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  • BREAKING: Court Postpones Decision on Sowore’s Bail Application

    BREAKING: Court Postpones Decision on Sowore’s Bail Application

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned until June 30 its ruling on an application by human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, seeking the restoration of his bail. Justice Mohammed Umar fixed the date after hearing arguments from Sowore’s legal team in the case brought by the Department of State Services (DSS) over comments in which he described President Bola Tinubu as “a criminal.”

    During Wednesday’s proceedings, Sowore’s counsel, R.O. Adakole, urged the court to temporarily release the activist to his lawyers pending the ruling on the bail application. He argued that Sowore had consistently appeared before the court and had never violated his bail conditions since the case began.

    Justice Umar, however, declined the request, stating that he needed to thoroughly review the affidavits and other court documents before making a decision. Despite repeated appeals from the defence, the judge maintained his position and refused to grant temporary release.

    The bail application follows the court’s decision on June 16 to revoke Sowore’s bail and issue a bench warrant after he failed to appear for a scheduled proceeding. Sowore had earlier sought the judge’s recusal, alleging bias and arguing that he could not receive a fair hearing before the court.

    The case has continued to generate public interest, with civil society groups and rights advocates criticising the revocation of Sowore’s bail and raising concerns about freedom of expression, judicial conduct and the treatment of government critics. The controversy has also renewed scrutiny of Justice Umar over previous courtroom actions that attracted criticism from lawyers and activists.

  • NFF Retains Eric Chelle with Improved Super Eagles Contract

    NFF Retains Eric Chelle with Improved Super Eagles Contract

    Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has agreed to a new contract with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), ending months of uncertainty over his future with the national team. The development was confirmed by National Sports Commission chairman Shehu Dikko during a meeting with NFF officials in Abuja.

    Under the revised agreement, Chelle will receive improved remuneration, while the NFF will now assume responsibility for paying the salaries of his backroom staff. Dikko said the new deal also includes performance benchmarks designed to support the coach’s work with the national team.

    According to Dikko, the agreement reflects the federation’s confidence in Chelle’s leadership and commitment to the development of Nigerian football. However, details regarding the duration of the contract and its financial terms were not disclosed.

    In addition to his role with the Super Eagles, Chelle has been handed responsibility for Nigeria’s men’s U-23 team as part of plans to strengthen the country’s football development pathway. The coach is expected to oversee efforts to qualify the side for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

    Chelle took charge of the Super Eagles in 2025 and guided the team to a third-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. His expanded role is expected to help build continuity between the senior national team and the next generation of players.

  • FG Moves to Modernize Teacher Training with Digital Curriculum

    FG Moves to Modernize Teacher Training with Digital Curriculum

    The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) has announced plans to introduce a competency-based digital curriculum across Nigeria’s colleges of education as part of efforts to modernise teacher training and produce digitally skilled, globally competitive educators. NCCE Executive Secretary, Angela Ajala, disclosed the initiative in Abuja while marking her first 100 days in office.

    Ajala said the new curriculum, being developed in collaboration with the National Universities Commission and other stakeholders, will shift teacher education away from excessive theory toward practical competencies, digital literacy, and technology-enabled learning. She noted that students will be able to access learning materials, assessments, and instructional content remotely through a digitised platform.

    The NCCE boss added that the Commission is partnering with National Information Technology Development Agency to integrate digital skills into teacher preparation. She said the reforms will also emphasize skills acquisition, enabling graduates to earn professional skills certifications alongside their academic qualifications.

    Ajala further revealed that the reforms support inclusive education and the phased implementation of the dual-mandate policy, which allows eligible colleges of education to award both the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and bachelor’s degrees. She acknowledged funding challenges but said partnerships with development agencies and stakeholders are helping to sustain the reform agenda.

    Speaking at the event, Ademola Salami praised the initiative, describing it as a major step toward strengthening teacher education. He said the proposed curriculum would incorporate entrepreneurship, digital pedagogy, hands-on training, and other modern learning approaches needed to meet Nigeria’s current and future educational needs.

  • Sowore Case: Group Warns Against Crackdown on Activists and Opposition

    Sowore Case: Group Warns Against Crackdown on Activists and Opposition

    The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION) has condemned the detention of African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore, describing it as a threat to democracy and an indication of a growing crackdown on dissent in Nigeria. The group criticized the Federal High Court’s decision to revoke Sowore’s bail and remand him at Kuje Correctional Centre.

    In a statement issued by its convener, Hauwa Mustapha, MOTION argued that the case extends beyond a legal dispute and reflects a shrinking civic space. The group said the detention of a journalist, activist, and opposition figure raises concerns about fair hearing, proportionality, and the protection of fundamental rights.

    The organization warned that using security agencies and judicial processes in ways perceived as targeting critics could weaken public trust in democratic institutions, undermine the rule of law, and normalize the use of detention as a tool of political intimidation. It also expressed concern that the development could create fear among citizens, journalists, and activists, leading to self-censorship.

    MOTION identified three major consequences of Sowore’s imprisonment: weakening freedom of expression and political dissent, eroding confidence in the independence of democratic institutions, and discouraging civic participation by journalists, activists, opposition figures, and youth groups.

    The group called for Sowore’s immediate release and urged the Federal Government, judiciary, and security agencies to uphold constitutional rights and due process. It also appealed to civil society organizations, labour unions, student groups, and the international community to resist what it described as increasing authoritarian tendencies, insisting that protecting citizens’ liberties is essential to safeguarding democracy.

  • Akpabio Warns Governors Against Abusing Proposed State Police

    Akpabio Warns Governors Against Abusing Proposed State Police

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio has cautioned governors against abusing the powers of state police once the proposed security structure becomes operational.

    Akpabio issued the warning during Tuesday’s plenary session as the National Assembly moved closer to approving the establishment of state police as part of efforts to address insecurity across the country.

    His remarks came after President Bola Tinubu transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the National Assembly seeking the creation of state police.

    The Senate is expected to consider and pass the state police bill on Wednesday as part of ongoing constitutional reforms aimed at decentralizing policing in Nigeria.

    Speaking on the proposal, Akpabio stressed the need for safeguards to prevent political misuse of state-controlled police forces by governors and future administrations.

    “Many of us would like to return to our states after leaving office without fear of the state police. Even current governors will one day leave office and should not be afraid of the police structure they helped create,” he said.

    The Senate President noted that Nigeria has, since independence in 1960, maintained a centralized policing system and lacked the political will to decentralize law enforcement.

    According to him, the implementation of state police will occur in two stages. The first will involve constitutional amendments establishing the framework, while the second will be the enactment of an Act of Parliament outlining operational guidelines and safeguards.

    Akpabio said the additional legislation would define the modalities of state policing and provide mechanisms to prevent abuse of power while ensuring accountability.

    The proposed state police system is widely seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen security architecture and improve responses to local security challenges across the federation.

  • El-Rufai Arrives Kaduna Court for Continuation of ICPC Trial

    El-Rufai Arrives Kaduna Court for Continuation of ICPC Trial

    Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, on Wednesday arrived at the Federal High Court in Kaduna for the continuation of his trial over allegations of financial misconduct and the alleged wiretapping of the National Security Adviser.

    El-Rufai arrived at the court premises under heavy security as proceedings resumed in the case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

    The former governor is facing charges bordering on alleged abuse of office, financial impropriety, and fraud during his tenure as governor of Kaduna State. He has denied all allegations against him.

    The matter was previously adjourned to June 24, 2026, after two co-defendants failed to appear in court, preventing the hearing from proceeding.

    On April 14, 2026, the presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, granted El-Rufai bail in the sum of N200 million. The bail conditions required two sureties, including a serving or retired civil servant on Grade Level 15 and a recognised traditional ruler.

    His legal team subsequently applied for a variation of the bail conditions, but the court declined the request.

    At Wednesday’s proceedings, the two co-defendants are expected to appear as the court moves forward with hearing the substantive case.

    The ICPC maintains that it possesses evidence to support the charges, while El-Rufai continues to insist on his innocence as the trial progresses.

  • Friends Demand Justice for Kitan Oyesiku, Urge Authorities to Intensify Investigation

    Friends Demand Justice for Kitan Oyesiku, Urge Authorities to Intensify Investigation

    Friends of the late Kitan Oyesiku have renewed calls for justice, urging the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Police Command, and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding her death and bring those responsible to justice.

    The appeal was made in a statement issued on Wednesday by the group, Friends of Kitan Oyesiku, and signed by Oluwaseun Boye.

    Describing Oyesiku as a peaceful, compassionate, and kind-hearted woman, the group said her death was a cruel and senseless tragedy that has left family members, friends, and loved ones devastated.

    The group called on security agencies to sustain ongoing investigations and ensure that all individuals connected to the crime are identified, arrested, and prosecuted.

    “We once again call on the Ogun State Government, the Ogun State Police Command, and all relevant security and justice stakeholders to intensify efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic killing of our dear friend, Kitan Oyesiku,” the statement said.

    The friends commended Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, and officers of the state command for steps taken so far, expressing confidence in the ability of investigators to deliver justice.

    They also urged the state government not to allow the case to fade without resolution, stressing that justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done in order to reassure the public that criminal acts will not go unpunished.

    The group further appealed to members of the public with useful information to assist investigators, noting that even seemingly minor details could provide crucial leads in the ongoing probe.

    Expressing optimism that the truth would eventually emerge, the friends said they believe everyone involved in the killing will face the full weight of the law.

    The statement concluded with a renewed demand for accountability and justice, declaring: “Justice for Kitan Oyesiku.”

  • Headline: Police Send Lagos Explosion Fragments to Abuja for Forensic Analysis Here’s a professionally rewritten version of the report: Writing Police authorities in Lagos have sent fragments recovered from Monday’s explosion in the Oke Mushin area of the state to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further forensic examination as investigations continue into the incident. The suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated around 6 a.m. at 22 Wey Street, Oke Mushin, beneath a parked gold Toyota Sienna with registration number AAA 11FX. The blast occurred when the vehicle owner attempted to start the car after it had been parked overnight. The explosion prompted an immediate response from security agencies, including bomb disposal experts and senior police officers, who cordoned off the area and began investigations. A police source said the driver sustained only minor injuries and no fatalities were recorded. According to the source, investigators are still analyzing the recovered materials to determine the exact nature of the device. “The object appeared to be a small container placed inside a bag near where the vehicle was parked. Samples have been sent to Abuja for detailed forensic analysis,” the source said. Speaking on the incident, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, confirmed that an explosion had occurred but said it was too early to draw conclusions. He noted that Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives were still examining evidence collected from the scene and that a comprehensive report would be released after investigations are completed. Residents and traders in the area described scenes of panic following the blast. A trader identified as Ebuka said he learned about the incident upon arriving at the market, adding that the vehicle owner had parked the car overnight and was preparing to leave for Alaba when the explosion occurred. Another resident, Ogundiji, said the loud bang shook the neighborhood and forced many people out of their homes. He explained that residents initially feared the community had come under attack before discovering that the explosion originated from the parked vehicle. The force of the blast damaged nearby property, including a metal door, and scattered debris around the area. Security operatives later recovered fragments believed to be parts of the explosive device. A trader, Christian, whose table was damaged in the incident, said community leaders and officials of the Structural Materials Association quickly alerted security agencies. Bomb experts subsequently visited the scene and collected samples for investigation as authorities work to determine the source and nature of the explosion. 10 Alt

    Headline: Police Send Lagos Explosion Fragments to Abuja for Forensic Analysis Here’s a professionally rewritten version of the report: Writing Police authorities in Lagos have sent fragments recovered from Monday’s explosion in the Oke Mushin area of the state to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further forensic examination as investigations continue into the incident. The suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated around 6 a.m. at 22 Wey Street, Oke Mushin, beneath a parked gold Toyota Sienna with registration number AAA 11FX. The blast occurred when the vehicle owner attempted to start the car after it had been parked overnight. The explosion prompted an immediate response from security agencies, including bomb disposal experts and senior police officers, who cordoned off the area and began investigations. A police source said the driver sustained only minor injuries and no fatalities were recorded. According to the source, investigators are still analyzing the recovered materials to determine the exact nature of the device. “The object appeared to be a small container placed inside a bag near where the vehicle was parked. Samples have been sent to Abuja for detailed forensic analysis,” the source said. Speaking on the incident, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, confirmed that an explosion had occurred but said it was too early to draw conclusions. He noted that Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives were still examining evidence collected from the scene and that a comprehensive report would be released after investigations are completed. Residents and traders in the area described scenes of panic following the blast. A trader identified as Ebuka said he learned about the incident upon arriving at the market, adding that the vehicle owner had parked the car overnight and was preparing to leave for Alaba when the explosion occurred. Another resident, Ogundiji, said the loud bang shook the neighborhood and forced many people out of their homes. He explained that residents initially feared the community had come under attack before discovering that the explosion originated from the parked vehicle. The force of the blast damaged nearby property, including a metal door, and scattered debris around the area. Security operatives later recovered fragments believed to be parts of the explosive device. A trader, Christian, whose table was damaged in the incident, said community leaders and officials of the Structural Materials Association quickly alerted security agencies. Bomb experts subsequently visited the scene and collected samples for investigation as authorities work to determine the source and nature of the explosion. 10 Alt

    Police authorities in Lagos have sent fragments recovered from Monday’s explosion in the Oke Mushin area of the state to the Force Headquarters in Abuja for further forensic examination as investigations continue into the incident.

    The suspected Improvised Explosive Device (IED) detonated around 6 a.m. at 22 Wey Street, Oke Mushin, beneath a parked gold Toyota Sienna with registration number AAA 11FX. The blast occurred when the vehicle owner attempted to start the car after it had been parked overnight.

    The explosion prompted an immediate response from security agencies, including bomb disposal experts and senior police officers, who cordoned off the area and began investigations.

    A police source said the driver sustained only minor injuries and no fatalities were recorded. According to the source, investigators are still analyzing the recovered materials to determine the exact nature of the device.

    “The object appeared to be a small container placed inside a bag near where the vehicle was parked. Samples have been sent to Abuja for detailed forensic analysis,” the source said.

    Speaking on the incident, Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, confirmed that an explosion had occurred but said it was too early to draw conclusions. He noted that Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) operatives were still examining evidence collected from the scene and that a comprehensive report would be released after investigations are completed.

    Residents and traders in the area described scenes of panic following the blast. A trader identified as Ebuka said he learned about the incident upon arriving at the market, adding that the vehicle owner had parked the car overnight and was preparing to leave for Alaba when the explosion occurred.

    Another resident, Ogundiji, said the loud bang shook the neighborhood and forced many people out of their homes. He explained that residents initially feared the community had come under attack before discovering that the explosion originated from the parked vehicle.

    The force of the blast damaged nearby property, including a metal door, and scattered debris around the area. Security operatives later recovered fragments believed to be parts of the explosive device.

    A trader, Christian, whose table was damaged in the incident, said community leaders and officials of the Structural Materials Association quickly alerted security agencies. Bomb experts subsequently visited the scene and collected samples for investigation as authorities work to determine the source and nature of the explosion.

  • US Sanctions Nigerian Man, Three Firms Over Alleged ISIS Financing Network

    US Sanctions Nigerian Man, Three Firms Over Alleged ISIS Financing Network

    The United States has designated a Nigerian national and three Nigeria-based companies for their alleged involvement in a financial network linked to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

    The action, announced by the US Department of State, forms part of a broader sanctions package targeting three individuals and six entities across Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa accused of facilitating the movement of funds for the terrorist group.

    According to State Department spokesperson Thomas Pigott, the designated individuals and companies allegedly helped ISIS transfer money across international borders through a network stretching from France and Syria to Türkiye and Nigeria.

    Among those sanctioned is Mukhtar Adamu Muhammad, a Nigerian citizen based in Lagos, whom US authorities linked to ISIS-West Africa. The sanctions also target three Nigerian companies: Generation Currency Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos, Manhattan Bureau De Change Limited in Kano, and Nine to Nine Exchange Bureau De Change Limited in Lagos.

    The US also designated several foreign entities, including Türkiye-based money transfer firms and a cryptocurrency exchange operating in Syria, accusing them of supporting ISIS financial operations.

    Pigott said the US would continue to deploy diplomatic and legal measures to disrupt ISIS financing networks and hold supporters of the group accountable wherever they operate.

    “We will continue to use every diplomatic and legal tool available to hold ISIS and its supporters accountable — wherever they operate and however they move money,” he said.

    He added that the United States remains committed to protecting lives, defending religious minorities, and working with international partners to eliminate threats posed by ISIS to global peace and security.

    The sanctions were imposed under Executive Order 13224, as amended. ISIS has been designated by the US as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) organisation since 2004.

    L

  • a16z generative ai

    Hippocratic AI raises $141M to staff hospitals with clinical AI agents

    Story Partners with Stability AI to Empower Open-Source Innovation for Creators and Developers

    a16z generative ai

    Meanwhile, Kristina Dulaney, RN, PMH-C, the founder of Cherished Mom, an organization dedicated to solving maternal mental health challenges, helped to create an AI agent that’s focused on helping new mothers navigate such problems with postpartum mental health assessments and depression screening. The startup was initially focused on creating generative AI chatbots to support clinicians and other healthcare professionals, but has since switched its focus to patients themselves. Its most advanced models take advantage of the latest developments in AI agents, which are a form of AI that can perform more complex tasks while working unsupervised. Despite rapid advancements in AI, creators in open-source ecosystems face significant challenges in monetizing derivative works and securing proper attribution.

    Story, the global intellectual property blockchain, has announced its integration with Stability AI’s state-of-the-art models to revolutionize open-source AI development. This collaboration enables creators, developers, and artists to capture the value they contribute to the AI ecosystem by leveraging blockchain technology to ensure proper attribution, tracking, and monetization of creative works generated through AI. Andreessen Horowitz, or a16z, is investing in AI and biotech to lead the way in innovation.

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    In a statement, Raspberry AI said the funding would be used to accelerate its product development and add top engineering, sales and marketing talent to its team. But with U.S. companies raising and/or spending record sums on new AI infrastructure that many experts have noted depreciate rapidly (due to hardware/chip and software advancements), the question remains which vision of the future will win out in the end to become the dominant AI provider for the world. Or maybe it will always be a multiplicity of models each with a smaller market share? That’s followed by more extensive evaluations and safety assessments by an extensive network of more than 6,000 nurses and 300 doctors, who will confirm that it passes all required safety tests.

    a16z generative ai

    Once the AI agent is up and running, the clinicians who created it will be able to claim a share of the revenue it generates from the startup’s customers. Currently the technology is being used by Under Armour, MCM Worldwide, Gruppo Teddy and Li & Fung to create and iterate apparel, footwear and accessories styles. The company’s existing investors Greycroft, Correlation Ventures and MVP Ventures also joined in the round, along with notable angel investors, including Gokul Rajaram and Ken Pilot. Clearly, even as he espouses a commitment to open source AI, Zuck is not convinced that DeepSeek’s approach of optimizing for efficiency while leveraging far fewer GPUs than major labs is the right one for Meta, or for the future of AI.

    Raspberry AI secures 24 million US dollars in funding round

    Story is the world’s intellectual property blockchain, transforming IP into networks that transcend mediums and platforms, unleashing global creativity and liquidity. By integrating Stability AI’s advanced models, Story is taking a significant step toward building a fair and sustainable internet for creators and developers in the age of generative AI. Hippocratic AI said it’s necessary to have clinicians onboard because they have, over the course of their careers, developed deep expertise in their respective fields, as well as the practical insights to help cure specific medical conditions and the clinical workflows involved.

    Investing in Raspberry AI – Andreessen Horowitz

    Investing in Raspberry AI.

    Posted: Mon, 13 Jan 2025 08:00:00 GMT [source]

    Story aims to bridge this gap by combining Stability AI’s cutting-edge technology with blockchain’s ability to secure digital property rights. For example, creators could register unique styles or voices as intellectual property on Story with transparent usage terms. This would enable others to train and fine-tune AI models using this IP, ensuring that all contributors in the creative chain benefit when outputs are monetized.

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    Holger Mueller of Constellation Research Inc. said Hippocratic AI is bringing two of the leading technology trends to the healthcare industry, namely no-code or low-code software development and AI agents. The launch is a bold step forward in healthcare innovation, giving clinicians the opportunity to participate in the design of AI agents that can address various aspects of patient care. It says clinicians can create an AI agent prototype that specializes in their area of focus in less than 30 minutes, and around three to four hours to develop one that can be tested. Shah said the last nine months since the company’s previous $50 million funding round have seen it make tremendous progress. During that time, it has received its first U.S. patents, fully evaluated and verified the safety of its first AI healthcare agents, and signed contracts with 23 health systems, payers and pharma clients.

    a16z generative ai

    For instance, one of its AI agents is specialized in chronic care management, medication checks and post-discharge follow-up regarding specific conditions such as kidney failure and congestive heart failure. The healthcare-focused artificial intelligence startup Hippocratic AI Inc. said today it has closed on a $141 million Series B funding round that brings its total amount raised to more than $278 million. “This round of financing will accelerate the development and deployment of the Hippocratic generative AI-driven super staffing and continue our quest to make healthcare abundance a reality,” he promised. Raspberry AI, the generative AI platform for fashion creatives, has secured 24 million US dollars in Series A funding led by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z). Today, we’re going in-depth on blockchain innovation with Robert Roose, an entrepreneur who’s on a mission to fix today’s broken monetary system. Hippocratic AI’s early customers include Arkos Health Inc., Belong Health Inc., Cincinnati Children’s, Fraser Health Authority (Canada), GuideHealth, Honor Health, Deca Dental Management, LLC, OhioHealth, WellSpan Health and other well-known healthcare systems and hospitals.

    By incorporating this wisdom into its AI agents, it’s making them safer and improving patient outcomes, it said. Crucially, any agent created using its platform will undergo extensive safety training by both the creator and Hippocratic AI’s own staff. Every clinician will have access to a dashboard to track their AI agent’s performance and use and receive feedback for further development.

    a16z generative ai

    All these indicate the commitment a16z has in shaping the future of technology and healthcare through strategic investments. Both platforms use Stability AI’s models to bring creators’ visions to life and Story’s blockchain technology to enable provenance and attribution throughout the creative process. These real-world applications highlight how creators can safeguard their intellectual property while thriving in a shared creative economy. Raspberry AI offers brands and manufacturing creative teams technology solutions, which can help accelerate each stage of the fashion product development cycle to increase speed to market and profitability while reducing costs. Andreessen Horowitz, or a16z, is one of the leading AI investors and targets only innovative startups. They participated in the round that funded Anysphere on January 14, 2025, with a total sum of $105 million for an AI coding tool known as Cursor, whose valuation has reached $2.5 billion.

    Onyxcoin (XCN) Market Trends and Ozak AI’s Contribution to AI-Driven Blockchain

    In order to ensure its AI agents can do their jobs safely, Hippocratic AI says it only works with licensed clinicians to develop them, taking steps to verify their qualifications and experience first. Once clinicians have built their agents, they’ll be submitted to the startup for an initial round of testing. Through the Hippocratic AI Agent App Store, healthcare organizations and hospitals will be able to access a range of specialized AI agents for different aspects of medical care.

    a16z generative ai

    The startup was co-founded by Chief Executive Officer and serial entrepreneur Munjal Shah and a group of physicians, hospital administrators, healthcare professionals and AI researchers from organizations including El Camino Health LLC, Johns Hopkins University, Stanford University, Microsoft Corp., Google and Nvidia Corp. PIP Labs, an initial core contributor to the Story Network, is backed by investors including a16z crypto, Endeavor, and Polychain. Co-founded by a serial entrepreneur with a $440M exit and DeepMind’s youngest PM, PIP Labs boasts a veteran founding executive team with expertise in consumer tech, generative AI, and Web3 infrastructure. The startup has also created other AI agents for tasks like pre- and post-surgery wound care, extreme heat wave preparation, home health checks, diabetes screening and education, and many more besides. The startup said its AI Agent creators include Dr. Vanessa Dorismond MD, MA, MAS, a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist at El Camino Women’s Medical Group and Teal Health, who helped to create an AI agent that’s focused on cervical cancer check-ins and enhancing patient education. According to the startup, the objective of these AI agents is to try and solve the massive shortage of trained nurses, social workers and nutritionists in the healthcare industry, both in the U.S. and globally.

    TechBullion

    The same day, a16z also led a Series A investment in Slingshot AI, which has raised a total of $40 million to create a foundation model for psychology. Those investments highlight the commitment of the group to using AI to address important issues and are also focusing on how AI can improve different industries, including healthcare and consumer services. In general, a16z is committed to supporting AI innovations that could have a profound impact on society. We are thrilled to see our models used in Story’s blockchain technology to ensure proper attribution and reward contributors,” said Scott Trowbridge, Vice President of Stability AI. Others include Kacie Spencer, DNP, RN, the chief nursing officer at Adtalem Global Education Inc., who has more than 20 years of experience in emergency nursing and clinical education. Her AI agent is focused on patient education for the proper installation of child car seats.

    It participated in an Anysphere round that had the company raising $105 million on January 14, 2025, when it pushed the valuation up to $2.5 billion. Beyond this, it has also released a $500 million Biotech Ecosystem Venture Fund with Eli Lilly to place a focus on health technologies, but with the aspect of innovative applications. On the same day, they led a Series A investment in Slingshot AI, a company that’s developing advanced generative AI technology for mental health. Additionally, a16z invested in Raspberry AI to bring generative AI to the front of fashion design and production. In December 2024, they envisioned a future in which AI was used aggressively in nearly all sectors.

    • The startup said its AI Agent creators include Dr. Vanessa Dorismond MD, MA, MAS, a distinguished obstetrician and gynecologist at El Camino Women’s Medical Group and Teal Health, who helped to create an AI agent that’s focused on cervical cancer check-ins and enhancing patient education.
    • Andreessen Horowitz, or a16z, is one of the leading AI investors and targets only innovative startups.
    • Hippocratic AI said it’s necessary to have clinicians onboard because they have, over the course of their careers, developed deep expertise in their respective fields, as well as the practical insights to help cure specific medical conditions and the clinical workflows involved.
    • It says clinicians can create an AI agent prototype that specializes in their area of focus in less than 30 minutes, and around three to four hours to develop one that can be tested.