A selection of notable quotes and comments we’ve come across this month
By Marc Ambasna-Jones 07 Feb 25 Reading time: 3 mins
“6G can help energy companies. For one thing, it can be used to check that the energy grid is stable and resilient, through sensors. Also, it can help shift energy around to where it is needed. By adding in AI, you can predict the right moment to switch a grid on and off.”
Francesca Sartori, head of sustainability research and standardisation at Nokia, talking about the SUSTAIN-6G initiative and how 6G can help build a more sustainable future.
“Start-up Mater-AI has created an AI-powered research platform designed specifically to look for new materials that can improve the efficiency of thermoelectric generators.”
“Companies that had blurred the line between public utility and private entity, like AT&T, at least provided significant research funding for genius factories such as Bell Labs as part of the bargain. Intel has done nothing of the sort.”
“We’ll see quantum computers become practical much sooner, but only for highly specific tasks like materials or drug discovery. Fully fault-tolerant quantum computing that could disrupt day-to-day computing tasks is still a long way off.”
“We’re seeing developments in analogue systems, photonics, and trapped ions, all of which have different timelines and applications. It’s not just about fault tolerance, it’s about solving problems today and iterating from there.”
“The challenge is proving that the government can be a reliable and engaged customer for start-ups and SMEs. Smaller, more innovative companies might actually solve some problems more effectively than the traditional IT suppliers government has historically relied on.”
“Globally, research has proven that 71% of AI-skilled workers are men, compared to 29% [who are] women; and only one in five older workers have been offered AI skills training, as opposed to almost 50% of younger workers. The UK’s AI investment is predominantly clustered in London, and only 33% of AI funding is directed towards companies in growth and established stages.”
“The correlation between education and economic outcomes is becoming clearer. We need a highly educated workforce to think about AI application effectively. The government must ensure the right kind of talent flows through the system.”
Working as a technology journalist and writer since 1989, Marc has written for a wide range of titles on technology, business, education, politics and sustainability, with work appearing in The Guardian, The Register, New Statesman, Computer Weekly and many more.
