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Microsoft unveils seven homegrown AI models in new bid for ‘long term self-sufficiency’

Microsoft used its Build conference to unveil seven in-house AI models, including a reasoning model it says draws even with Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4.6 — part of a push to depend less on the AI partners it has invested billions in. Read More

WTIA selects 21 startups for 14th Founder Cohort Accelerator Program

The early stage companies from across Washington state are working in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, healthcare, enterprise software, and other emerging technologies, the WTIA said Tuesday. Read More

Black and Brown Youth in the South End Find Their Voices Through Spoken-Word Poetry

Inside Microsoft’s Project Solara: A new platform for devices that run AI agents instead of apps

A team inside Microsoft has been quietly building Project Solara, a platform for devices that run AI agents instead of apps, based on Android instead of Windows. The first two concept devices, a desktop hub and a wearable badge, are headed to pilots with companies including AccuWeather, Best Buy, CVS Health, Levi's, and Target. Read More

Tech Moves: Expedia names SVP; Microsoft AI leader departs for Uber; ZeroAvia CEO steps down

Expedia names SVP in global advertising; a Microsoft AI technical lead departs for Uber; and the CEO of the sustainable aviation startup ZeroAvia steps down. Read More

Version One Ventures raises fresh capital for early bets on AI, robotics and deep tech

The firm announced that it closed Version One Fund V, a $78 million fund focused on pre-seed and seed investments, along with Opportunities Fund III, a $30 million fund designed to make follow-on investments in its most promising portfolio companies. Read More

Allen Institute’s big new bet: $200M effort aims to go from mapping the brain to treating disease

The Allen Institute is launching a $200 million initiative, the Brain Health Accelerator, to develop gene therapies for neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, and ALS. It marks the first time the Seattle research organization, founded by Paul Allen in 2003, has made treating disease its goal. Read More

Code.org rebrands as CodeAI, solidifying its shift to AI education

"Nobody knows the jobs of the future, but a sure bet is that every job will involve AI," said Hadi Partovi, who co-founded the nonprofit in 2013. "We have a responsibility to prepare the next generation for the biggest change in society since the invention of public education." Read More

Aide to Councilmember Saka Sought Restraining Order Against Constituent

Saka called Police Chief Shon Barnes to ask what to do about a resident who contacted his office repeatedly about… The post Aide to Councilmember Saka Sought Restraining Order Against Constituent appeared first on PubliCola.

Melinda French Gates takes minority stake in Seattle Kraken hockey team

French Gates called herself "a big believer in the power of sports" and said that after many years of "cheering on Seattle from the sidelines," she's excited "to have an even deeper connection to the Seattle sports community." Read More

Seattle Nice: How Badly Did Sound Transit Screw Seattle Over?

By Erica C. Barnett On this week’s episode of the Seattle Nice podcast, we did a deep dive on the… The post Seattle Nice: How Badly Did Sound Transit Screw Seattle Over? appeared first on PubliCola.

Medical technology giant plans to put its longtime Seattle-area campus up for sale

Philips plans to put its Bothell, Wash., campus up for sale, marking a significant moment for Washington state’s medical device industry and for a site that helped establish the region as a global center for ultrasound innovation. Read More