Battery Safety & Standards: Munich-Geely Galaxy and CATL ran an extreme battery thermal-runaway test with a chief engineer inside the cabin, aiming for “no fire, no explosion” under China’s GB 38031-2025 and adding a stricter “no obvious smoke” goal. AI in Industry: Taiwan’s chip sector is projected to jump 40% in 2026 on AI-driven demand, while Europe’s Chips Act 2.0 debate centers on competing only where it has leverage (equipment, power electronics, packaging, and key research). Construction Automation: Malaysia’s CIDB says foreign-worker reductions must be offset by technology and digitalisation, highlighting robotic painting tied to BIM. Cybersecurity & AI Panic: CrowdStrike’s AI-driven product fears triggered market jitters, underscoring how AI can reshape cybersecurity demand. Defense Tech Transfer: A Financial Times investigation alleges Russia covertly transferred supersonic cruise-missile propulsion know-how to Iran. Medical Tech Policy: Major US medical groups urge updated flu and Covid shots amid shifting guidance, while US device repair advocates push to preserve a DMCA medical device repair exemption. Biotech Deals: Biocytogen licensed a fully human VHH antibody platform to Qilu Pharmaceutical for neuroscience R&D. Payments & Fintech: Verto argues Africa’s cross-border payments bottleneck is “certainty” on cost and delivery, not just access, as PAPSS and digital rails compete with legacy banking. Aerospace Drones: AIR will integrate Elmo Motion Control into its heavy-lift cargo UAS for more precise, efficient electric propulsion. Data Storage: LTO tape shipments rose 57% in Q1 2026 as AI and archival demand accelerate hybrid cold-storage plans. Corporate Moves: Cummins joined Emerald Technology Ventures to scout startups across power, mobility, energy systems, and decarbonisation.