now one of Europe's most prominent AI 3D model researchers, Matthias Niessner, has taken an entrepreneurial leave of absence from his visual computing & AI lab at the Technical University of Munich to found a startup working in the area: SpAItial. Formerly a cofounder at Synthesia, the realistic AI avatar startup valued at $2.1 billion, Niessner has raised an unusually large seed round for a European startup of $13 million. The round was led by Earlybird Venture Capital, a prominent European early-stage investor (backers of UiPath, PeakGames for instance) with participation from Speedinvest and several high-profile angels. That round size is even more impressive when taking into account that SpAItial doesn't have much to show the world yet other than a recently released teaser video showing how a text prompt could generate a 3D room. But then, there's the technical team that Niessner assembled: Ricardo Martin-Brualla, who previously worked on Google's 3D teleconferencing platform, now called Beam; and David Novotny, who spent six years at Meta where he led the company's text-to-3D asset generation project. Their collective expertise will give them a fighting chance in a space that already includes some competitors with a similar focus on photorealism. There's Odyssey, which raised $27 million and is going after entertainment use cases. But there's also World Labs, the startup founded by AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, and already valued at over $1 billion. Niessner thinks this is still little competition compared to what exists for other types of foundation models, but also in regard to 'the bigger vision' he and others are pursuing. 'I don't just want to have a 3D world. I also want this world to behave like the real world. I want it to be interactable and [let you] do stuff in it, and nobody has really cracked that yet,' he said. Nobody has really cracked yet what the demand for photorealistic 3D environments might be, either. The promise of a 'trillion-dollar' opportunity ranging from digital twins to augmented reality seems big enough to excite VCs, but it is also vague and multifaceted enough to make go-to-market strategy hard to figure out. The most obvious use case is for video game creation, but these models could also have applications in entertainment, 3D visualizations used in construction, and eventually usage in the real world for areas like robotic training. Niessner is hoping to bypass that issue by having developers license the foundation model to come up with downstream applications for specific uses. He also enlisted a fourth cofounder, former Cazoo executive Luke Rogers, once his roommate in Palo Alto while he was a visiting assistant professor at Stanford, to help him on the business side. One of the first tasks on SpAItial's roadmap will be to identify partners that can work with earlier models, versus those that would have to wait for higher quality. 'We want to at least work with a few partners,' Niessner said, 'and see how they can use the APIs.' Compared to other well-funded AI startups, SpAItial is putting revenue higher up on its agenda. But first, it will have to spend some, both on compute and on hiring. For the latter, its focus is on quality, not quantity. According to Niessner, 'the team is not going to grow to hundreds of people right away; it's just not happening, and we don't need that.' Instead, Niessner and his cofounders are working on generating larger and more interactive 3D spaces, where, for example, a glass can shatter realistically. This would unlock what Niessner refers to as the 'Holy Grail': that a 10 year old could type in some text and make their own video game in 10 minutes. In his view, this ambitious goal is actually more achievable than what might seem like the low-hanging fruit — letting users create3D objects — since most gaming platforms still tightly control what third parties can add. That is, of course, unless they decide to build it themselves, as Roblox might. But by then, SpAItial might be busy replacing CAD instead; the next chapter in 3D generation is only beginning. This article originally appeared on TechCrunch at Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
NDTV
25-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Studying in Germany: Tuition-Free Education and Top Universities
Studying in Germany 2025: Germany is known for providing tuition-free education to students through its public universities irrespective of the nationality. Students can apply for various undergraduate and postgraduate programs at several universities offering tuition-free education. The abolition of tuition fee was done in 2014 by Germany's 16 states for public universities and has been in place since then. Studying in Germany: Basic Semester Fees and Requirements While the tuition fee is free, students will be still required to pay a nominal semester fee, ranging from 150 euros to 350 euros which will cover administrative costs and may include public transportation passes. To get admission into Germany's public universities, students must know German language as it is used as the source of medium for teaching. They can complete a certification course in German language and use it as a proof while applying. Students must provide Academic transcripts (official academic records from previous university or school), a Letter of Recommendation, clear the Language Proficiency Test (LPT), provide Statement of Purpose (SOP) which includes details of your reason for applying, your goals and why you would be an ideal candidate for the university and give the Standardized Tests for admission to undergraduate or postgraduate programs. Here Is A List Of Top Public Universities Providing Tuition Free Education In Germany: Technical University of Munich (TUM) Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU Munich) Humboldt University of Berlin University of Bonn University of Freiburg University of Hamburg RWTH Aachen University University of Cologne University of Leipzig Studying in Germany 2025: Living Expenses and Scholarships Students must expect an expense of 800 euros to 1200 euros per month. Students can also take full time jobs for up to 120 days and half time jobs for 240 days per year to cover their expenses. Various scholarships are offered in Germany to support international students financially. Some of the scholarships include: DAAD Scholarships: DAAD scholarship, offered by German Academic Exchange Service, provides financial support for various programs. Deutschland stipendium: A merit-based scholarship that offers financial assistance to high-achieving students. Erasmus+ Program: Provides funding opportunities for students to study abroad within Europe. Before applying, students must carefully choose their respective college university and compare the education system of various universities to meet your academic goals.
Time Business News
23-05-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
Study in Germany: A Complete Guide
Germany has emerged as one of the most preferred destinations for international students seeking high-quality education, affordability, and excellent career prospects. With over 400 universities offering globally recognized degrees, Germany provides a perfect environment for academic and professional growth. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything international applicants need to know to study in Germany successfully. Germany is renowned for its world-class education system, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a strong focus on research and innovation. Here are some of the compelling reasons why international students choose to study in Germany: No Tuition Fees at Public Universities : Most public universities in Germany charge zero tuition fees, making it highly economical. : Most public universities in Germany charge zero tuition fees, making it highly economical. Globally Recognized Degrees : German degrees are respected worldwide and hold significant weight in global job markets. : German degrees are respected worldwide and hold significant weight in global job markets. Excellent Career Opportunities : Germany's strong economy offers numerous job opportunities for international graduates. : Germany's strong economy offers numerous job opportunities for international graduates. Rich Cultural Experience : Studying in Germany is more than academics—students immerse themselves in a culturally rich and diverse environment. : is more than academics—students immerse themselves in a culturally rich and diverse environment. Post-Study Work Rights: Germany allows international graduates to stay up to 18 months after graduation to search for a job. Germany's higher education system is composed of different types of institutions catering to diverse academic and professional needs. These are research-oriented institutions that offer a broad range of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels. They are ideal for students aiming to pursue academic or research careers while they study in Germany. These institutions focus on practical and industry-oriented education. Courses often include internships and projects with companies. Specialized institutions that provide education in fine arts, performing arts, and media. Germany hosts several prestigious universities consistently ranked among the top in the world. International students looking to study in Germany can consider: Technical University of Munich (TUM) Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich (LMU) Heidelberg University Humboldt University of Berlin RWTH Aachen University University of Freiburg University of Stuttgart Each of these universities offers a variety of programs in English and German, ensuring accessibility to international applicants. Students who study in Germany often pursue degrees in: Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Civil, Automotive) Computer Science and IT Natural Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) Business and Economics Medicine and Health Sciences Architecture and Urban Planning Programs in STEM disciplines (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) are in high demand and offer excellent employment prospects. To study in Germany, international students must meet specific eligibility requirements, including: Academic Qualifications : A recognized school leaving certificate (equivalent to the German Abitur) or a university entrance qualification. : A recognized school leaving certificate (equivalent to the German Abitur) or a university entrance qualification. Language Proficiency : Proof of German (TestDaF, DSH) or English (IELTS, TOEFL) proficiency, depending on the language of instruction. : Proof of German (TestDaF, DSH) or English (IELTS, TOEFL) proficiency, depending on the language of instruction. Entrance Exams : Some courses and universities require passing an aptitude test (e.g., TestAS for undergraduate programs). : Some courses and universities require passing an aptitude test (e.g., TestAS for undergraduate programs). Additional Requirements: A motivation letter, letters of recommendation, and a valid passport. Begin by researching programs that align with your career goals. Use platforms like DAAD (German Academic Exchange Service) to explore courses and universities in Germany. Each university and program may have specific requirements. Ensure you understand the academic, language, and document prerequisites. Applications can be submitted either directly through the university or via Uni-Assist, a centralized application portal for international students looking to study in Germany. Upon acceptance, you'll receive a Letter of Admission, which is essential for your visa application. International students from non-EU countries must apply for a German student visa at the nearest German consulate or embassy. To apply for a student visa to study in Germany, you need the following: Valid passport Letter of Admission from a German university Proof of financial resources (blocked account with at least €11,208 for one year) Health insurance Visa application form and fee payment Academic certificates and transcripts Language proficiency proof Processing time may vary, so apply at least 3 months in advance. There are numerous scholarships available to help international students study in Germany, such as: DAAD Scholarships Deutschlandstipendium (Germany Scholarship) Erasmus+ Program Heinrich Böll Foundation Scholarships Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Scholarships These scholarships can cover tuition, living costs, and travel expenses. International students who study in Germany can work 120 full days or 240 half days per year without a work permit. Common student jobs include: Academic assistants Tutoring Retail and hospitality Internships Working part-time helps students gain valuable experience and supplement living costs. Graduates from German universities can apply for an 18-month job-seeking visa to find employment related to their field of study. Once employed, they can apply for an EU Blue Card or residence permit leading to permanent residency. Germany also supports international students who wish to start their own business or pursue research opportunities. Students who study in Germany can choose from several housing options: Student Dormitories (Wohnheime) : Affordable and managed by Student Services (Studierendenwerk) : Affordable and managed by Student Services (Studierendenwerk) Private Shared Flats (WGs) : Popular among students for socializing and cost-sharing : Popular among students for socializing and cost-sharing Private Apartments: More privacy, but generally more expensive Early application for dormitories is advised due to high demand. Health insurance is mandatory for all students in Germany. You can opt for: Public Health Insurance : Recommended for students under 30 (e.g., TK, AOK, Barmer) : Recommended for students under 30 (e.g., TK, AOK, Barmer) Private Health Insurance: Suitable for older students or language course participants Ensure you are covered before visa issuance and university enrollment. To study in Germany is to access world-class education, experience a vibrant culture, and unlock promising career opportunities. With proper planning and preparation, your journey toward earning a German degree can be both successful and rewarding. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
