AI in Defense & Simulation: A military design-and-simulation summit highlights how AI is moving from experiments to operational workflows, from battlefield simulation to predictive maintenance. AI for Data Centers: Vuzix begins shipping waveguide bridge samples and expands an optical interconnect evaluation kit aimed at AI data center links, including co-packaged optics. Battery Tech for Commercial Fleets: CATL unveiled TECTRANS II, a modular battery platform for commercial vehicles with configurations targeting up to 1,000 km range and options for charging or swapping. Hong Kong Innovation Push: Hong Kong’s first five-year plan targets nearly doubling innovation spending, aiming for R&D at 3% of GDP after 2030 and wider AI adoption across finance, logistics, and healthcare. Urban Flood Forecasting: Korea’s KICT will plug hazardous rainfall detection into an urban flood forecasting platform to improve early warnings for linear rainbands and localized downpours. Food Safety Sensors: A German-Danish project developed an electronic nose that uses spoilage biomarkers to assess meat and fish freshness in real time. Energy & Wind Monitoring: KHNP won an EPRI technology transfer award for ML tools that detect abnormal turbine behavior and improve wind farm efficiency. Packaging Materials: Wenzhou Baofeng detailed technical specs for PLA-coated kraft takeaway boxes and paper cups, focusing on barrier performance, die-cutting accuracy, and compliance. Policy & Governance: Hays County, Texas, scrapped a planned law-enforcement AI contract after a vote, while regulators elsewhere push industrial clustering and green financing to curb pollution.