Science And Technology Collaborations

Russia just positioned itself as Malaysia's nuclear energy partner—offering both large-capacity reactors and small modular reactors at the East Asian Summit. Here's why this matters: Malaysia, like much of Southeast Asia, faces a critical energy trilemma—growing electricity demand, decarbonization commitments, and energy security concerns. Nuclear power addresses all three, but requires technology partners willing to commit for decades. The numbers tell the story. Bilateral trade between Russia and Malaysia jumped 32% in just eight months of 2025, reaching $2.47 billion. Now Russia is offering the strategic anchor: comprehensive nuclear solutions spanning gigawatt-scale plants for baseload power and flexible SMRs for distributed generation. This isn't happening in a vacuum. Russia is competing directly with China, South Korea, France, and the United States for influence in Southeast Asia's emerging nuclear market. Each brings different reactor designs, financing models, and geopolitical alignments. Malaysia's decision will signal where the broader ASEAN region is heading. The dual-technology approach is particularly astute—large reactors for metropolitan grids, SMRs for remote locations and phased deployment. It's a portfolio strategy that matches Malaysia's diverse energy geography while maintaining deployment flexibility. Question for the nuclear energy community: In emerging markets, what ultimately drives technology partner selection—proven reactor designs, competitive financing terms, or strategic geopolitical alignment? And does Russia's offering change the competitive dynamics in Southeast Asia? Would love to hear perspectives from those working on international nuclear deployment. Rafael Mariano Grossi International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) World Nuclear Association Rosatom Egypt Sama Bilbao y Leon John Arthur Gorman, ICD.D #NuclearEnergy #Malaysia #Russia #ASEAN #SmallModularReactors #EnergyTransition #CleanEnergy #EnergyPolicy #Geopolitics

Europe stands at a pivotal moment: the long-overdue reconstruction of its #defense industrial base is no longer optional—it’s imperative. Years of underinvestment, fragmentation, and reliance on external suppliers have eroded our capacity to equip and sustain our armed forces. The political momentum for rearmament is real—but if #Europe wants true strategic autonomy, it must act with purpose, not just scale. 🏛️ 1. Secure Sustainable Defense Funding Defense spending across the EU has lagged for decades. At 2.2% of GDP, Europe simply isn’t investing enough to match the scale—or complexity—of modern defense needs. Temporary solutions like tapping into the ESM or NGEU can help, but long-term stability requires a well-capitalized European Defense Fund. Strategic autonomy begins with financial sovereignty. 🛡️ 2. Buy European First, Align Industrial Policy Europe can no longer afford inefficiencies: 17 different tanks, 20+ fighter jet models, and procurement still driven by national rather than collective interest. We need a “Buy European” doctrine that mirrors the strategic coherence of South Korea or the US F-35 program. Cross-border procurement and industrial integration—particularly with UK firms now looped into joint EU programs—must become the rule, not the exception. 🏭 3. Scale Up and Rebuild the Supply Chain Europe’s defense ecosystem—2,500 firms versus 60,000 in the US—is ill-prepared for sustained ramp-up. Achieving meaningful scale will take 3–5 years and requires industry-government co-planning. Strategic partnerships, regional stockpiling, SME inclusion, and cutting red tape are critical. Sovereignty must not mean domestic hoarding or champion favoritism. 🚀 4. Build a Dual-Use Tech Powerhouse With just €9.5bn in defense R&D (vs $140bn in the US), Europe must radically rethink its innovation model. Dual-use innovation hubs, co-funded AI and quantum programs, and cross-border IP-sharing can help close the gap. Our goal: not to copy the US, Israel, or South Korea—but to become a competitive peer. 🧭 5. Forge Unified Governance Europe’s greatest weakness is fragmentation: divergent export rules, overlapping procurement standards, and a lack of binding mechanisms dilute impact. We need a “unifying command”—stronger institutions, faster decision-making, and regulatory convergence across member states. A stronger Europe starts with shared rules and a common purpose. 📈 The time to rearm Europe is now—but not with yesterday’s playbook. This is not just about spending more; it’s about spending wisely, building industrial resilience, and thinking long-term. The global defense landscape is shifting—and Europe must move from reactive to strategic. #StrategicAutonomy #Innovation #SupplyChains #Security #EUeconomy #Macroeconomics #R&D #Geopolitics #DualUseTech #Ludonomics #AllianzTrade #Allianz

In which Haiqu and Xanadu contribute to Open Quantum Design's pursuit of a full-stack open source quantum computer. This one is interesting for more reasons than the stated goal. I come from Red Hat's golden era, which is summed up as "first open source company to take VC, first to IPO, first to achieve $1B annual revenue". So the open source business case isn't the interesting thing here. Been there and lived that. What catches my eye is the manner in which the various stakeholders use open source as layered milestones. If we consider things like the (not particularly accurately reported) "PsiQuantum does $1B deal with Australian government". The fault-tolerant quantum computing companies putting their heads down and charging ahead in relative isolation (if not secrecy) is fine. But if they evaporate like Zapata did... what are we left with? Seeing the Canadian government taking the open source approach, and encouraging a wider test-bed of different specialists all contributing to the stack, makes for an interesting contrast to the "one and done" big bets on FTQC. Each project and each milestone contribute to the commons in a tangible way. And makes for a ladder for Deep Tech startups in the process. Sometimes a partnership or a joint venture project creates more momentum value than the underlying cash - I'll leave it to Mykola Maksymenko and Sam Kearney and co at Haiqu to speak to directly, but seeing them present their work with HSBC at the Q2B conference last year was quite astounding. As Anastasia Marchenkova and I have been scoping different forms of orchestration in the quantum software stack, particularly across the quantum-classical hybrid workflow, these kinds of open source projects are invaluable. Not just to review the approaches, incorporate various repos, etc, but to more quickly collaborate directly with the other teams up and down the stack. TLDR? Sorry but there's no "this is what eating peanut butter taught me about B2B sales" LinkedIn hook. I am just thinking a lot about how they've gotten up and running so fast. Definitely a great case study to follow (and on that note, I added three new case studies about Haiqu to OpenQase, so you can do just that).

Rosatom in Kazakhstan: Reactors, Politics and Opportunities Third post in a four-part series on the shortlisted vendors for Kazakhstan’s first nuclear power plant. Follow for more. If market share spoke for itself, the competition would already be over. State Atomic Energy Corporation "Rosatom" – Russia’s state-owned nuclear giant – currently claims over 70% of the global nuclear export market. From Bangladesh to Egypt, from Turkey to China, 19 reactors are under construction, with another dozen in the pipeline. Kazakhstan, the world’s top uranium producer, would seem a natural extension of this map. Geographical proximity, historic ties, a shared Soviet past – and yet, obstacles remain. What’s on Offer: VVER-1200 Rosatom’s proposal for Kazakhstan is built around its flagship third-generation reactor – the VVER-1200. The design is operational in Russia, Belarus, and under construction in multiple countries. Its selling points: high capacity (1,200 MWe), enhanced safety systems, and a well-established operational track record. Rosatom promotes it as a turnkey solution – from design and construction to fuel supply and waste management. In theory, this is a logical fit for Kazakhstan. The country exports uranium, but has no nuclear power generation of its own. Rosatom, with its vertically integrated fuel cycle and 360-degree services, can offer an ideal choice; everything at once – technology, top levels of training, logistics, and extensive infrastructure support. Personal Ties, Political Calculations Kazakhstan's nuclear relationship with Rosatom is deeply rooted in Soviet-era infrastructure and uranium cooperation. As the world's largest uranium producer, Kazakhstan collaborates extensively with Rosatom through joint ventures in mining and enrichment, including Rosatom's 49% stake in the Budenovskoye uranium field, while relying on Russian facilities for uranium conversion. Rosatom’s bid enjoys several structural advantages. Logistics are easier with a neighbour. Regulatory compatibility is more straightforward. There is institutional familiarity. But these are also its risks. Not Without Baggage Rosatom has not secured new construction contracts in recent years, potentially limiting its future pipeline. According to analysis, the volume of large nuclear power unit construction with Rosatom's participation globally is projected to decrease by 20-40% by 2030. Additionally, the company's focus appears to be shifting, with domestic Russian projects expected to constitute a larger share of its construction portfolio and are projected to decrease from about 90% currently (19 out of 22 units) to approximately 55% (no more than 10 out of 18 units) by 2030. Political context matters too. Sanctions, shifting alliances, and Russia’s global posture have led some countries to hesitate. A deal with Rosatom is a geopolitical signal to the rest of the world – one Kazakhstan must weigh carefully.

Venture capital-backed defense technology companies such as Anduril, Palantir, and Scale AI are rapidly gaining prominence in the weapons industry, increasingly securing military contracts over traditional defense contractors like Lockheed Martin and Boeing. In a strategic move to further this trend, Anduril and Palantir are forming a consortium with other tech upstarts, including SpaceX, OpenAI, Saronic, and Scale AI, to jointly bid for military contracts. This collaboration aims to deliver advanced technological infrastructure to the government, transforming America's AI advancements into next-generation military capabilities. However, the formation of such a consortium suggests a shift from competition to collaboration among these companies, potentially concentrating lucrative government contracts and political influence within a select group of tech startups and their influential backers. This development raises questions about the future dynamics of the defense industry and the balance of power between emerging tech firms and established defense contractors.

🌍 Africa’s Nuclear Future: Who’s Ready, Who’s Catching Up, and Why It Matters Now Electricity demand in Africa is projected to grow nearly 7x by 2050, according to the IAEA. That growth won’t be met with renewables alone. Nuclear, especially small modular reactors (SMRs), is emerging as a serious contender in Africa’s long-term energy mix. But readiness varies widely, and time is quickly becoming the critical factor. 📊 A 2025 update by Energy for Growth Hub + Third Way maps out where things stand: ✅ Ready by 2030 Egypt: 4.8 GW El Dabaa project under construction, $28B, 85% financed by Rosatom South Africa: Africa’s only operational plant (Koeberg), exploring SMRs to replace coal, revived Pebble Bed program with local + Chinese partners 🟢 Potentially ready by 2030 Ghana: Working with both NuScale (SMRs) and CNNC, also in the U.S. FIRST program Kenya: Aims for first plant by 2034, CNNC MoU signed, exploring 100–300 MW SMRs Morocco: Research reactor, deals with Russia, China, and France, SMR feasibility underway Uganda: Buyende project backed by CNNC Algeria: Active roadmap with Russia, 2 research reactors Tunisia: Agreements signed but minimal progress 🟡 Potentially ready by 2050 Rwanda: Exploring SMRs and microreactors via Dual Fluid and NANO Nuclear Energy, ambitious, but still early stage ⚪ Not ranked due to conflict or paused projects Nigeria, Sudan, Mali, Burkina Faso, interest exists, but conditions remain unstable 🔍 Two major takeaways: 1️⃣ Russia is far ahead in nuclear diplomacy. Rosatom has signed agreements with at least 20 African countries, from Zimbabwe and Burundi to Ethiopia and Guinea. Most of these are early-stage, but they’re planting flags the U.S. hasn’t. 2️⃣ SMRs could change the game. Countries with smaller grids, water constraints, or limited capital are starting to take SMRs seriously. Designs that offer lower upfront costs, safer operation, and modular deployment could unlock a new era, but only if nations prepare today. 💡 This is tech readiness. It’s about infrastructure, regulation, financing models, and geopolitics. The 2030s will be decisive. The countries making moves now, with real partnerships, training programs, and project structuring, will be the first to benefit. Source: https://lnkd.in/dHP29cgn #AfricanEnergy #NuclearInAfrica #SMRs #AdvancedNuclear #EnergyTransitionAfrica #NuclearPower #CleanEnergyAfrica #NuclearDevelopment #IAEA #Rosatom #EnergyPolicy #GeopoliticsOfEnergy #EnergySecurity #InfrastructureDevelopment #GreenIndustrialization #ClimateSolutions #FutureOfEnergy #GlobalEnergyTrends #Africa2030 #CleanTechDeployment Image and statistics: Energy For Growth Hub

I analysed 100+ defense tech developments. Here are 5 mind-blowing technologies of the future you’ve never heard of (yet) 🛸 *Links for research and announcements are in the comments.* 𝟭. 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗺-𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗥𝗮𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘀 The best possible distribution of tasks among sensors and sensor networks is becoming a problem that cannot be solved in real time with conventional computers. HENSOLDT, in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center and Tensor AI Solutions GmbH, just announced it is working on the QUA-SAR research project to optimize radar remote sensing scenarios using quantum computing. 𝟮. 𝗠𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗱𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗳𝗹𝗮𝗴𝗲 In 2024, a group of researchers announced the development of “Chimera” - new metamaterial that can achieve previously impossible capabilities of multi-terrain invisibility in a range of environments, much like the animals who inspired its development, offering significant potential for both scientific and military applications. 𝟯. 𝗡𝗲𝘂𝗿𝗼𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗽𝗵𝗶𝗰 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗕𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗜 Traditional AI is too slow and power-hungry for the battlefield. Neuromorphic chips, inspired by the human brain, promise lightning-fast decision-making with minimal energy use. It's like giving every soldier and system a hyper-efficient AI co-pilot. 𝟰. 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘀𝗺𝗮 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 We haven’t heard a lot about plasma shields since 2015 when Boeing filed a patent for a system that would protect vehicles from damage by creating plasma fields. However, in 2024 SCMP reported that Chinese National University of Defence Technology develops ‘Star Wars’-style deflector plasma shield to defend drones. We’re waiting for proofs😏 𝟱. “𝗦𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗻” In May 2024 Pentagon spokesman Brig Gen Pat Ryder said that Russia most likely launched a satellite capable of inspecting and attacking other satellites. In addition to the kinetic space weapons, Russia is allegedly developing a nuclear space-based anti-satellite weapon that would be capable of disabling hundreds of satellites through radiation effects or the resulting electromagnetic pulse. It is likely to be the next frontier of warfare in an increasingly technology-dependent world. Holidays are over, so back to writing. If you want more real defense tech insights in 2025 , please press like and follow me here. ❤️

Tech Entrepreneur Reinvents Artillery Shell—and How the West Buys Weapons Introduction: Silicon Valley Meets the Battlefield In a bold challenge to traditional defense procurement, Chad Steelberg, a tech CEO turned weapons innovator, has launched Tiberius Aerospace and unveiled “Sceptre”—a next-generation 155mm artillery shell. While its enhanced range and precision are impressive, the real disruption lies in how the system is designed, produced, and delivered. ⸻ Key Highlights from the Tiberius Aerospace Launch 🧠 Open Weapons Platform Model • Unlike traditional arms manufacturers, Tiberius licenses the Sceptre design to governments rather than selling them finished products. • Governments are encouraged to produce the shells locally, which can speed up availability and reduce reliance on centralized supply chains. • The model allows faster updates, akin to software iteration, improving performance over time. 📏 Breakthrough Performance with Sceptre Shell • The Sceptre 155mm round reportedly offers unprecedented range and accuracy, outclassing conventional artillery shells. • Its modularity and upgrade potential may help Western militaries outpace adversaries in a rapidly evolving battlefield environment. ⚙️ From R&D to Rapid Deployment • By focusing solely on research and development, Tiberius Aerospace avoids the slowdowns of traditional manufacturing and bureaucracy. • Steelberg draws on Silicon Valley principles—agility, scalability, and openness—to revolutionize defense development timelines. 🌍 Inspired by Ukraine, Geared for Global Adoption • The model reflects lessons from the war in Ukraine, where nimbleness and tech-forward solutions have proven critical. • Licensing encourages global co-development and operational sovereignty, a significant shift in Western military strategy. ⸻ Why It Matters: A Paradigm Shift in Defense Procurement Steelberg’s approach with Tiberius Aerospace represents a tectonic shift in how advanced weapons are conceived and distributed: • Governments gain more autonomy in defense production. • Weapon systems evolve faster and more efficiently, countering threats with greater speed. • Defense spending can be optimized for innovation rather than legacy contracts. If widely adopted, this open-platform model could mark the beginning of a new era in Western military capability—one defined less by bureaucracy and more by adaptability. https://lnkd.in/gEmHdXZy

This report by Mick Ryan, AM and Peter W. Singer for New America, highlights how new technologies are reshaping military deception. Key takeaways: 1. Technological Impact: Six key technologies (uncrewed systems, AI, additive manufacturing, new advanced materials, quantum computing, and commercial sensing/networks) are significantly influencing military deception. 2. Modern War Trends: Six trends in modern warfare (democratized battlespace awareness, new era mobilization, precise deep strike, strategic influence, ubiquitous autonomy, and faster adaptation) are driving changes in deception. 3. Adaptation is Key: Military organizations must improve their planning, execution, and adaptation of deception in this evolving environment to avoid being victims of it. This includes updates to leadership training, strategy, operations, personnel, structures, equipment, and doctrine. Best quote: "We should not deceive ourselves into thinking that we are ready for the deception campaigns of the future." #WW3 #Ukraine #FutureOfWarfare #Drones #DefenseTech #Defense USSOCOM

Russian Company Intends to Build Several Nuclear Power Plants in Central Asia (part 2). The swift economic growth in Central Asian nations necessitates the establishment of new large-scale electricity generation facilities. Despite the region's abundant energy resources, including #hydrocarbons and #hydropower, recent developments suggest that the focus will shift towards advancing nuclear energy. On June 20, Rosatom and #Uzbekistan's Atomic Energy Agency under the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Uzatom) signed an agreement at a forum in St. Petersburg to explore the feasibility of constructing a large-capacity nuclear power plant (NPP) in Uzbekistan. The initiative plans to build two power units of 1,000 MW each, with the option to expand to four units. When signing the agreement, Rosatom CEO Alexey Likhachev said #Russia would build “the best stations on the planet” in #Kazakhstan and #Uzbekistan. Such groundbreaking solutions did not emerge overnight; they culminated in extensive and profound collaboration between the Uzbek authorities and nuclear technology providers. In 2018, Uzbekistan and Russia formally agreed to build an NPP. This document outlined Uzbekistan's collaboration in designing, constructing, commissioning, operating, and decommissioning a plant featuring two power units. In May 2024, the parties agreed to initiate nuclear projects in Uzbekistan, starting with a small NPP. In the same month, Uzatom and Rosatom finalised a contract to develop a small NPP featuring six reactors, providing a total electrical capacity of 330 MW. However, it is reported that this might be reduced to two units, each capable of 55 MW, bringing the total to 110 MW. This proposed NPP will be located in the Tuzkan Lake area of the #Jizzakh region. In March 2025, Uzatom Director Azim Akhmedkhadjaev stated that Uzbekistan requires high-capacity nuclear power plants to satisfy electricity demand. "Considering the trends and volume of consumption that we see every year, then yes, we need to build large nuclear power plants," Akhmedkhadjaev stressed, noting that the estimated cost for a large-capacity NPP with two power units would be around $6 billion. At the end of May, the President of Uzbekistan met with all stakeholders to discuss establishing and constructing a large-capacity NPPs. At the end of April, Alexey Likhachev stated, "Not if, but when the leadership of Uzbekistan returns to the topic of a large nuclear power plant, we will already have proposals ready." Meanwhile, #Kyrgyzstan has decided to construct NPP on its territory due to a sharp rise in the electricity deficit. Currently, the country is working to determine the required capacity and location to construct a future NPP. In this case, Rosatom will be the closest to receiving a contract. Nuclear energy in Central Asia is gaining momentum and becoming a priority area for the region’s sustainable development.