AMPOWER has published its latest report, an exceptionally comprehensive collection of proprietary first-hand data and analysis on the additive manufacturing industry.3D Printing Industry readers can access an exclusive 10% discount on the 2025 AMPOWER Report using the code 3DPI2025.Data on the additive manufacturing sector is often fragmented, with some companies reluctant to share split figures across geographies, technologies, and industrial verticals. The problem with data is that there are different sources, said AMPOWER Managing Partner, Matthias Schmidt-Lehr. Forecasting from startups compounds the issue. In early years, emerging companies frequently set ambitious targets.AMPOWERs report draws on a network of large, established users of additive technologies for more realistic projections. Aerospace, defense, energy, and medical sectors are highlighted as core markets, each featuring clear roadmaps for how they deploy additive production.The resulting report, published today, shows the industry has a current market size of EUR10.72 billion, growing at 13% CAGR by 2029. For comparison, the 2023 figures were a market size of EUR10.50 billion, with 13.9% CAGR until 2028. By machine sales, the leading AM technology is metal Powder Bed Fusion at 39% (2023: 40%).Headline figures from the AMPOWER Report:Market slowdown in 2024 2% growth as customers postponed equipment investmentsStrong material consumption +17% growth in tons, signaling increased utilizationIndustry consolidation Fewer new startups, a shift toward profitability, and strategic refocusingSector-driven demand Aerospace & Defense, Energy, and Medical remain key growth areasAMPOWER findings suggest that equipment revenues may flatten, but materials show more promising growth, bolstered by higher machine utilization among end users. The part-manufacturing service bureau market is said to be under strain, particularly those offering one-off and prototype parts. Contract manufacturers with smaller client bases and steady production orders fare better, while broader prototyping services face tougher conditions and competition from low-cost suppliers. Meanwhile, Chinese service providers are gaining traction among overseas customers with simpler application requirements.AMPOWER Global Metal and Polymer Additive Manufacturing Market Size. Image via AMPOWER.When will AM growth resume?Some industry observers anticipated slowing growth for additive manufacturing, but a more pronounced flattening from 2023 to 2024 has emerged. I did not expect a flat line or even a decline in total market volume, said Schmidt-Lehr. He suggested that enthusiasm seen over the past year had not translated into sustained growth, with some companies deferring capital investments amid uncertain market conditions.Several factors appear to be driving this pause. One is the need to absorb prior machine acquisitions. Many users had previously expanded their machine fleets in anticipation of increasing production needs, but that capacity now exceeds immediate demand. Schmidt-Lehr noted that companies purchased machines without actually utilizing them and that todays priority is increasing utilization and productivity rather than additional equipment spending.Despite slower equipment sales, material usage is reportedly on the rise. Schmidt-Lehr says this points to healthy machine utilization levels, particularly in sectors with a clear roadmap for production, such as energy, aerospace, and defense. While overall additive manufacturing remains on a long-term growth trajectory, near-term challenges persist for businesses experiencing declines in sales and confronting management changes.Analysts attribute part of the uneven landscape to macroeconomic factors, including interest-rate shifts and widespread political transitions, which have weighed on capital expenditure decisions. Regional variances also figure prominently, with additive machinery sales in North America holding firmer than in Europe. The general sentiment among industrial users remains positive, but many are pausing new equipment investment until current assets are fully deployed.AMPOWER Global Metal and Polymer Additive Manufacturing equipment revenue. Image via AMPOWER.Several market forecasts have suggested that equipment sales for additive manufacturing may rebound strongly in the second half of 2025. AMPOWERs Managing Partner takes a cautious view: Yes, our data still shows there will be continuous growth, which reflects the customer feedback and supply chain feedback. But this is based on interviews in January and the beginning of February. Recent geopolitical shifts may bring additional uncertainties to the equation.Market uncertainties extend beyond traditional economic cycles. Trade tariffs and protectionist policies have limited influence on sectors such as metal AM, Schmidt-Lehr says, because leading players in the United States typically produce locally. However, potential project delays across industries could slow machine purchases. Machinery manufacturers are also wary. Given fluctuating demand and ever-shifting policies, several have become reluctant to issue forward-looking statements.AMPOWERs data points to an evolving competitive landscape. Growth is no longer fueled by nascent entrants expanding the overall market. We are definitely out of this startup phase, Schmidt-Lehr says. Its all about fighting for the piece of cake you want to achieve. This heightened competition is likely to spur a wave of acquisitions and mergers, reshaping a sector that has historically featured a steady flow of new businesses.Schmidt-Lehr adds that the new AMPOWER study is an important milestone, providing the strategic groundwork for companies seeking to identify and defend their market share. As flat or declining figures become a reality, established firms may look to consolidate positions or explore inorganic growth, rather than rely on an industry-wide surge in demand.The strategic approach to value creation with 3D printingIndustry insiders are questioning the wisdom of selling 3D printing as a broad offering, instead favoring application-focused models. It becomes more difficult to sell 3D printing, said Schmidt-Lehr. You either win with cost, or you win with quality and focus. A wave of machine manufacturers have pivoted to specialized sectors, demonstrating a move away from one-size-fits-all solutions. He cites how Formlabs has established itself through simple, budget-friendly systems such as the Formlabs Fuse, while high-end equipment suppliers now concentrate on aerospace, energy, and healthcare.Schmidt-Lehr confirms that additive manufacturing has made strides toward the maturity levels seen in CNC processes. He cites energy-sector clients achieving 95% machine availability and 75-80% utilization ratesfigures that would have been unthinkable only a few years ago. Alongside this operational progress, growing material consumption underlines a commitment to making full use of existing installed capacity.Although current economic trends have dampened expectations, projections still favor expansion in the mid-term. We do still project growth, and the reason for that is mostly the application users who keep mentioning that what theyre currently doing in AM keeps unlocking new applications, Schmidt-Lehr added. Aerospace, defense, energy, medical, and industrial tooling could see the greatest gains, given that most companies in these areas say they are far from exhausting additives potential.This measured optimism contrasts with an older vision for AM of universal devices suitable for any manufacturing task, or what might be called replicator syndrome. In the way CNC technology evolved to serve distinct niches, additive methods appear to be charting a parallel courseoperators either compete on cost and simplicity or pursue specialized markets that promise higher margins and product differentiation.Updates on AM progress in key vertical marketsOne reason for the decreased equipment revenue last year, said Schmidt-Lehr, was not only the flat line in number of equipment but also the decreased pricing. On the metals side, the market is diversifying at both ends: sub-100k machines targeting dental and other niche segments and large-scale equipment for aerospace applications dominated by Chinese providers.Aerospace and defense remain robust in metals, but full-scale commercial aircraft programs are hampered by protracted development timelines. Defense work, often linked to spare and sustainment parts, still leans heavily on R&D. Steady, if incremental, demand also stems from medical and dental, which Schmidt-Lehr describes as very reliable, pointing to consistent implant and dental applications that helped offset weaker performance elsewhere. Heat exchangers are another bright spot in metals, with software advancements, such as generative design for lattice structures, expanding design possibilities, and boosting system-level performance. Notably, enterprises, including nTop, are unlocking these applications.Polymers have seen consumer-driven growth, including applications in sports equipment and protective gear, helped by affordable desktop selective laser sintering devices. As Schmidt-Lehr put it, these polymer machines can match prior industrial specifications at a fraction of the cost, prompting users to substitute larger or legacy systems with smaller, targeted solutions that excel at prototyping and mid-volume runs.A Deeper Dive into the 3D Printing Start-up SegmentAdditive startups appear to be operating in a more cautious funding environment, according to the new AMPOWER analysis. We had the highest peak in 2022 with about four to 4.2 billion Euros invested in startups, said AMPOWER Managing Partner, Matthias Schmidt-Lehr. Now, in 2024, we see about 1 billion euros in documented investment rounds. He attributes the drop to investors increasingly favoring ventures that address specific industrial challenges rather than those that market 3D printing as a catch-all solution.AMPOWER Global Metal and Polymer Additive Manufacturing startup funding. Image via AMPOWERSchmidt-Lehr sees incremental innovation dominating among established players, with beam shaping (nLight, EOS/AMCM) and thick-layer printing in metals, or dual SLA/DLP (Axtra) systems in polymers, being prime examples. We have small, incremental innovations everywhere, he noted. Companies are buying their sixth, or seventh machine, and they dont want to be met with any more surprises. They want a reliable system, not necessarily brand-new technical features.Hardware developers targeting niche applications, such as printing tungsten carbides for fusion reactors or producing fuel-cell components, appear to have the best funding prospects. Some startups even avoid the 3D printing label to emphasize end-market integration. Schmidt-Lehr believes this underscores the importance of demonstrating clear economic returns for users rather than simply showcasing an innovative additive process.Learning from HistoryAsked how the sector might look if rebooted from day one, he responded: I dont know if it would look so much different. Its not a technology designed for one specific application. He points out that 3D printing stretches across a wide spectrum of materials, industries, and usesfrom high-end aerospace parts to routine prototypes.This range has required developers and service providers to court many verticals at once. Some have thrived on niche solutions, while others chased universal approaches. Schmidt-Lehr believes the industrys early focus on pursuing every possible market was inevitable. Youre forced to market a new technology across all kinds of verticals before you identify the use cases that are scalable and make money, he said.He added that if the industry could use current knowledge from the start, it might well concentrate on proven lucrative segments. Yet he doubts the overall playbook would shift dramatically. The breadth of additives applications remains both its defining strength and its biggest hurdle, shaping a path that is inherently more complex than traditional manufacturing technologies.Get the full 2025 AMPOWER Report at a discounted price with the code 3DPI2025.Ready to discover who won the 2024 3D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Featured image shows the AMPOWER Report 2025. Image via AMPOWER.

AMAZEMET, a Warsaw-based company specializing in metal additive manufacturing and ultrasonic atomization, has developed a high-energy laser-melting source to improve the efficiency and purity of its ultrasonic atomization process. The system was developed as part of the INNOPOWDER project, a European Union-backed initiative focused on advancing metal powder production technologies.Unlike conventional melting systems, which rely on consumable electrodes and generate risks of tungsten contamination, the laser-based source offers a highly concentrated heat application. This allows for more efficient atomization of high-performance materials while minimizing undesired element evaporation. The new system will be incorporated into the rePowder atomization platform, AMAZEMETs metal powder production system designed for high-purity material processing.Laser-melted and ultrasonically atomize C103 powder. Image via AMAZEMET.ukasz rodowski, CEO and inventor at AMAZEMET, highlighted the benefits of integrating laser energy into ultrasonic atomization. Laser-beam unlocks new capabilities in ultrasonic atomization. The integration of a precise and highly concentrated heat source allows us to expand the range of materials that can be effectively atomized. By eliminating contamination risks associated with traditional plasma sources, we achieve cleaner, more controlled atomization with improved powder quality. The ability to fine-tune the energy input of a 6kW laser through advanced scanning strategies enables a new level of process control for high-performance materials, like C103. We are confident that laser-based ultrasonic atomization will redefine industry standards in powder manufacturing.The laser system enables the atomization of a broad range of materials, from lightweight aluminum to high-melting-point metals such as titanium and niobium. Eliminating the need for consumable electrodes removes the risk of tungsten contamination, addressing a major challenge in high-purity powder manufacturing. The lasers precise energy input also allows for optimized scanning strategies, integrating methodologies used in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) and Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion (EB-PBF) to improve process efficiency.Laser-based ultrasonic atomization process. Photo via AMAZEMET.Integration of the system is part of a broader effort by AMAZEMET to refine sustainable metal powder production. The company holds multiple patents for its ultrasonic atomization technology and continues to develop its intellectual property portfolio. Additional technical details on the laser system will be released in 2025 as part of ongoing research and development.Developments in Laser-Based Powder ProcessingThe application of laser technology in metal powder processing has been advancing across multiple areas of additive manufacturing. nLight, a company specializing in semiconductor and fiber lasers, introduced the AFX-2000 beam-shaping laser for laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). The AFX-2000 uses dynamic beam shaping to distribute energy more evenly, improving print stability by up to 40%. During testing, an undisclosed aerospace and automotive industry customer used the AFX-2000 to 3D print aluminum components three times faster than standard large-format 3D printers. The systems beam-shaping capabilities allow switching between different profiles optimized for contour exposure and high build rates, increasing process efficiency.Research into metal powder bed fusion has also explored defect mitigation strategies. A study from Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh examined shrinkage porosity in Inconel Alloy 718 during L-PBF. The researchers developed a heat transfer model to explain how solidification cooling rates affect porosity formation, identifying key processing parametersincluding laser power, scanning velocity, and deposition temperaturethat influence defect severity. Shrinkage porosity process maps were introduced as a tool for manufacturers to adjust printing conditions to minimize defects in high-temperature metal additive manufacturing.Illustration of shrinkage porosity formation in solidifying metal. Image via Acta Materialia.Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Featured image shows Laser-based ultrasonic atomization process. Photo via AMAZEMET.Anyer Tenorio LaraAnyer Tenorio Lara is an emerging tech journalist passionate about uncovering the latest advances in technology and innovation. With a sharp eye for detail and a talent for storytelling, Anyer has quickly made a name for himself in the tech community. Anyer's articles aim to make complex subjects accessible and engaging for a broad audience. In addition to his writing, Anyer enjoys participating in industry events and discussions, eager to learn and share knowledge in the dynamic world of technology.

Youssef Abdelwahab via UnsplashSuccess in architecture and construction isnt random; its a result of strategic planning, adaptability, and continuous improvement. Firms that thrive in these competitive industries share certain characteristicsthey are innovative, client-focused, and prepared for the unexpected. These qualities arent just aspirational but essential for businesses aiming to achieve long-term success.One key factor that distinguishes successful firms is their approach to managing risks. They build a resilience foundation by proactively addressing vulnerabilities and ensuring operational continuity. Lets explore how these strategies and others can propel architecture and construction businesses toward sustained growth.Building Resilience Through Risk ManagementEvery construction firm or architectural practice faces challenges, from economic shifts to project delays and site safety concerns. What sets successful firms apart is their ability to anticipate and prepare for these hurdles. Risk management is the cornerstone of resilience. It allows businesses to mitigate potential losses and maintain stability, regardless of their fieldwhether in commercial building, residential development, or large-scale infrastructure projects.For firms managing multiple worksites or construction projects, obtaining a business vehicle insurance quote is vital to preparedness. Beyond standard coverage, such policies often include specialized protections tailored to industry needs, such as liability coverage for contractor-owned vehicles, equipment transport, and safeguards for materials in transit. Ensuring that vehicles and machinery are appropriately insured helps shield businesses from financial setbacks caused by accidents or unexpected breakdowns, allowing operations to continue smoothly.This proactive approach protects valuable assets like company vehicles and construction equipment and strengthens trust among project stakeholders. Knowing theres a robust plan in place reassures employees, clients, and investors that projects will remain on track even when unforeseen challenges arise.Resilience isnt just about having a safety netits about empowering firms to take calculated risks and confidently pursue growth opportunities. By addressing vulnerabilities early, businesses can navigate industry challenges more effectively and recover faster when setbacks occur.Staying Client-Centric: Designing for the Future Adam Borkowski via Unsplash Adam Borkowski via UnsplashThriving architecture and construction firms know their clients inside and out. They dont just meet expectationsthey exceed them by prioritizing innovative design, sustainability, and functionality. These businesses build loyalty and trust by staying in tune with client needs and emerging industry trends.Client-centric strategies often involve integrating sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and adaptable structures. Whether its using smart building technologies or leveraging client feedback to refine blueprints, successful firms understand that adaptability is key. They also recognize the importance of being transparent about project costs, timelines, and materials, strengthening relationships and building credibility.Investing in Innovation and Construction TechnologyInnovation isnt a luxury; its necessary for firms looking to stay competitive. The best architecture and construction businesses embrace technology to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and deliver better results for clients. From Building Information Modeling (BIM) to AI-driven project management tools, technological advancements allow firms to improve precision and reduce costly delays.For instance, companies using digital twin technology to simulate construction projects can identify potential issues before breaking ground, leading to fewer errors and reduced costs. Similarly, firms that invest in modular construction techniques or 3D printing for building components can accelerate project completion timelines while maintaining quality and reducing waste.However, innovation should always be paired with thoughtful planning. Businesses that adopt new technologies while addressing potential risks set themselves up for long-term success.Empowering Teams to Drive Success in Architecture and ConstructionBehind every successful project is a team of skilled professionalsfrom architects and engineers to contractors and site managers. A hallmark of thriving firms is creating a positive workplace culture where employees feel valued and supported.Leadership plays a critical role in fostering this environment. Open communication, continued education on emerging building techniques, and professional development opportunities help build a competent workforce. Recognizing the contributions of skilled labor and ensuring fair labor practices also contribute to higher job satisfaction and productivity.Safety is another vital aspect of workplace culture. Ensuring that vehicles, machinery, and equipment are reliable and adequately insured for construction firms demonstrates a commitment to employee well-being. When employees feel secure, they perform better and contribute to a positive work environment.Diversifying Revenue Streams and Scaling Thoughtfully Elvir via Unsplash Steven Erixo via UnsplashRelying on a single project type or market segment can be risky. Successful architecture and construction firms diversify their portfolios, expanding into new sectors like green buildings, mixed-use developments, or smart city projects. Whether they take on government contracts, specialize in sustainable urban planning, or enter the prefabricated housing market, diversification helps businesses remain adaptable.However, growth must be strategic. Scaling too quickly without the right systems can lead to operational bottlenecks and financial strain. Firms that prioritize quality over speed, ensure sufficient resources, and address logistical needssuch as reliable construction transportationset themselves up for sustainable growth.Strengthening Brand Reputation and Visibility in the IndustryA strong brand is more than a portfoliothe trust and credibility a firm earns through consistent, high-quality work. Architecture and construction businesses that deliver on promises and maintain open communication cultivate a positive reputation that sets them apart in a competitive market.Industry visibility is also crucial. Firms that actively engage in design competitions, sustainable building initiatives, and industry events build stronger connections with potential clients and partners. Thought leadership through published case studies, social media engagement, and project showcases further reinforces a firms expertise.Preparedness also plays a role in reputation management. Firms that demonstrate reliabilitysuch as having solid risk management strategiesshow clients and stakeholders they can be trusted. This trust translates into repeat business, referrals, and stronger relationships with developers, investors, and municipal planners.ConclusionThe best architecture and construction firms arent successful by chancethey are intentional in their approach. From managing risks on construction sites to embracing innovation, empowering teams, and thoughtfully diversifying, these companies focus on strategies that deliver lasting results.One of the most critical elements of success is resilience. By proactively addressing riskswhether through obtaining the right insurance coverage or adapting to market changesfirms can confidently navigate challenges. At the same time, their commitment to clients, employees, and sustainable design ensures they remain competitive and trusted.By adopting these principles and tailoring them to your unique goals, your firm can position itself for sustained growth and success. The path may not always be easy, but with the right strategies, its undoubtedly achievable.Construction by ArchEyes TeamLeave a comment

AndSus-AdobeStockNewsNovel encryption technology tests add value to Finlands quantum computer projectTests carried out at Telia will support the building of a secure quantum networkByGerard O'DwyerPublished: 18 Mar 2025 12:00 The secure network component of Finlands quantum computer project has taken a significant leap forward in the wake of successful ultra-secure novel encryption technology (NET) tests.NET supports the quantum computing projects core mission to strengthen Finland's national security demands and offer business and industry advanced solutions to protect critical data that is vital to their operational security.Trials carried out by Telia, the first of Finland s telecom operators to do so, added substantive value to the ongoing National Quantum Computer (NQC) project and the building of the countrys first quantum secure network. In the test run, Telia employed newly developed quantum key distribution (QKD) methods based on quantum mechanics to deliver enhanced-secure communications.For Telia, the trials, run from the companys datacentre hub and associate audited network environment facilities, marked the first stage in a multi-phase plan to build a public test network in the Helsinki metropolitan area."The experiments that we conducted help us to learn what quantum key distribution over the operator network requires. Our role was that of an essential intermediary to make projects developing secure solutions a reality," said Tero Maaniemi, the lead architect of Telias network infrastructure in Finland.The Finnish NQC project is linked to the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) initiative to build a secure platform covering the whole of the EU by 2030. Launched in 2019 by way of the EuroQCI declaration, and backed by all 27 EU member states, the EuroQCI incorporates open European quantum key distribution, an initiative intended to boost the security of critical applications in important fields such as telecommunications and electricity supply, by offering operational QKD as a highly secure method to facilitate the exchanging of encryption keys.EU member states like Finland are encouraged to run projects to design and build the national quantum communication networks that will form the basis of their terrestrial segment - systems that enable the testing of different technologies and protocols and contribute to shaping the eventual QKD solutions to meet the specific needs of each country.A consortium, headed by the state-funded technical research institute Valtion Teknillinen Tutkimuskeskus (VTT), is managing Finlands quantum secure network National Quantum Communication Infrastructure project. The consortium includes the digital solutions company CSC IT Centre for Science, the cyber security services group Cinia, and Suomen Erillisverkot, the state-controlled provider of secure technology services.The NET demonstration gave the infrastructure consortium "hands-on experience" in respect of the features and challenges posed by an operator network as they relate to the implementation of quantum encryption, said Kari Seppnen, project manager and senior scientist at VTT."The tests run by Telia is a major step towards building a quantum secure network for Finland . It has wider utilisation implications for businesses and other organisations. In real value terms it enables us to evaluate how this new and demanding technology functions in a commercial operators network," Seppnen said.Read more about quantum computingDoes quantum matter? Ilyas Khan, CEO of Quantinuum, discusses the quantum computing revolution.IBM plots route beyond Condor: New quantum system and classical computing hybrid forms the basis of next-gen supercomputing at IBM.Current quantum computers are prone to error. IBMs latest Heron machine uses software and hardware to get better results.VTT and CSC are leading players in the QCP project having jointly procured the specialist equipment needed to establish the quantum encrypted QKD communication's methods and tools, which were subjected to a broad range of laboratory domain tests to appraise their performance in specific critical areas such as data security.Quantum encryption networks can provide the means to pre-emptively counter the future ability of quantum computers to efficiently break the encryption that is currently used in data communications, said Mikael Johansson, CSCs head of quantum technologies division."The chief technical challenge of the quantum encrypted network is that the equipment is still more or less at the prototype stage rather than fully ready for production environments. The valuable preliminary knowledge gained in Telias demonstration shows us how QKD encryption functions outside the test laboratory in Finland ," he said.Post-quantum cryptography (PQC) has emerged as an important pre-emptive method running parallel to QKD that has the ability to resist quantum computing. Methods like PQC are being developed by CSC to replace current encryption algorithms with quantum secure alternatives. The company has installed new PQC connections linking its main datacentres in Finland ."Quantum secure communications with QKD, PQC, or a combination is important for Finland so that we can communicate securely without fear of our current messages being decrypted in the future. Adding quantum encryption for the most important connections can also create new business opportunities since it supports the processing of sensitive information in our datacentres in Finland ," said Johansson.Given that the exchange of encryption keys is based on the transmission of individual photons between the sender and the receiver in quantum encryption, attempts to intrude or eavesdrop can be detected by observing key transfer errors.In the Telia tests, a higher standard of communications reliability ensured that the keys transmitted using the enhanced security method were not compromised during the transfer. As a result, the keys can be used with existing encryption algorithms to achieve even higher levels of security by combining QKD and PQC. Disposable keys can be created when extreme levels of security are required.Principal objectives included the gaining of hands-on experience in how to deploy, maintain, and use QKD systems within existing optical networks. Telia also used the tests to apply knowledge acquisition to optimise the integration of the same QKD systems into existing cyber security infrastructure. The knowledge and learning experiences garnered by Telia will be shared with EU member countries through Petrus, the coordination and support action body within the EuroQCI initiative. Petrus is tasked with synchronising the national secure quantum communication infrastructures set to be rolled out across member states over the coming years.Finlands quantum computing project has become a focal point to drive new research, development and innovation activity across the countrys microelectronics and quantum technology sectors. Kvanttinova, one of Finlands leading industry-driven piloting and research hubs, plans to expand its national reach as a provider of facilities for the development of microelectronics and quantum technology. Formed as a joint venture initiative by VTT, Aalto University, the city of Espoo, and semiconductor enterprises, Kvanttinovas primary focus has been on pre-commercial development work, offering companies and project groups a piloting environment to develop and scale up small-volume manufacturing.In The Current Issue:UK government under-prepared for catastrophic cyber attack, hears PACSpace and power constrain datacentre planningDownload Current IssueWhat on earth is data lineage? Data MattersThe importance of taking time to get IT right Cliff Saran's Enterprise blogView All Blogs

Atstock Productions - stock.adobNewsEverywoman announces 2025 Women in Technology Awards winners Network for women in business, Everywoman, has announced the winners of this years technology awards, in partnership with BupaByClare McDonald,Business Editor Published: 18 Mar 2025 11:46 Everywoman has announced the winners of its 2025 Everywoman in Technology Awards, sponsored by Bupa.This the 15th year Everywoman has celebrated women in the technology sector through its awards, highlighting female tech role models in an effort to encourage others into technology, having showcased more than 500 women since its beginnings.The importance of visible and accessible role models is often highlighted in the discussion surrounding increasing the number of women in the UKs tech sector, with experts stating that young people are more likely to consider these careers for themselves when they can see others like them across the technology sector.Maxine Benson, co-founder of Everywoman, said: Role models serve not just as beacons of achievement, but as tangible proof that success is attainable. Authentic role models provide the roadmap and the encouragement to navigate a successful career in an industry that needs diversity in all forms thought, approach and lived experience.Thats why we need every one of these impressive finalists, and this years winners, to be seen and celebrated if we want to attract more female talent now more than ever.Despite efforts made to increase the number of women in the technology sector, research from BCS in 2024 found that women only accounted for 17% of IT specialist in the UK, a number that had only increased by 1% in the five years prior.Everywomans own research, in partnership with Bupa, found almost 40% of women in the technology industry claimed that a lack of role models especially higher up in the sector has made it difficult for them when pursuing their own careers.This year, 16 winners were chosen from a list of almost 90 finalists, each at different levels from students and apprentices to women in executive-level roles, to act as these important beacons towards a possible tech career path for others.The winners of this years Bupa Everywoman in Technology Awards were as follows:AI Champion Award Maryleen Amaizu, senior machine learning engineer, RedgateApprentice AwardGrace Thomas, management consulting associate, AccentureCTO/CIO of the Year AwardAmanda Barker, CTO and vice-president IS strategy and architecture, CentricaCyber Security Award Sarah Rench, global generative AI security director, AvanadeDigital Star Award Shahzadi Awan, front-end software engineer II, Booking.comDigital Transformation Leader Rosanne Kincaid-Smith, former group chief operating officer, Northern Data GroupEntrepreneur Award Payne MBE, chief marketing officer, Open BionicsInnovator Award Laurence Levy, founder and CEO, MeditSimpleLeader Award Sandra Stanley, chief data science officer, dunnhumbyMale Agent of Change Award Ashar Khan, chief data officer, SSEOne to Watch Award Joey Lin, student at The Maynard SchoolRising Star Award Jemima Abu, front-end developer, WeMakeWebsitesSoftware Engineer Award Anna Wilde, senior engineer, American ExpressTeam Leader Award Maddie Clingan, principal agile coach and agile people manager, ControlPlaneTech for Good Award Sue Black OBE, professor of computer science, and technology evangelist, Durham UniversityThe Woman of the Year award was given to Carla Brackstone, senior partnerships manager at Kheiron Medical Technologies, who has used AI for breast cancer detection, having already found early-stage cancer in 11 women in Aberdeen. Shes working to help introduce this technology across the NHS, as well as the US.Admitting technology wasnt initially part of her grand plan, Brackstone said: Technology has continually opened new doors and provided me with a platform for growth, innovation and impact.Read more about diversity in the technology sectorThe wage offered towomen for tech jobs in the UKis 2.8% less than offered to male counterparts a larger gap than in the US and Canada, says Hired.Each year, Computer Weekly announces thewomen who will be added to its Hall of Fame, a list of women recognised for their lifetime achievements in the technology sector.In The Current Issue:UK government under-prepared for catastrophic cyber attack, hears PACSpace and power constrain datacentre planningDownload Current IssueWhat on earth is data lineage? Data MattersThe importance of taking time to get IT right Cliff Saran's Enterprise blogView All Blogs

jacus/Getty ImagesThere's a new hot buzz in the world of coding called "vibe coding." It floated into the collective zeitgeist in early February, courtesy of a post on Twitter/X by Andrej Karpathy.Karpathy is no random Xwitter fiend. He has a Stanford Ph.D. in natural language, computer vision, and deep learning models. He was head of AI at Tesla and was one of the co-founders of OpenAI. Today, he's running an education startup called Eureka Labs, which is producing AI courseware. Vibe coding, deconstructed So when someone with that resume suggests there is a new way of coding called "vibe coding, where you fully give in to the vibes, embrace exponentials, and forget that the code even exists," folks listen. In some ways, it seems like a license to avoid all of coding's pesky best practices, the things that make coding more work than play. And, in many ways, it is permission to just go with the flow. Also:The best AI for coding in 2025 (and what not to use)Let's first deconstruct the details of Karpathy's tweet (which essentially defines "vibe coding"), and then we'll discuss the pros and cons of this approach.He says it's possible to take this approach because the coding AI's are now good enough. He also says, "I just talk to Composer with SuperWhisper so I barely even touch the keyboard."I think he's talking about Cursor Composer, a fork of VS Code that embeds AI tools into the coding environment. SuperWhisper is a text-to-speech writing tool. Karpathy notes, "I ask for the dumbest things like 'decrease the padding on the sidebar by half' because I'm too lazy to find it." This is the sort of public knowledge area where AIs can be truly helpful. In fact, it's a variation of my Tip 25, using the AI to help write CSS, from my 25 tips for AI programmingroundup.He says, "I 'Accept All' always, I don't read the diffs anymore." What he's saying is that he takes whatever code the AI gives him and lets it drop into the code, without comparing the AI's code with what it's changing. Also:How to turn ChatGPT into your AI coding power tool - and double your outputThis is a fairly dangerous technique that's probably safe enough with Karpathy's programming skills, but would be very ill-advised for a new programmer. He has the skills to fix what he breaks. A newbie might not. Karpathy also mentions, "When I get error messages I just copy paste them in with no comment, usually that fixes it." I have found that, with enough context, the AI can be quite good at identifying bugs and how to fix them. In fact, I use debugging tests as part of my benchmark tests for whether an AI is ready for coding prime time. Here's where being skilled at coding becomes essential for vibe coding. He notes, "The code grows beyond my usual comprehension, I'd have to really read through it for a while." When you write your own code, you generally have a clue how it works and what it's supposed to do. But when you inherit code from another coder (and the AI is basically another coder), it's often necessary to be able to dig in and figure out how that code works. An AI might not get you all the way there. Also: Why you should ignore 99% of AI tools - and which four I use every dayIn fact, Karpathy confirms that in this next sentence, "Sometimes the LLMs can't fix a bug so I just work around it or ask for random changes until it goes away." I have found that AIs (particularly ChatGPT) can be amazing as AI coding helpersuntil they're not. Sometimes the AI hits a wall where it just doesn't get it, at which point it either stops being helpful or becomes actively obtuse. Sometimes rephrasing the prompt helps. Other times, it's just astonishing to watch how off the mark the AI can get all on its own. Here's Karpathy's final word on his vibe coding process. He says, "It's not too bad for throwaway weekend projects, but still quite amusing. I'm building a project or webapp, but it's not really coding -- I just see stuff, say stuff, run stuff, and copy paste stuff, and it mostly works." That's been my experience as well. But here's the rub: there's a very big jump between "mostly works" and "ready to ship." Take the 80/20 rule to heart. It takes 20% of the work to get 80% of the project done. But that last 20%, that will take you 80% of the work. So "mostly" is a very far distance from "all done." Hands on with vibe coding Webflow is a website building and hosting company that competes with Squarespace, Weebly, Wix, and -- to an extent -- WordPress. It's a fairly popular platform that provides a visual editor to help users build their sites. Rachel Wolan is the company's chief product officer. She spent a weekend trying to produce an app using the vibe-coding spirit. Rachel told ZDNET, "AI can get a prototype stood up, but it won't replace software engineers yet or production-grade platforms like Webflow." She shared five things that vibe coding does well: Quick backend setup: The AI handled authentication and database setup with minimal effort.Fast and easy iteration: Making changes and testing new ideas was efficient.Automatic error detection: The AI spotted mistakes, suggested fixes, and even restructured code when needed.Hard to break things: Built-in safeguards made experimentation less risky.Handled vague prompts well: The AI generated useful output even with unclear instructions.She also told ZDNET about five areas where the AI has major gaps: Clunky interface: It was necessary to wait for each task to finish before giving new commands.Slow for precise edits: Fine-tuning layouts and design was tedious despite visual editing tools.Custom design struggles: Creating a unique visual experience was still difficult.Inefficient basic edits: Simple text changes took longer than expected.Unpredictable changes: The AI sometimes overwrote or removed elements unexpectedly.Two of the negatives bear further examination. She said that, "Prompt-to-code slows you down when you need control and precision." This is where the difference between being a veteran programmer and some newbie who wants free and cheap coding help comes into play. If you're a newbie, you'll take what you can get, and you'll like it. But if you're an experienced hand, you have the skills to take your code where it needs to go. Sometimes, the AI stubbornly doesn't want to get there from here. Another thing Wolan mentioned was, "It [the AI] frequently overwrote my changes, which was frustrating. I would change one element in the nav bar, and it would overwrite another element. Some work disappeared, and I didn't know why." This has been my concern with letting an AI have direct access to your work, right in the coding environment. When I use ChatGPT to help me code, I always keep the ChatGPT work in its own browser tab, and never let it touch my actual code. When I'm satisfied, I do the cut and paste myself so I know what is going in where. Also: Why AI-powered security tools are your secret weapon against tomorrow's attacksThat, of course, is the exact opposite of what Karpathy recommended as vibe coding's live and let live approach. But I've had hours of work zorched far too often by some computer glitch or another to fully trust an automated tool to not ruin my day. Wolan's conclusion is that vibe coding is, "Fast, flexible, and lowers the barrier to building software. But it still requires knowing how to code and build software." She also says, "Vibe coding shouldn't be seen as a shortcut to software development. It's a new tool in the toolkit. The real opportunity is in augmenting product managers, designers, and engineers, not replacing them." My take on vibe coding: Hype, help, and hard truths Coding styles have been a matter of debate since forever. Different skills, personalities, and project requirements require different approaches to writing code. Vibe coding is a lot like stream-of-consciousness style creative writing, where the writer puts down whatever comes into their head and hopes it works. But not all of us can be Proust or Kerouac. The style doesn't work, for example, if you're writing an article about a programming technique. Vibe coding has been with us for years, but it didn't have such a cool name. In fact, a whole bunch of the techniques I list in my 25 tips for AI programming article reflect the ideas of vibe coding, particularly letting the AI do some of the tedious, but well-documented coding work. Also: How to use ChatGPT to write code - and my favorite trick to debug what it generatesBut vibe coding shouldn't be confused with no-code or low-code application development environments (although I'm sure some marketing flack will use the term). Vibe coding, as defined by master coder Andrej Karpathy, is a technique for experienced hands to turbocharge bursts of productivity in areas where the AI can do just as well as the master. But it takes an experienced developer to know what those areas are, and to limit the AIs influence to common-knowledge coding and leave the unique business logic coding to the human developer. In a busy commercial kitchen, there's often the head chef and the sous chef, who's second-in-command. Somewhere in the kitchen hierarchy, there's someone whose job it is to cut up all the vegetables. That person is often called the prep cook or prep chef. Vibe coding is basically letting the AI serve as the prep chef for areas of code. It can get a lot of necessary work done without using up the time of a seasoned developer. But don't confuse the work of a prep cook with a master chef. Likewise, don't confuse the work of a helpful AI doing small and controlled coding tasks with a skilled developer. Also: Why OpenAI's new AI agent tools could change how you codeVibe coding is a fun and productive technique with a sticky name, as long as you have the skills. It is not, as Wolan said, a shortcut for creating a software product. That work requires great software engineering skills along with the product management skills and experience to know how to define and describe a product, make trade-off decisions, understand market forces and competitive positioning, and so much more. I love the term. Because it's such a good name, I'm sure we'll be hearing it more and more. Just don't confuse a sticky term with getting real work done. And don't let any vendor tell you that you can create a fully-functional and deployable piece of code fueled entirely by wishes, good intentions, and, of course, your credit card number. Can you dig it? Stay groovy. What do you think about vibe coding? Have you experimented with AI-driven coding assistants, and do you find them helpful or frustrating? Do you trust AI-generated code enough to "Accept All" without reviewing it? How do you balance AI assistance with maintaining control over your projects? Do you see vibe coding as a productivity booster, or does it create more problems than it solves? Let us know in the comments below. You can follow my day-to-day project updates on social media. Be sure to subscribe to my weekly update newsletter, and follow me on Twitter/X at @DavidGewirtz, on Facebook at Facebook.com/DavidGewirtz, on Instagram at Instagram.com/DavidGewirtz, on Bluesky at @DavidGewirtz.com, and on YouTube at YouTube.com/DavidGewirtzTV.Featured Editorial standards

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We all admire men who constantly praise their wives in public. However, a man who flaunts his ... [+] devotion isnt always as committed behind the scenes.gettyThere was a time when the ultimate green flag in a partner was a man who openly adored his wife. The wife guy is often deemed as the gold standarda man whose entire personality revolves around his devotion to his spouse. But, as the carefully curated images of many wife guys begin to crack, more people have begun to question whether their admiration is genuine or just a performance.The fall of several high-profile wife guys has proven that putting your love on public display is not always a sign of a healthy relationship. From the removal of Ned Fulmer from the The Try Guys to alleged cheating rumours surrounding John Mulaney, the public believe they are beginning to catch an unsettling patternthe more some men appear to be devoted to their wives, the bigger the eventual scandal.So, why do wife guys seem to make being married their whole personality? It would appear that their long posts and heartfelt captions could simply be a strategy thats central to their personal brand. Its almost as if letting the world know they are madly in lovenot just marriedis what makes the public idolize them.The unfortunate truth is that its working. Time and time again, the public falls for the perfect husband persona, making it all the more disappointing when the facade inevitably crumbles.Here are three reasons the wife guy act should not fool you.1. Most Public Personas Are Carefully CraftedIn the age of social media, where likes and followers are currency, its no surprise that public personasespecially those of wife guysare meticulously curated. These men arent just sharing candid moments of love and devotion; theyre presenting a version of their relationship thats designed to be admired, often blurring the line between authenticity and performance.When a man constantly highlights how much he adores his wife, it can feel genuine on the surface. But underneath, this devotion can become part of his personal branda carefully constructed narrative that boosts his image as the perfect husband. This narrative not only garners public admiration but can also enhance his career, secure partnerships and increase his influence.By showcasing their love in a way that seems aspirational, wife guys create an illusion that their relationship is flawless, making it difficult for the public to see beyond the curated content.A 2015 study published in the Journal of Marketing Management suggests that most public figures build narratives that help media outlets and audiences shape their brand. These narratives position celebrities as exceptional in some way, making them more appealing to the public. The wife guy leverages the image of a devoted husband to appear like the ideal man consequently gaining admiration and popularity with ease.The danger lies in the fact that this persona is often performative. The public only sees the polished highlight reelgushing captions, anniversary posts and loving shoutoutswhile the private realities of the relationship remain hidden. And when cracks inevitably appear, its a harsh reminder that whats portrayed online is often a reflection of what someone wants you to believe, not the truth of whats happening behind closed doors.2. Public Devotion Can Sometimes Mean Private DisrespectThe downfall of various wife guys in recent years was not just due to their mistakesit was due to the stark contrast between their public and private personas. The issue wasnt that they publicly adored their wivesit was that their private actions contradicted this image so much that their devotion began to feel like a lie. For instance, Fulmer branded himself as the ultimate wife guy until his affair was exposed, and his behavior was in stark contrast to the image he had presented.A 2016 study published in The Journal of Sex Research points out that some people put on public displays of affection for motivations that often have nothing to do with how they truly feel about their partners. Participants in this study, particularly young men, pointed out that their reputation was often boosted if they showed public affection towards their partners.Does this mean that every public display of affection is simply a carefully constructed ruse? Not at all. Some people genuinely love their wives and want people to know. However, if someone in the public eye is getting a lot of brownie points because of how they display their wife and relationship, it might signal that how they privately treat their spouse is quite different.3. Its Essentially Public Love BombingMost people recognize love bombing as an overwhelming display of affection used to manipulate someone in private relationships. But when it comes to wife guys, this dynamic plays out on a much larger scalewith the entire world as the audience.These men shower their wives with praise, heartfelt captions and picture-perfect moments, creating an image of unwavering devotion. Yet, much like private love bombing, this public performance can be rooted in self-serving motives rather than genuine love.At its core, this behavior is often a form of virtue signaling. By projecting the image of the ideal husband, wife guys arent just trying to win over their partnerstheyre trying to win over the public.As one 2024 article from the Journal of the American Philosophical Association suggests, the purpose of virtue signaling isnt to do good, but to appear good. In this case, wife guys gain admiration, social clout and sometimes even career advantages by promoting an idealized version of their marriage.While public displays of affection can be beautiful and inspiring when theyre sincere, the performative nature of the wife guy does more harm than good. The real danger lies in how easily we, as an audience, can be seduced by these carefully crafted narratives.To protect ourselves from disappointment, its important to remember that true love doesnt really need a stageit often thrives in the quiet, unfiltered moments that happen away from the spotlight.Do you feel significantly attached to public figures and the narratives surrounding their personal relationships? Take this science-backed test to learn more: Celebrity Attitude Scale

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What just happened? Hundreds of stars and Hollywood executives have signed an open letter urging the Trump administration to deny proposals from AI companies that would allow their systems to be trained on copyrighted work without obtaining permission. Over 400 actors, musicians, filmmakers, writers, and more signed the letter sent to the White House, including Ben Stiller, Mark Ruffalo, Cate Blanchett, Paul McCartney, and Ron Howard, reports The Wrap.The letter, which is not avialable publicly, is a response to submissions to the Office of Science and Technology Policy from OpenAI and Google proposing that the companies be allowed to train their AI models on copyrighted works without obtaining permission from (or compensating) rights holders.OpenAI said that relaxing copyright laws would promote "the freedom to learn" and help "protect" America's national security. Both Sam Altman's company and Google said the change would help "strengthen America's lead" against China's communist government in the field of AI development.The stars' letter argues that there is no reason to eliminate copyright protections to help AI models improve."We firmly believe that America's global AI leadership must not come at the expense of our essential creative industries," the letter states. // Related Stories"AI companies are asking to undermine this economic and cultural strength by weakening copyright protections for the films, television series, artworks, writing, music and voices used to train AI models at the core of multibillion-dollar corporate valuations."The letter adds that Google and OpenAI want a special government exemption so they can "freely exploit America's creative and knowledge industries, despite their substantial revenues and available funds.""America didn't become a global cultural powerhouse by accident," the letter continues. "Our success stems directly from our fundamental respect for IP and copyright that rewards creative risk-taking by talented and hardworking Americans from every state and territory."The open letter also notes that America's entertainment industry supports 2.3 million citizens and contributes $229 billion in wages annually, while also providing the "foundation for American democratic influence and soft power abroad." All that would be threatened if Google and OpenAI get their way.Some of the other famous names who signed the letter include Adam Scott, Guillermo del Toro, Natasha Lyonne, Cynthia Erivo, Cate Blanchett, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Cord Jefferson, Bette Midler, Cate Blanchett, Ava Duvernay, Paul Simon, ngel Manuel Soto, Taika Waititi, Ayo Edebiri, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Lily Gladstone, Sam Mendes, Brit Marling, Janelle Mone, Bryn Mooser, Rian Johnson, Paul Giamatti, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Alfonso Cuarn, Judd Apatow, Kim Gordon, Chris Rock, Juliette Lewis, and Michaela Coel.It's not just in the US where celebrities are protesting against this issue. The UK has put forward proposals that would allow AI companies to train their models on any material to which they have lawful access. Any creators or companies that don't want their work used this way would have to opt out, an option that has been called unfair and unworkable.The UK situation led to more than 1,000 musicians, including Kate Bush, Tori Amos, and the Eurythmics' Annie Lennox, releasing a silent album in protest. The album, called Is This What We Want?, features recordings of empty studios and performance spaces. Other protests in the UK included several daily newspapers featuring the slogan "Make It Fair" on their front pages.