The agreement aims to support both nations in building a framework to regulate AI and space technologies, sectors that are playing an increasingly critical role in today’s economies and societies.

Somalia and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia have established a new collaboration framework aimed at strengthening cooperation in the regulation and development of artificial intelligence (AI) and space technologies. The agreement was formalised during discussions in Riyadh between Mustafa Yasin Sheikh, Director-General of Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA), and Haitham Alohaly, Governor of Saudi Arabia’s Communications, Space and Technology Commission (CST), on the sidelines of the Global Symposium for Regulators (GSR-25), according to a report by Space in Africa.

The talks focused on advancing regulatory frameworks, setting common standards and exploring joint opportunities in infrastructure for emerging technologies. The partnership seeks to create a cooperative system for overseeing the rapidly expanding AI and space sectors, particularly within developing economies.

As part of the agreement, Somalia and Saudi Arabia will work together on knowledge exchange, capacity building, and policy development to encourage innovation while ensuring responsible and ethical use of new technologies. A central goal is to design regulatory systems that both maximise societal benefits and address potential risks linked to AI and space projects. Officials also noted that the collaboration will examine opportunities for infrastructure sharing and broader digital cooperation, with the aim of driving faster technological progress in both nations.

London-based Nothing
closed $200 million in a Series C round at a $1.3 billion valuation. The
round was led by Tiger Global, with significant support from existing
shareholders GV, Highland Europe, EQT, Latitude, I2BF and Tapestry, alongside
new strategic backing from Nikhil Kamath and Qualcomm Ventures.

Nothing is a consumer
technology company building an AI-native platform where hardware and software
converge into a single, intelligent system. Starting with smartphones, audio
products, and smartwatches, and designed to extend across future form factors
like smart glasses, robotics, and EVs, Nothing leverages the smartphone’s
last-mile distribution and rich contextual signals to deliver deeply
personalised, context-aware experiences.

Underpinned by an
end-to-end value chain for speed, scale, and quality, the company pairs
award-winning design with a global manufacturing and supply network.

In four years, Nothing has
shipped millions of devices and crossed $1 billion in cumulative sales at the
start of 2025, growing 150 per cent in 2024. Its community-driven model and
go-to-market operations enable it to launch and support new hardware worldwide
within months, without the constraints typical of incumbents.

With this milestone, the
company is moving beyond a unique independent smartphone origin to building an
AI-native platform that unifies hardware and software into a single intelligent
system.

The next chapter focuses
on integrating AI across devices to reinvent how technology anticipates intent
and acts on users’ behalf. Alongside the Series C,
the company is preparing to launch a new community round, giving supporters
another opportunity to join Nothing’s journey.

In the largest higher education deal of its kind in the US, Google is investing in workforce development for the future, putting California’s community college students at the forefront of the AI-driven economy.

“This collaboration with Google is a monumental step forward for the California Community Colleges,” explains Don Daves-Rougeaux, Senior Advisor to the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges on Workforce Development, Strategic Partnerships, and GenAI. 

“Providing our students with access to world-class AI training and professional certificates ensures they have the skills necessary to thrive in high-growth industries and contribute to California’s economic prosperity. This partnership directly supports our Vision 2030 commitment to student success and workforce readiness. Additionally, offering access to AI tools with data protections and advanced functionality for free ensures that all learners have equitable access to the tools they need to leverage the skills they’re learning, and saves California’s community colleges millions of dollars in potential tool costs.”

All students, faculty, staff and classified professionals at the colleges will be able to access Gemini, Google’s generative AI tool, with data protections, to ensure they can safely use AI tools.

All students and faculty will also receive free access to Google Career Certificates, Google AI Essentials, and Prompting Essentials, providing practical training for in-demand jobs.

“Technology skills, especially in areas like artificial intelligence, are critical for the future workforce,” adds Bryan Lee, Vice President of Google for Education Go-to-Market. “We are thrilled to partner with the California Community Colleges, the nation’s largest higher education system, to bring valuable training and tools like Google Career Certificates, AI Essentials, and Gemini to millions of students. This collaboration underscores our commitment to creating economic opportunity for everyone.”

The ETIH Innovation Awards 2026

The EdTech Innovation Hub Awards celebrate excellence in global education technology, with a particular focus on workforce development, AI integration, and innovative learning solutions across all stages of education.

Now open for entries, the ETIH Innovation Awards 2026 recognize the companies, platforms, and individuals driving transformation in the sector, from AI-driven assessment tools and personalized learning systems, to upskilling solutions and digital platforms that connect learners with real-world outcomes.

Submissions are open to organizations across the UK, the Americas, and internationally. Entries should highlight measurable impact, whether in K–12 classrooms, higher education institutions, or lifelong learning settings.

Winners will be announced on 14 January 2026 as part of an online showcase featuring expert commentary on emerging trends and standout innovation. All winners and finalists will also be featured in our first print magazine, to be distributed at BETT 2026.