IT innovation, research and development

Brits more fazed by human augmentation

Italians are the most open to human augmentation, but one-third of people in the UK believe it is unacceptable Continue Reading

Alibaba Cloud unveils ‘cloud computer’, delivery robot

At its annual Apsara conference, Alibaba Cloud debuts a thin-client computer and a logistics robot that can carry 50 packages in one go Continue Reading

IBM targets Goldeneye to keep its qubits chilled

IBM has ambitions to build a million-plus quantum computer. To get there, it is building a fridge bigger than anything commercially available Continue Reading

Lorca security scaleups to get Splunk data expertise

Lorca inducts Splunk onto its co-marketing programme, giving security scaleups access to new data expertise Continue Reading

Singapore partners Apple on LumiHealth

Singapore’s Health Promotion Board has developed a programme with Apple to encourage healthy living following a similar partnership with Fitbit last year Continue Reading

Risky development practice leaves company access keys exposed

Database stores, cloud storage and myriad other services are being put at risk by the accidental exposure of company access keys during development Continue Reading

BP and Microsoft extend cloud deal with clean energy agreement

Companies aim to join forces to provide clean energy for Azure datacentres, smart cities and other energy consumers Continue Reading

Can Nvidia expand software business through £31bn Arm deal?

Nvidia is to buy rival chip designer Arm for £31bn in a deal it hopes will put it at the forefront of artificial intelligence for edge computing Continue Reading

NTT taps data analytics and cloud for Tour de France

NTT’s analytics and cloud capabilities stood up to the test amid crashes and poor weather conditions during the first stage of this year’s Tour de France Continue Reading

UK ‘future tech’ development gets government funding boost

£65m in funding will be used to develop electric batteries, robotics and advanced healthcare treatments Continue Reading

Government funds digital manufacturing projects

The business secretary has announced £300 million of funding for virtual assistants, augmented reality and digital supply chain innovations Continue Reading

Lorca security scaleups hit funding milestone

£153m of investment has been raised by Lorca cohort companies in just two years, almost four times the original target Continue Reading

Coronavirus: APAC organisations speed up innovation

Innovation has become easier than before, with the most innovative organisations expecting to recover from the impact of the pandemic in less than six months, new Microsoft-commissioned study finds Continue Reading

UK leads Europe in net zero venture capital investment

With the UK leading venture capital investment in net zero enterprises, Tech Nation have launched a new, government-backed scaleup programme to further develop the sector Continue Reading

TechUK urges government to back emerging digital clean technology sector

To ensure the UK reaches its climate and decarbonisation goals, TechUK is calling on the government to support the emerging clean tech sector Continue Reading

CIO interview: Paul Neville, director of digital and ICT, Waltham Forest

The IT chief at one of the most digitally advanced London boroughs talks to Computer Weekly about the past, present and future of tech-enabled transformation in times of crisis Continue Reading

Artificial intelligence keeps HSBC ATMs stocked with cash

HSBC is using artificial intelligence technology developed in-house to help it make sure ATMs are appropriately stocked with cash Continue Reading

AI Summit 2020: Regulating AI for the common good

Speakers and panellists at the virtual AI Summit 2020 spoke about the tensions between cooperation and competition in the development of artificial intelligence Continue Reading

Government awards £32m funding for ‘pioneering’ health tech projects

Science minister Amanda Solloway will announce £32m in funding for six healthcare technology research projects, including artificial robotic muscular assistance and quantum imaging for monitoring Continue Reading

UK funds coronavirus research for vulnerable global communities

The £7.2m fund will support UK university research into supporting refugees and children affected by the global health crisis Continue Reading

Virtual London Tech Week is a sign of the future

London Tech week's virtual event is another sign of how the Covid-19 pandemic has accelerated digital transformation Continue Reading

Scottish government to spend £4m on creating five tech hubs

Following a review of the tech sector, the Scottish government is creating five technology hubs to support startups in the country, aiming to support 300 startups by 2025 Continue Reading

Major border disruption on the horizon as Brexit IT portfolio becomes ‘unmanageable’

The proliferation of new platforms and work behind schedule is among the list of concerns cited in a leaked memo Continue Reading

Insurers accept they were slow to adopt digital

Insurance companies know they must prioritise digital investment and are planning in-house development to help make up lost ground Continue Reading

UK tech firms urged to seek out international opportunities

Tech Nation study finds UK businesses are in a strong position to take advantage of global tech growth Continue Reading

HMRC appoints Daljit Rehal as CDIO

Former digital and data chief at Centrica, Daljit Rehal, takes the helm at HMRC as chief digital and information officer Continue Reading

UK to build commercially available quantum computer

The UK government is backing a quantum computing project that will provide businesses with access to the technology Continue Reading

Ethical and professional data science needed to avoid further algorithm controversies

BCS is calling for higher ethical and professional standards in algorithmic development to ensure public trust in future government information systems Continue Reading

Here East CEO advises startups to generate own revenue streams

In a time of deep uncertainty, startups with their own streams of revenue independent of investors and large corporates will have more options and be in a much stronger negotiating position Continue Reading

How India’s Tata Capital is expanding its digital footprint

Tata Group’s financial services arm has been migrating branch walk-ins and voice calls to self-service digital channels staffed by chatbots as it expands its digital footprint Continue Reading

University of Staffordshire recruits robots to get more out of its people

University staff were bogged down with administrative work, but will now have time to be creative Continue Reading

Interview: Frankie Kay, interim director general for data capability, ONS

The Office for National Statistics’ interim director general for data capability talks about how data plays an important role in the battle against Covid-19 and how the pandemic has unearthed new ways of collaborating Continue Reading

Financial services business leaders and CIOs disagree on IT infrastructure

IT leaders and senior business executives need to align their technology infrastructure priorities as businesses attempt to emerge from the Covid-19 crisis Continue Reading

CTO interview: David Rafalovsky, Sberbank Group

Russia’s Sberbank is well into its digital transformation journey, with artificial intelligence and supercomputing now at the centre of its plans Continue Reading

UK government publishes new insights on transport tech attitudes

The latest wave of the study investigates public attitudes on innovations such as autonomous vehicles and drones Continue Reading

Covid-19, demographic shifts to drive automation

Businesses will need to shore up their productivity through technology and automation to cope with the pandemic and a shrinking workforce, says an industry expert Continue Reading

When algorithms don’t play fair

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we report on the auditing of algorithms to countervail bias. We examine what CISOs can learn from Covid-19. And in our buyer’s guide to modern software development, we assess how competent artificial intelligence is at building applications that deliver the best possible customer experience. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Dutch Alzheimer’s app developed to aid interaction for dementia patients

An app aimed at helping dementia patients and their families has been developed by the Alzheimer Society in the Netherlands. Continue Reading

Government launches anti-crime tech competition

Government seeks technologies that allow police officers to use less lethal means to stop violent or armed offenders Continue Reading

Scotland announces £15m investment to boost connectivity

Funding package aimed at improving internet access for 23,000 low-income households Continue Reading

UK government needs a joined-up internet policy

Global internet firms want government to ensure its new digital strategy has coherent policy and regulatory goals Continue Reading

Department for Transport seeks industry views on autonomous vehicle technology

The government wants industry’s views on plans to use automation technology to take control of cars travelling at speeds of up to 70mph, keeping them safely in the lane on motorways Continue Reading

How Covid-19 elevated the datacentre

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we examine how datacentres and their workers became part of our critical national infrastructure due to the pandemic. Firms considering upgrading to SAP S/4 Hana face hefty bills – we look at how to keep costs down. And we analyse the increasing rate of applications being migrated to the cloud. Continue Reading

Coding within company constraints

We find out how containerised microservices and automated testing, combined with effective collaboration and communication, can drive innovation Continue Reading

DBS Bank teams up with AWS on AI skills

Singapore’s DBS Bank is organising an AWS DeepRacer League to equip thousands of employees with skills in artificial intelligence and machine learning Continue Reading

UK government investigates AI labour market

Survey will seek to discover new requirements and issues posed by artificial intelligence technology Continue Reading

CW Benelux: Security system concerns at Schiphol Airport

A report has revealed problems with critical security systems at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. Also read why the Netherlands’ digital sector is yearning for attention from the government, and how data weaknesses persist despite Dutch companies investing heavily to comply with GDPR. Continue Reading

Government awards funding for innovation projects

The funding for innovative projects forms part of the government’s plan to increase research and development spending, which it claims will aid the UK’s post-Covid-19 economic recovery Continue Reading

APAC buyer’s guide to BI and analytics

In this buyer’s guide, we look at the state of adoption of business intelligence and analytics tools, common use cases and other technology and business considerations Continue Reading

Pandemic acts as catalyst for digital-led recovery

Economies with strong digital services are set to grow cross-border trade, while 3D printing could revolutionise goods manufacturing Continue Reading

UK lags in AI skills and AI project success

Global study by Microsoft shows that UK organisations have more artificial intelligence projects that deliver zero value than other countries Continue Reading

Government should prioritise product-led startups, says UKTCG

UK Tech Cluster Group report calls on government to prioritise startups, provide test beds for digital innovation and establish programmes to enable tech careers for people who have lost their jobs due to Covid-19 Continue Reading

Don’t believe the hype: AI is no silver bullet

We want to believe AI will revolutionise cyber security, and we’re not necessarily wrong, but it’s time for a reality check Continue Reading

TfL Go launched to support travel in London during pandemic

New tool aims to enable users to plan routes and comply with social distancing measures while using public transport Continue Reading

Planning system to get digital overhaul

Government proposal on reform of the planning system sets out plans for modernising the planning process though use of data, interactive online systems and collaboration with the property technology sector Continue Reading

GCHQ seeks researchers to tackle deep fakes and misinformation

A GCHQ research fellowship based at its Manchester office will explore various national security priorities such as deep fakes, fake news and the impact of AI Continue Reading

Spurring digitalisation in Singapore’s tourism sector

The Singapore Tourism Board has developed a digital pass and an analytics service, among other initiatives, to digitalise the city-state’s embattled tourism industry Continue Reading

Brits, terrified of impact of second Covid-19 wave on finances, turn to money management apps

People are using apps to help them manage their money amid fears of a second coronavirus lockdown in the UK Continue Reading

Google links with eight US banks for current accounts

Tech giant works with banks to layer digital services on top of secure and regulated banking infrastructures Continue Reading

Hancock: Better tech means better healthcare

The coronavirus pandemic has “catalysed” data-driven decision making in the NHS, according to health secretary Matt Hancock, promising a future NHS that “doubles down” on technological advances Continue Reading

HMCTS video hearings service scrutinised in LSE report

Independent evaluation looks at user experience of video functionality for courts and tribunals Continue Reading

Barclays CEO says Canary Wharf office set to stay despite home working success

Barclays chief says the success of home working during the Covid-19 pandemic has taught the banks lessons, one of which is that major centres like Canary Wharf will remain Continue Reading

How Broxbourne is evolving digital transformation beyond Covid-19

The small town of Broxbourne in Hertfordshire is building on work before and during the pandemic to advance its modernisation agenda Continue Reading

Treasury plans speedy approach to project delivery

Treasury will become the “new radicals” of Whitehall, taking charge of getting rid of legacy IT, making data-driven decisions and investing in data infrastructure Continue Reading

Finland government funds work on potential quantum leap

Finland's government is committing money to the development of quantum computing technologies to potentially provide a giant leap for the nation's industries Continue Reading

Accenture selected for key role in Bank of England core settlement system replacement

Accenture will be technology delivery partner in project to replace the core system used to settle payments between banks Continue Reading

Agile adoption still in early stages

Less than a quarter of organisations made it past the step of defining their agile approach while more than half are just getting started, study finds Continue Reading

Coronavirus: How Trainline can tell if trains are safe to travel on

With lockdown measures easing, Trainline recently introduced a Crowd Alerts feature to its app to help travellers feel safe using rail services Continue Reading

Why supply chain visibility is key to APAC retailers

Having complete visibility over the supply chain will enable retailers to tide over the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic and transform their businesses Continue Reading

NCSC inducts six security startups to Cyber Accelerator

10-week programme will guide some of the UK’s most innovative security startups as they scale their businesses for future growth Continue Reading

Councils get funding to build on Covid-19 digital progress

The latest council funding is intended to ensure continued modernisation in public services delivery Continue Reading

Vector and AWS team up on ‘new energy platform’

New Zealand-based energy supplier Vector partners AWS to develop an IoT and analytics platform to speed up processing of smart meter data and to tailor products and pricing for customers Continue Reading

IT expertise in banking boardrooms reduces risk, finds Europe’s central bank

Banks with more IT knowledge in the boardroom are more realistic about risk, according to Europe’s banking regulator Continue Reading

Venture firm Public launches fourth GovTech accelerator

The GovStart 2020 accelerator programme is looking for innovators working on transport, health and workforce-related technology to help get more startups working on the delivery of public services Continue Reading

Inquiry launched into role of tech in Covid-19 recovery

Science and Technology Committee will look at the role of technology and innovation as the UK recovers from the coronavirus pandemic Continue Reading

Courts to trial digital case management system from September 2020

The Common Platform digital system will eventually replace a series of existing software applications, and will be rolled out to criminal courts over the next year Continue Reading

Digital a ‘fundamental component’ for rebuilding economy, finds parliamentary group

Digital, and in particular a focus on digital skills, will be extremely important for the UK as it aims to recover from the pandemic, according to a parliamentary group Continue Reading

Government launches space innovation programme

The government’s innovation programme will initially pump £15m into projects using space technology to tackle global issues, as well as international space projects and partnerships Continue Reading

China doubles up on ‘new infrastructure’ investments

China is shoring up investments in cloud computing, datacentres and the internet of things, among other areas, to ready itself for the post-Covid-19 world Continue Reading

UK government aims for tech-enabled border

A consultation has been launched to gather views on how digital approaches can improve trader and traveller demands by 2025 Continue Reading

APAC firms in early stages of digital transformation

More than three-quarters of APAC firms struggle to revise their financial plans amid the Covid-19 pandemic, with many still lacking agile systems and processes, a new study finds Continue Reading

Lloyds bank buys into cloud-native payments

Lloyds Banking Group continues its digital journey by investing in and investigating a cloud-based payments service Continue Reading

Opening up new AI applications

Opening up and demystifying artificial intelligence and machine learning is the best way to overcome perceptions that AI is a threat to people’s jobs Continue Reading

BNP Paribas joins IBM financial services cloud project

IBM’s financial services cloud is gathering steam as more banks join its public cloud ecosystem of finance firms and developers Continue Reading

Inside Intel’s transition into an enterprise tech company

Computing giant Intel is pushing deeper into the enterprise with investments in data-centric and emerging technologies along with partnerships with local firms to develop new solutions Continue Reading

Why now could be the right time to launch a digital bank

Launching a bank during a global crisis is fraught with risk, but an established customer base, experience, agility and diversification could help Zopa do just that Continue Reading

Santander consumer arm to automate further after Nordic project

Time and cost savings achieved by RPA pilot were high and customer experience improved, says bank Continue Reading

Avon calling: what happens when lockdown eliminates your business model?

In this week’s Computer Weekly, we talk to global beauty brand Avon, to find out how it coped with a huge lockdown dilemma – how to adapt its door-to-door sales model when its reps couldn’t leave home. Our latest buyer’s guide examines the use of artificial intelligence in IT security. And we analyse the government’s decision to strip Huawei from the UK’s 5G network. Read the issue now. Continue Reading

Covid-19 outbreak ramps up data focus at LOTI

The boroughs working in local government coalition LOTI are focusing on joining up and acting on data-driven insights to help communities through the crisis and beyond Continue Reading

Building trust in the future of London’s data

Sharing data by default could turbocharge London’s potential for radical improvements across the ecosystem, according to London First’s director of connectivity and competitiveness, David Lutton Continue Reading

How Australia is leading the charge in the Covid-19 fight

Researchers at the University of Queensland worked with IBM to develop a dashboard with machine-learning capabilities to analyse data for a global study on Covid-19 patients in intensive care Continue Reading

BBVA explores quantum computing for banking

Early results from BBVA's research into quantum computing shows that the technology's application in complex computational tasks in banking is not far away Continue Reading

Nordic CIO interview: Brede Nielsen, Avinor

The Covid-19 pandemic put Avinor’s IT head at the centre of the airport operator's response Continue Reading

Unesco launches global consultation on AI ethics

The United Nations (UN) body opens up public consultation to help experts draft new global framework on artificial intelligence ethics Continue Reading

Government gives £24m boost to agricultural tech

Nine agricultural technology projects are receiving government funding to create more efficient food production and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Continue Reading

Gov.uk Verify sees surge during Covid-19 outbreak but remains unachievable

The government's flagship identity service and over half of the 26 major IT projects led by the government bear highest risks and are unlikely to be completed, according to the Infrastructure and Projects Authority. Continue Reading

Banks face fairness challenges as they commit to AI technology

Banks working with artificial intelligence technology face governance challenges to ensure AI-based decisions are fair and ethical Continue Reading

Open Data Institute releases funding for ethical data sharing projects

Seven projects that explore different approaches to ethical and trustworthy data sharing are being funded by the Open Data Institute to help citizens and businesses make better decisions Continue Reading

Singapore’s Project Ubin hits commercialisation milestone

A blockchain payments network prototype spearheaded by Singapore’s central bank and its partners could speed up and lower the cost of cross-border payments Continue Reading

Standard Chartered latest bank to explore quantum computing

Standard Chartered is working with researchers to establish use cases for quantum computing in the banking sector Continue Reading