Category: TechPulse

TechPulse

OpenClaw Creator Peter Steinberger Joins OpenAI as Sam Altman Accelerates AI Agent Strategy

Tanisha Cardozo

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that Peter Steinberger, the creator of the viral AI agent OpenClaw, is joining OpenAI as the company sharpens its focus on next-generation autonomous AI systems. Altman confirmed that OpenClaw will continue to operate as an open-source project under a foundation model, with OpenAI providing ongoing support.

OpenClaw, previously known as Clawdbot and Moltbot, was launched just last month by Steinberger and quickly gained momentum across social media and developer communities. Its rapid rise reflects the growing demand for AI agents capable of independently completing tasks, making decisions, and taking actions on behalf of users without constant human oversight. Businesses and consumers alike are increasingly experimenting with AI systems that can handle workflows, research, communication, and operational processes autonomously.

In a post on X, Altman said Steinberger would join OpenAI “to drive the next generation of personal agents,” describing him as “a genius with a lot of amazing ideas about the future of very smart agents interacting with each other to do very useful things for people.” Altman added that intelligent agents are expected to become core to OpenAI’s product offerings in the near future.

Although financial terms were not disclosed, the move underscores the intensifying competition for AI talent across the technology sector. Earlier this year, OpenAI acquired former Apple designer Jony Ive’s AI devices startup io for more than $6 billion. Technology giants including Meta and Google have also been investing billions to attract top AI researchers and developers.

OpenAI, most recently valued at $500 billion, faces mounting competition in the generative AI market, particularly from Anthropic. Anthropic’s Claude models have been gaining traction among enterprise clients, especially with tools such as Claude Code. The company recently introduced Claude Opus 4.6, which it says improves coding capabilities, sustains tasks for longer durations, and delivers higher-quality professional output. Anthropic was reportedly valued at $380 billion in a fundraising round earlier this week.

OpenClaw has also expanded quickly in China, where it can integrate with locally developed language models such as DeepSeek and be configured for use with domestic messaging platforms. Chinese search engine Baidu plans to offer users of its main smartphone application direct access to OpenClaw.

However, some researchers have expressed concerns about the openness of OpenClaw and the potential cybersecurity risks posed by highly customizable AI agents that users can modify extensively. As AI systems become more autonomous and interconnected, the balance between innovation, openness, and security is expected to remain a central issue in the rapidly evolving artificial intelligence landscape.

With Steinberger joining OpenAI and OpenClaw continuing as an open-source initiative, the company appears determined to strengthen its leadership in the emerging era of intelligent AI agents capable of operating with greater independence and collaboration.

TechPulse

Goa-Based Tech Firm Kilowott to Drive Development in Norway’s Gjøvik Region

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Written by Intern Rency Gomes ||Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 2026: Goa-based digital transformation firm Kilowott is set to contribute to development initiatives in Norway’s Gjøvik region as part of a strategic collaboration with Gjøvikregionen, a government-backed regional development organisation.


To advance the initiative, Kilowott’s Co-founder Judah Fernandez and Strategic Outreach Partner Sheraline Rocha visited Norway in January for a series of high-level discussions.

The visit focused on building long-term strategic collaboration between industry stakeholders and regional institutions, with emphasis on leveraging Kilowott’s presence in Norway and the broader Nordic region. Discussions centered around talent development, innovation ecosystems and value creation through closer coordination between academia, public bodies and industry.
Key Stakeholders Involved
Meetings were held with representatives from:
Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU Gjøvik)
Gjøvik Kommune
Mustad Næringspark
Frostrøyk idé & design

The parties explored co-designing and piloting micro-credential programmes aimed at helping students and early professionals transition smoothly from academic settings into fast-paced technology and innovation-driven workplaces.

Rocha described the engagement as productive and forward-looking.

> “The discussions focused on flexible, practical learning formats delivered digitally or through hands-on workshops, aligned closely with real-world industry needs. This initiative reflects Gjøvikregionen’s mission to strengthen the region’s business ecosystem and enhance access to skilled talent,” she said.

Fernandez noted that the vision aligns with Kilowott’s expertise in delivering short, industry-relevant programmes in areas such as agile practices, artificial intelligence applications and scalable technology solutions.

The visit comes at a time when India and Norway are actively working to strengthen economic cooperation, positioning such cross-border collaborations as important drivers of innovation, talent mobility and regional growth.

The outreach further strengthens Kilowott’s footprint in the Nordic region and underscores the growing role of Indo-Norwegian partnerships in shaping education-to-industry pathways and regional development.

TechPulse

Apple to Open Second Store in Mumbai’s Borivali Next Month

allycaralgoa

Tech giant Apple is set to strengthen its retail presence in India with the opening of its second Mumbai store next month, marking another milestone in the company’s aggressive expansion across the country. The upcoming outlet at Sky City Mall in Borivali will bring Apple’s signature retail experience closer to customers in the northern suburbs, making Mumbai the first city in India to host two official Apple retail locations.

The new store will feature specialist shopping assistance, interactive “Today at Apple” creative sessions, Genius Bar technical support, in-store pickup, free delivery options, and personalised engraving services on select products such as iPads and AirPods. The initiative reflects Apple’s strategy to deepen customer engagement through experiential retail spaces rather than traditional sales outlets.

Apple CEO Tim Cook highlighted India’s growth potential during the company’s fiscal Q1 2026 earnings call, noting strong momentum in the premium smartphone segment and rising consumer demand. According to the company, high footfall is expected at the new store, driven by Mumbai’s expanding tech-savvy audience.

The Borivali opening follows Apple’s rapid retail rollout after launching flagship outlets across major Indian cities, including Delhi, Bengaluru, Pune, and Noida since 2023. Industry observers say the expansion underlines Apple’s long-term confidence in the India market, where premium device adoption continues to climb despite competitive pricing pressures.

With its second Mumbai store, Apple aims to enhance accessibility while reinforcing its brand presence in one of the country’s most influential technology and lifestyle hubs.

TechPulse

Google Doodle Spotlights 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Figure Skating Final inMilan

Tanisha Cardozo

The 2026 Winter Olympics men’s figure skating final has taken centre stage in global sporting conversations, and today even Google joined the excitement with a special Google Doodle highlighting the event. As the Winter Games unfold in Milan, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the Free Skate segment of the men’s individual competition — the decisive performance that will determine who stands atop the Olympic podium.

The final is being held at the Mediolanum Forum, where the atmosphere is electric and the margins are razor thin. After an intense short program earlier this week, the leaderboard remains incredibly tight. Ilia Malinin of the United States currently leads with a score of 108.16, but Japan’s Yuma Kagiyama is close behind at 103.07. France’s Adam Siao Him Fa follows with 102.55, keeping the pressure firmly on the top contenders. With such small gaps separating the top three, even the slightest misstep could dramatically alter the medal standings.

Malinin, famously nicknamed the “Quad God,” is widely recognised for his extraordinary technical ability, particularly his mastery of quadruple jumps. Reports suggest he may attempt as many as seven quads in his Free Skate routine — a bold and high-risk strategy rarely seen at this level of competition. If executed cleanly, the difficulty level could deliver a record-breaking score. However, under Olympic pressure, such risk also leaves little room for error.

Kagiyama, known for his precision, artistry, and composure, brings a different kind of strength to the ice. His performances blend technical excellence with smooth choreography and emotional storytelling, qualities that resonate strongly with judges and audiences alike. Adam Siao Him Fa remains equally dangerous in the standings, capable of delivering powerful and dynamic programs that can push him into medal contention if the leaders falter.

The international nature of the final adds to the drama, with skaters from Italy and Kazakhstan also positioned within the top five. This diversity reflects the global growth of figure skating and the competitive depth of the field at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The Free Skate carries the highest scoring weight in the competition, meaning today’s performances will ultimately define the final podium.

Earlier in the Games, the United States edged out Japan by just one point to secure gold in the team figure skating event, intensifying the rivalry between the two skating powerhouses. That narrow victory has added an extra layer of anticipation to the men’s individual contest, where national pride and individual legacy are both on the line.

Figure skating remains one of the most captivating Olympic sports because it uniquely blends athleticism and artistry. Every jump, spin, and step sequence carries both technical value and emotional impact. Under the bright lights of Milan, these athletes must combine strength, grace, balance, and nerves of steel in a single routine that lasts only minutes but represents years of preparation.

By choosing to spotlight the men’s final, Google Doodle underscores the global fascination with this moment. The Free Skate is more than just a competition; it is a dramatic climax where risk meets reward and history can be rewritten in seconds. As fans tune in across the world through official broadcasters and streaming platforms, one thing is certain: when the music begins and blades carve into the ice, the fight for Olympic gold will be decided move by move, jump by jump, in one of the most thrilling finishes of the 2026 Winter Games.

TechPulse

Goa Building Strong Startup Ecosystem with Capital, Mentorship and Market Access: Minister Rohan Khaunte

rencygomes02

Written by Intern Rency Gomes || Team Allycaral 

Panaji, February 12, 2026:
The Department of Information Technology, Electronics & Communications (DITE&C), Government of Goa, through the Startup & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), officially launched the Goa Startup Accelerator (GSA) Programme on Wednesday. The initiative aims to provide structured mentorship, market access, investment opportunities and growth support to startups across the state.


The launch event, held at Novotel, Panaji, brought together startups, ecosystem enablers, industry leaders and government officials.

The event was attended by Rohan Khaunte, Minister for Information Technology, Electronics & Communications, Tourism and Printing & Stationery; Kabir Shirgaonkar, Director, DITE&C; Dr. Milind Sakhardande, Joint Director, DITE&C; and D.S. Prashant, CEO, Startup & IT Promotion Cell.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Rohan Khaunte said Goa is steadily emerging as a strong startup destination.

“Today, Goa is not just known for its quality of life, but for its forward-looking policies and a growing startup ecosystem of 734 DPIIT-registered startups, nearly half of which are women-led. Through the Goa Startup Policy 2025 and its 12 comprehensive schemes, along with initiatives like the Goa Accelerator Program and the Goa Open Innovation Challenge, we are creating an environment where startups have access to capital, mentorship, skills, infrastructure and real market opportunities. The Government is committed to providing every possible resource and support,” he said.

The Goa Startup Accelerator Programme is a structured five-month initiative running from February to June 2026. It will culminate in a Demo Day where participating startups will showcase their progress and innovations.

The event began with an orientation session for startups registered under the programme. Participants were briefed on the structure and roadmap of the accelerator. Startups also pitched their ideas to experts and interacted with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.

Winners of the Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 were felicitated during the event. In the startup category, SOLO Network, Cidroy Technologies LLP and So-AIR were honoured. In the student category, Suraj Vishwakarma and team from Padre Conceição College of Engineering, Verna, and Dattaprasad Narendra Prabhu and team from Don Bosco College of Engineering, Fatorda, were recognised. The Goa Open Innovation Challenge 2025 Report was also released by the Minister.

Winners of the MedTech Hackathon, organised by the National Association of Palliative Care for AYUSH & Integrative Medicine (NAPCAIM) in collaboration with DITE&C, were also awarded. The winning teams included Team Biomade, Team My Pallo Friend and Team Kindred Tech.

The programme additionally recognised several government and ecosystem enablers for their contribution to Goa’s growing innovation landscape.

Through forward-looking policies, targeted schemes and collaborative platforms, DITE&C continues to strengthen Goa’s innovation-driven economy and support startups at every stage of growth.