OpenAI Can Restructure Itself Following Non-Binding Deal with Microsoft

Microsoft and OpenAI strike new non-binding deal, OpenAI is to undergo restructuring

Microsoft and OpenAI have announced a new non-binding deal that will allow OpenAI to restructure itself into a for-profit company. Details have not been disclosed, but the terms of a definitive agreement are currently under discussion. This signals progress for OpenAI’s prolonged talks with Microsoft as OpenAI aims to raise capital under a more common governance structure and eventually go public to fund AI development. OpenAI is seeking partnerships with additional cloud providers to increase sales and secure the computing capacity required as its revenue grows, while Microsoft wants continued access to their technology even if their models are declared to have reached humanlike intelligence. This may end the current partnership under existing terms. Meanwhile, Microsoft has been working on developing its own AI models to reduce dependence on OpenAI. Companies can look to ESG solutions to keep up with industry trends and updates.

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Further reading: Microsoft, OpenAI reach non-binding deal to allow OpenAI to restructure

German carmakers and a trade union urge the EU to dismiss combustion engine ban

Germany’s VDA car industry association and IG Metall metalworkers’ union have urged the EU to drop plans to ban the production of CO2-emitting vehicles from 2035, adding to the mass of industry voices who warn against this decision. VDA and the union both said that the EU and German government “must become more flexible on CO2 regulation”, adding that the increase of EV production and market growth had fallen behind initial expectations due to difficulties in the battery supply chain, slow growth of a smart changing infrastructure and other factors. They did add that the transition to electromobility was in principle the right way for the auto industry in Germany to remain competitive. To ensure that they adhere correctly to sustainability regulations, businesses can rely on ESG tools.

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Further reading: German carmakers, trade union jointly urge EU to drop combustion engine ban

Sources say Canada may drop oil emissions cap as part of a new climate plan

Sources have disclosed that Canada’s government is in discussions with energy companies and Alberta regarding the elimination of a federal cap on emissions from the country’s oil and gas sector if the industry and province reduce their carbon footprint in other ways. Though the country’s emission cap has not yet been implemented through legislation, the prospect of it has received much backlash from local oil and gas companies who worry about production cuts. Under the terms of the new cap, the federal government would require its oil and gas sector to reduce emissions to 137M metric tons by 2030, hitting 37% below 2022 levels. Unless the oil and gas sector increases decarbonisation efforts, Ottawa is likely to miss its emission reduction targets of 40%-45% from 2005 levels by 2030. To keep up with more industry developments, companies can rely on ESG solutions.  

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Further reading: Exclusive: Canada may drop oil emissions cap as part of new climate plan, sources say

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European Commission announces BlueInvest Africa 2025

BlueInvest Africa 2025, the EU’s premier event for sustainable blue economy innovation, is set to take place on October 15–16 in Lomé, Togo. 24 selected start-ups are preparing to pitch impactful, investment-ready solutions. The event highlights real-world responses to Africa’s coastal and marine challenges, ranging from circular economy practices and resilient infrastructure to biodiversity preservation and climate solutions. These ventures promise ecosystem protection, job creation, and economic empowerment. BlueInvest Africa offers a dynamic platform for investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and experts to connect, collaborate, and accelerate the continent’s growth. As the October event approaches, now is the time to join the movement shaping Africa’s blue future.

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Further reading: BlueInvest Africa 2025: shaping Africa’s blue future

Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of impakter.com — In the Cover Photo: OpenAI logo on phone screen, Feb. 13, 2023. Cover Photo Credit: Levart_Photographer