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Dead Astronauts raises 4m in seed funding roundSwedish developer will use investment to support development of title codenamed VeilImage credit: Dead Astronauts News by Sophie McEvoy Staff Writer Published on Feb. 11, 2025 Swedish developer Dead Astronauts has raised 4 million in an "oversubscribed" seed funding round led by Behold Ventures.The studio will use the investment to expand its core team and support development on its open-world action-adventure game codenamed Veil, which is being built in Unreal Engine 5.The funding round included participation from Lifelike Capital, 1Up Ventures, and Acequia Capital.Angel investors Matt Bilbey, Are Mack Growen, Klaas Kersting, Asbjoern Malte Soendergaard, and Kristian Segerstrle also contributed."We are thrilled to have successfully completed our seed round and bring our vision for Dead Astronauts to life as a next-generation game studio," said co-founders Erik Morin and Tobias Nyman."While today's market presents unique challenges, we see immense opportunities to reinvent open worlds and push game-changing technology. We are incredibly grateful to have investors who believe in our vision and are excited to support bold new player experiences."Beyond Ventures managing partner Karl Magnus Troedsson added: "We are delighted to back such an ambitious team and look forward to seeing them bring their groundbreaking vision to life."Dead Astronauts was founded in 2024 by industry veterans Tobias Nyman, Erik Morin, Robert Moschos, and Thomas Tedemalm.

Mathematical reasoning remains a difficult area for artificial intelligence (AI) due to the complexity of problem-solving and the need for structured, logical thinking. While large language models (LLMs) have made significant progress, they often struggle with tasks that require multi-step reasoning. Reinforcement learning (RL) has shown promise in improving these capabilities, yet traditional methods face challenges when rewards are sparse and binary, providing little feedback beyond a correct or incorrect answer.Shanghai AI Laboratory has developed Outcome REwArd-based reinforcement Learning (OREAL), a series of mathematical reasoning models available as OREAL-7B and OREAL-32B. This framework is designed for situations where only binary rewardscorrect or incorrectare available. Unlike conventional RL approaches that rely on dense feedback, OREAL uses Best-of-N (BoN) sampling for behavior cloning and reshapes negative rewards to maintain gradient consistency.OREAL-7B and OREAL-32B demonstrate that smaller models can perform competitively with significantly larger models. OREAL-7B achieves a 94.0% pass@1 score on the MATH-500 benchmark, a result comparable to previous 32B models, while OREAL-32B reaches 95.0% pass@1, surpassing previous models trained through distillation.Technical Insights and AdvantagesThe OREAL framework introduces several key techniques to improve mathematical reasoning:Best-of-N Sampling for Behavior Cloning: BoN sampling helps select optimal positive reasoning trajectories, allowing the model to learn from well-formed solutions.Reward Reshaping for Negative Samples: By adjusting negative rewards, the framework ensures gradient consistency between correct and incorrect samples, refining model optimization.Token-Level Reward Model for Chain-of-Thought Reasoning: Mathematical reasoning often involves long sequences of logical steps. OREAL assigns importance weights to key reasoning tokens, addressing the challenge of sparse binary feedback.On-Policy Reinforcement Learning: The model dynamically refines itself based on sampled queries, improving training efficiency and adaptability.These techniques enable more stable training and better performance in long-sequence reasoning tasks, making reinforcement learning a viable alternative to traditional distillation approaches.Performance and EvaluationOREAL models have been tested across several benchmarks:MATH-500 Benchmark:OREAL-7B achieves 94.0% pass@1, a performance level previously seen only in 32B models.OREAL-32B achieves 95.0% pass@1, setting a new standard in mathematical reasoning.AIME2024 and OlympiadBench:OREAL models outperform multiple baselines, showing strong generalization across problem types.Comparison with OpenAI o-series and DeepSeek Models:OREAL-32B surpasses DeepSeek-R1-Distill-Qwen-32B and OpenAI-o1-preview, demonstrating effective training strategies.OREAL-7B achieves results on par with QwQ-32B-Preview and OpenAI-o1-mini, highlighting the impact of its reinforcement learning approach.ConclusionShanghai AI Labs OREAL-7B and OREAL-32B models offer a refined approach to reinforcement learning in mathematical reasoning. By addressing the challenge of sparse binary rewards through Best-of-N sampling, reward shaping, and token-level importance weighting, these models achieve competitive performance even at smaller scales. The OREAL framework provides valuable insights into how reinforcement learning can be optimized for complex reasoning tasks, suggesting new directions for improving AIs problem-solving capabilities in structured domains.Check outthePaper, OREAL-7B and OREAL-32B.All credit for this research goes to the researchers of this project. Also,dont forget to follow us onTwitterand join ourTelegram ChannelandLinkedIn Group. Dont Forget to join our75k+ ML SubReddit. Asif RazzaqWebsite| + postsBioAsif Razzaq is the CEO of Marktechpost Media Inc.. As a visionary entrepreneur and engineer, Asif is committed to harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence for social good. His most recent endeavor is the launch of an Artificial Intelligence Media Platform, Marktechpost, which stands out for its in-depth coverage of machine learning and deep learning news that is both technically sound and easily understandable by a wide audience. The platform boasts of over 2 million monthly views, illustrating its popularity among audiences.Asif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Zyphra Introduces the Beta Release of Zonos: A Highly Expressive TTS Model with High Fidelity Voice CloningAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Tutorial to Fine-Tuning Mistral 7B with QLoRA Using Axolotl for Efficient LLM TrainingAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Meta AI Introduces Brain2Qwerty: A New Deep Learning Model for Decoding Sentences from Brain Activity with EEG or MEG while Participants Typed Briefly Memorized Sentences on a QWERTY KeyboardAsif Razzaqhttps://www.marktechpost.com/author/6flvq/Kyutai Releases Hibiki: A 2.7B Real-Time Speech-to-Speech and Speech-to-Text Translation with Near-Human Quality and Voice Transfer [Recommended] Join Our Telegram Channel

Feb 11, 2025Ravie LakshmananCybercrime / RansomwareSource: The NationA coordinated law enforcement operation has taken down the dark web data leak and negotiation sites associated with the 8Base ransomware gang.Visitors to the data leak site are now greeted with a seizure banner that says: "This hidden site and the criminal content have been seized by the Bavarian State Criminal Police Office on behalf of the Office of the Public Prosecutor General in Bamberg."The takedown involved the U.K. National Crime Agency (NCA), the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Europol, as well as agencies from Bavaria, Belgium, Czechia, France, Germany, Japan, Romania, Spain, Switzerland, and Thailand.Thai media reports have revealed that four European nationals two men and two women were arrested across four different locations on Monday as part of an effort codenamed Operation Phobos Aetor. The identities of the suspects were not disclosed.Authorities are said to have seized more than 40 pieces of evidence, including mobile phones, laptops, and digital wallets.They are alleged to be linked to the deployment of Phobos ransomware against 17 companies located in Switzerland between April 2023 and October 2024. Furthermore, the group has been accused of earning $16 million through attacks that claimed over 1,000 victims across the world.8Base, which emerged as a major double extortion player in 2023, has been previously found incorporating Phobos ransomware artifacts into their financially motivated cyber attacks, with research from VMware uncovering a Phobos sample using a ".8base" file extension on encrypted files.Overlaps have also been identified between 8Base and RansomHouse, particularly when it comes to their ransom notes and dark web infrastructure.The latest development comes in the aftermath of a series of high-profile disruptions associated with Hive, LockBit, and BlackCat in recent years. Late last year, Evgenii Ptitsyn, a 42-year-old Russian national believed to be the administrator of the Phobos ransomware, was extradited to the U.S.Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.SHARE

Companies across the built environment have shared their best workplace cultures and practices in a new employer guide to be officially launched at the Good Employer Guide Live event next month.Building Designs sister title Building is publishing in March its Good Employer Guide for 2025 to showcase how leading companies are attracting and retaining talent the construction, housing and architecture sectors.The full directory will be published at the Good Employer Guide Live event at the Royal Institution in central London. The event, organised by Building, alongside its sister titles Building Design and Housing Today, will take place on 6 March.The guide will include exclusive data from 45 businesses across the built environment landscape, including architects, consultants and contractors.The companies provided answers to a whole host of questions, including hybrid working arrangements, company benefits, wellbeing initiatives, training as well as the gender and ethnic diversity representation among staff.Speakers at Good Employer Guide LiveThe panel discussions will feature a distinguished lineup of industry leaders who have been at the forefront of workforce development and diversity initiatives.Among them are:The Good Employer Guide Live event will be CPD-accredited and will feature key discussions on skills development and equality, diversity and inclusion issues, all of which are crucial for ensuring the industrys future resilience.Also at the event Buildings sister title Housing Today will unveil research carried out as part of its Housing Good Employment Debate, featuring contributions from representatives major housebuilders and housing associations, including: Gleeson, Jigsaw, Great Places, Paradigm Housing, Berkeley, Barratt Redrow, WHG, Taylor Wimpey, Places for People, Sovereign and Home Group.As the government looks to the construction industry to deliver as part of its economic growth push, attracting and retaining talent industry has never been more importantChloe McCulloch, BuildingA highlight of the event will be a keynote speech by Sarah Olney, the Liberal Democrat MP for Richmond Park.Olney, who has served as an MP since December 2019, co-chairs the all-party parliamentary group for ethnic minority business owners, an initiative that seeks to dismantle barriers for black, Asian, and minority ethnic entrepreneurs while unlocking their full economic potential.Other speakers include Elly Hoult, deputy chief executive at Peabody and president of the Chartered Institute of Housing, Louise Ellis, chief people officer at Gleeds, Natalie Penrose, stakeholder, skills, and inclusion director (supply chain) at HS2 and Karen Brookes, chief people officer at Sir Robert McAlpine.Chloe McCulloch, editor of Building, said: As the government looks to the construction industry to deliver as part of its economic growth push, attracting and retaining talent industry has never been more important.Buildings Good Employer Guide and our event in London next month will showcase employment, training and equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives and generate valuable debate as we enter this pivotal period for the industry.Building Good Employer Guide live is at the Royal Institution, London, 6 MarchTickets on sale nowWhy companies are getting involved in Good Employer Guide LiveThe Building Good Employer Guide serves as a benchmark for best practices, encouraging organisations to continually improve their employment standards. By showcasing exemplary employers, the guide will help raise the bar across the industry, ensuring that more companies prioritise the well-being and development of their employees and ultimately help construction attract and retain the best talent.At Turner & Townsend we believe in the power of a positive workplace culture and our inclusion in the guide reflects our dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. We understand that our success is driven by our people, and we are committed to investing in their development and well-being. Being recognised in this guide is a testament to our efforts and motivates us to continue striving for excellence.At Turner & Townsend we believe in the power of a positive workplace culture and our inclusion in the guide reflects our dedication to creating an environment where employees feel valuedAs we look to the future, its crucial that were able to appeal to the next generation and those early on in their careers. These individuals bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and a passion for making a difference. By fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace, we can build the diverse range of skillsets we need to modernise our sectors workforce, develop our capabilities and increase capacity for the long term.Attending the Building Good Employer Guide Live event is an opportunity to celebrate our achievements and connect with other industry leaders who share our commitment to excellence in employment practices. It is also a chance to learn from others and gain insights into innovative approaches to employee engagement and development. By participating in this event, we aim to reinforce our dedication to being an employer of choice and to inspire the next generation of talent to join our industry.David Cresswell, managing partner,Ingleton WoodBuildings Good Employer Guide is essential as it showcases industry-leading practices in creating workplaces that prioritise employee well-being, growth, and inclusivity.Being recognised in the Good Employer Guide reflects an organisations dedication to fostering a positive and supportive work environment, attracting top talent, and ensuring sustainable success for the business and our industry as a whole.Featuring in the Guide also reinforces a companys position as a forward-thinking, responsible employer, setting it apart in a competitive and ever-evolving sector.Ingleton Wood wanted to get involved in the Good Employer Guide to demonstrate our commitment to building an inclusive workplace culture that supports, celebrates, and develops talent within our organisation and the wider industry.We are looking forward to the Good Employer Guide Live event to engage with like-minded professionalsOur focus on people, and our strong support of them, means we continually develop together, both through training individual skills and emphasising high-performing, collaborative teams. By gaining the Guides recognition, we aim to attract, retain, and encourage talent, highlighting our dedication to creating an environment where our team can thrive.The breadth of our expertise, a culture of continual learning, and an eye always on the road ahead allows us to keep moving forward, seeing changes in regulations and compliance as challenges to be met on the way to a brighter future.Ingleton Wood looks forward to attending the Good Employer Guide Live event to engage with like-minded professionals as to how we can collectively overcome the challenges often associated with our industry.This event provides an invaluable opportunity to strengthen our commitment to creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture while gaining insights to help us navigate industry challenges and continue attracting and developing top talent.Karen Mosley, director, social impact & inclusion at HLMThe Good Employer Guide will bring together and highlight best practice across our industry, share insights and celebrate those organisations who are focusing on their people and pushing for higher standards.We want to contribute to the conversation around what makes a good employer and inclusive workplace, and to learn from others.We want to contribute to the conversation around what makes a good employer and inclusive workplace, and to learn from otherOur culture is built on the passion of our employees and participating is a way to celebrate what weve created together.This event is a chance to connect with industry peers, gain insights into best practice, new approaches and innovative ways to support our employees, and show our commitment to driving better ways of working.

There's been a barrage of sweeping executive orders from President Donald Trump's administration since he took office on Jan. 21. Experts say a Biden-era student loan program --Saving on a Valuable Education student loan repayment plan-- could be next on the chopping block.SAVE is an income-driven student loan repayment plan that was implemented during former President Biden's administration. It lowered monthly student loan payments for millions of borrowers and offered them additional paths to forgiveness. However, SAVE has been hung up in the courts for the latter half of 2024, leaving millions of borrowers unsure about the fate of their student loans.Before the previous administration left office, an email was sent to borrowers, detailing the current status of SAVE, the implications for forgiveness and what you can do now."The Biden-Harris Administration has been vigorously defending the SAVE Plan in court to give borrowers more breathing room on their student loans," the Office of Federal Student Aid wrote in the Jan. 15 email.However, experts don't expect the Trump administration to defend this income-driven repayment plan. Instead, they say borrowers should brace for the end of SAVE.Hold onto your seats, as there will be a roller coaster of a ride over the next four years. Mark Kantrowitz, financial aid and student loan expert If you're enrolled in SAVE, here's what you need to know.Why is SAVE on hold?In 2024, a federal court issued an injunction that prevents ED from using the SAVE plan and from canceling loans that have earned forgiveness under the SAVE, PAYE and ICR plans. During the injunction, loans on the SAVE plan, which first went live in 2023, are in interest-free forbearance.Here's what ED said forbearance means for you:You don't have to make monthly payments.Interest is not accruing.Months in forbearance do not count toward forgiveness under Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or income-driven repayment plans.How long will SAVE remain on hold?Experts expected the forbearance for SAVE borrowers to last for at least six months into 2025. In one of the last emails from the Biden administration, SAVE borrowers were told payments could remain on hold until December 2025.However, the Trump administration could change all of this, said Mark Kantrowitz, a student loan and financial aid expert. Kantrowitz doesn't expect the Trump administration to defend the SAVE plan in court, and if it repeals the SAVE plan, the forbearance period could end sooner.Will the Trump administration repeal SAVE?Experts agree that the new administration is likely to look for ways to repeal former President Biden's Saving on a Valuable Education plan.How? Kantrowitz expects Republicans to put the student loan income-driven repayment and forgiveness plan on the chopping block as part of a legislative process called budget reconciliation. This process, which can be utilized once a year, only requires a 51-vote to pass in the Senate, as opposed to the usual 60-vote filibuster rule.Elaine Rubin, a student loan policy expert for Edvisors and CNET Money expert review board member, agrees that SAVE's days are numbered."There is very little chance that the SAVE plan will survive," Rubin said.If SAVE is repealed, borrowers will be able to move to a different income-driven repayment plan. Rubin suspects borrowers will have 90 days to move to another plan, though the window could be shorter. If you haven't already reviewed other IDR options, you can compare your expected monthly payment on other IDRs using the calculator at StudentAid.gov.What can student loan borrowers do?Though SAVE is likely to be eliminated, it's not a certainty. We'll need to wait to see what happens in the coming months. In the meantime, here are three steps experts recommend taking. Look into the PSLF "buy back" program, if you qualifyIf you're in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program and enrolled in SAVE, you might be able to get credit for months of forbearance by making extra payments through thePSLF Buyback program.The Buyback program is currently only available to borrowers who have reached the 10-year mark on repayment, but may not be eligible for forgiveness during the SAVE pause. Review additional income-driven repayment plansWith SAVE unlikely to survive another year, it's a smart idea to explore what your payments will look like under other income-driven repayment plans. Since SAVE was the most affordable IDR plan for most borrowers, your monthly payment will likely increase on another plan. Compare your monthly payment under different plans so you'll have an idea of what your new student loan payment could look like.You can explore other IDRs using the StudentAid.gov repayment simulator. Watch for updates from the Department of EducationKeep an eye out for emails from the student aid office and your servicer, and check StudentAid.gov/saveaction for updates on court actions."While there are several unknowns, it's best for borrowers to stay on top of all correspondence they receive," Rubin said.There's still much that we don't know about the fate of student loan programs, but Kantrowitz advises borrowers to brace for changes."Hold onto your seats, as there will be a roller coaster of a ride over the next four years," he added. Related links

I'd be a lot more excited about Nintendo's non-game announcements if they could actually announce some games too.I know the growing assumption is that we're going to get a load of great game announcements in April, but seriously, Nintendo need to spend some of their mountains of Switch cash on some developers...Eleven years since a new Donkey Kong game is too long. Star Fox is MIA. Mario Odyssey feels like a lifetime ago. Mario Kart does have something lined up, but it's still coming way, way too far down the road after the Wii U release of 8.Consider this. If Nintendo release a new Donkey Kong game every 11 years... how many more Donkey Kong games will you get to play in your lifetime?Meanwhile Call of Duty serves up new dross every frigging year. Doesn't seem fair to me!

As Africas tech ecosystem booms, more local talent is landing remote jobs with Big Tech firms and global startups. But getting paid remains a challenge for many of these freelancers and remote workers. They struggle to open accounts that accept US dollars, with foreign employers using incompatible payment platforms, and face slow invoicing and payment processes.Enter Raenest, one of the many local fintechs that has stepped in to fix this. The company just raised $11 million in Series A funding, led by QED Investors, to expand its reach across Africa. Through its retail product, Geegpay, launched in early 2022, Raenest offers freelancers virtual USD, GBP, and EUR accounts. These accounts help them receive payments, manage multi-currency wallets, and convert currencies. Raenest also provides virtual and physical debit cards that accept multiple currencies like U.S. dollars.Last March, the Lagos-based Raenest expanded beyond freelancers with Raenest for Business, a platform that provides the same financial services to African businesses, allowing them to send and receive international payments.Growth beyond freelancersInterestingly, Raenest didnt start with freelancers in mind. Victor Alade, along with co-founders Sodruldeen Mustapha and Richard Oyome, launched the company in 2022 as an Employer of Record (EOR) assisting foreign companies to pay African employees compliantly.However, a couple of months in, the founders realized the real problem wasnt with companies sending payments, it was with individuals struggling to receive them.A U.S. company might not care if a payment is delayed by five days. But for someone in Nigeria or Kenya, thats a big dealespecially when converting to local currency becomes another hurdle, CEO Alade, a former software engineer at Jumia and Andela, told TechCrunch.Also drawing from his remote work experience, Alade and his co-founders, who also bring experience working with African fintechs like LemFi and FairMoney, pivoted Raenests focus to addressing this pain point.Geegpay quickly gained traction among freelancers, but business signups began to rise as well. The team realized that African companies also needed foreign accounts to streamline cross-border transactions. Businesses started asking if they could get fixed bank accounts to simplify payments, Alade added. Thats when we started thinking: How big is this opportunity? Who else is building for Africa?The addition of business banking couldnt have come at a better time. Around the same period, U.S.-based fintech Mercury started restricting business accounts from several countries, including parts of Africa. This created a gap in the market, giving local fintechs like Raenest an opportunity to serve business customers.Meanwhile, the EOR space was quite competitive with major players like Deel starting to look into the continent more closely. These events made Raenest lean into what it saw as a better opportunity: offering African businesses a way to receive and send international payments.Scaling to serve individuals and businessesThat bet is paying off. Since launching in 2022, Raenest has processed over $1 billion in payment volume a 160% growth between 2023 and 2024 serving freelancers and businesses across the continent. Today, more than 700,000 individuals use the platform to receive payments from global platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Gusto. They also use it for online shopping and subscriptions.On the other hand, over 300 businesses rely on Raenest to collect payments from international customers, raise capital from investors, and make cross-border payments. Its client list includes African startups like Moniepoint, Helium Health, Fez Delivery, and Matta.Image Credits:RaenestRaenest competes with several fintech startups offering multicurrency accounts to customers in Africa, including Afriex, Cleva, Grey, Verto, and Leatherback. Alade argues that Raenest has an edge because it targets individuals and businesses, unlike most players that cater exclusively to one customer type. Beyond its dual approach, Raenest prioritizes speed, security, reliability, and compliance to retain users, Alade said.Raenests ambitions extend beyond cross-border payments. We want to create a safe and seamless financial ecosystem for Africans helping them earn, invest, and grow their wealth, no matter where they are in the world, Alade said, hinting at upcoming product launches.Expansion plansCurrently, the three-year-old fintech operates in Nigeria under a money transfer license. As part of its next growth phase, the company will look to deepen its presence in Nigeria while securing licenses for expansion into Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, and the U.S. This move will allow Raenest to serve Africans on the continent and in the diaspora.With banking partnerships in the U.S. and U.K., Raenest is also working to secure more in these regions as it scales. Along the way, the company aims to attract top talent to support its expansion even as it brings Geegpay and Raenest for Business under a single brand, Raenest.The latest $11 million Series A round brings Raenests total funding to $14.3 million. Lead investor QED, one of the worlds top fintech VC firms, has been steadily increasing its footprint in Africa since 2022. It has backed five startups providing financial services on the continent: Moniepoint, Remedial Health, Precium, Cedar Money, and now Raenest.We firmly believe that by bridging the gap between local and global markets, Raenest will unlock new opportunities for African entrepreneurs, freelancers and businesses, ultimately driving greater economic empowerment across the continent, said Gbenga Ajayi, partner and head of Africa and the Middle East at QED Investors. Other investors in the round include pan-African early-to-growth-stage VC firms, such as Norrsken22, Ventures Platform, P1 Ventures, and Seedstars.

Two senior partners are leaving Peak XV, one of the worlds largest venture capital firms, four sources familiar with the matter told TechCrunch.Shailesh Lakhani, a 17-year veteran of the firm, and Abheek Anand, who co-led Southeast Asian investments, are departing, said the sources requesting anonymity.Peak XV didnt immediately respond to requests for comment.The exits follow Peak XVs decision in October to cut its fund size by more than $400 million to $2.40 billion and reduce management fees, moves that reflected growing caution in Indias venture market after years of soaring valuations.At the time, Peak XV said it was trimming the fund to become more deeply aligned with its limited partners. Lakhani has been behind several successful investments for Peak XV, including beauty brand Minimalist, which last month sold to Hindustan Unilever for $350 million, as well as Ixigo and Truecaller, both of which went public. At least three of the companies he led investments in Zetwerk, Capillary and Porter are preparing for IPOs within 12-15 months.Other companies he brought into Peak XVs fold include OneCard, Polygon, CoinSwitch, HealthKart and CarDekho.Anand has led investments in edtech startup Cuemath, trade platform Openborder, Indonesian e-commerce company Ula, and online grocer Grofers (acquired by Zomato and rebranded to Blinkit, now the top quick-commerce business in India).Anand joined the firm 12 years ago.The two will continue to hold some of their existing board representations, other people familiar with the matter said.The two exits are the latest in a series of departures at Peak XV, which split from Sequoia in mid-2023. That split, the firms said, was driven by the need to avoid conflicts amid rising U.S.-China tensions. Peak XV, formerly Sequoia Capital India, rebranded and became independent while retaining the largest venture capital operation in India and Southeast Asia.The firm still has 10 managing directors overseeing more than 400 portfolio companies, which include over 50 unicorns.The changes come as Indias venture industry faces a cooldown after years of aggressive growth. Investors have grown more selective, emphasizing profitability over the growth-at-all-costs model that dominated during the bull years following the COVID-19 pandemic.

3D Printing Industry is hosting alive webinar to preview the 2025 AMUG Conference. Join us and our guests tomorrow!International design studio Hassell has completed a 3D printed community building in Hope Village, Tanzania, using locally sourced earth.The project is part of a broader effort to create a safe and supportive space for vulnerable young girls in Kibaha. Developed in partnership with fellow architect ClarkeHopkinsClarke, the plan also includes family housing, a school for 480 students, and facilities for childcare and skills training, extending its impact to the wider community.Hope Village has been set up as a rescue centre for children suffering from hardship and unsafe environments across various regions in Tanzania. The entire village design will offer these children and their community facilities including a school, housing, play areas and more, Dr. Consola Elia, lead house parent of the childrens homes at Hope Village.Hassells 3D printed community building. Photo via Hassell.Inspired by natures intricacyAt the heart of the design, crisscrossing 3D printed earth walls shape the structure, blending traditional building materials with digital fabrication techniques.A canopy made from short timber segments, designed in partnership with the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) and engineering firm Eckersley OCallaghan, forms a sweeping roof that stretches over the main hall. The team is also working directly with the local community, offering employment and hands-on training throughout the construction process.Each timber segment connects to create a flexible, woven-like surface, draped over a central steel spine for structural support. Corrugated metal sheet cladding adds durability while keeping the space open and inviting. Inside, movable partitions allow the hall to shift between smaller rooms and a larger communal space, adapting to different needs.It is important to note that the building isnt just a shelter, but also a shared resource. A kitchen, bakery, and communal storage offer practical amenities, while open access on weekends turns the space into a gathering spot for performances, meetings, and events.More than just an architectural project, the structure is set to become a central hub for learning, connection, and opportunity, serving as a recognizable landmark in Hope Village.The master plan supports, cares for, and provides education to 480 vulnerable young school girls within Kibaha. Photo via Hassell.In March 2023, the design studio unveiled plans with and to.org, for a 3D printed pavilion made from recycled plastic, designed to function off-grid while adapting to diverse climates. Inspired by indigenous shelters, the structure was developed in collaboration with Nagami, utilizing computational design and additive manufacturing.The pavilion consists of 24 modular components, making it easily transportable and customizable for different environments. Its climate-responsive features include snow-insulating fins for colder regions and shading with passive cooling for warmer climates. Beyond serving as a space for meditation and education, the project aims to highlight plastic waste as a construction resource, establishing a precedent for sustainable architecture while promoting conversations around material waste and eco-innovation.Towards more sustainable construction approachesThe use of recycled waste and locally sourced earth for construction offers a sustainable approach to building, reducing environmental impact while utilizing readily available materials. For example, Italian 3D printer manufacturer WASP worked with Milans Rossana Orlandi gallery to present Gaia, a 3D printed eco-house built using natural and sustainable materials.Featured in the We Are Nature exhibition at the Leonardo da Vinci National Museum of Science and Technology, the project showcased a design incorporating raw soil, natural fibers, and integrated ventilation systems. The exhibition aimed to raise awareness about environmentally conscious construction methods, emphasizing plastic waste reduction and lowering CO emissions in the building industry.A recent by ETH Zurich introduced Impact Printing, a robotic construction technique using Earth-based materials such as sand, clay, silt, and gravel to create load-bearing structures. Unlike conventional 3D printing, which often relies on cement-based materials, this method reduces carbon emissions by utilizing locally sourced, recyclable materials.A robotic tool shoots the material at high velocities, up to 32 feet per second, allowing structures to be built without chemical stabilizers. While its compressive strength is lower than concrete, it is sufficient for two-story buildings. The research team aims to commercialize the technology within three years, seeing it as a cost-effective, low-carbon alternative to industrialized building methods.To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows Hassells 3D printed community building. Photo via Hassell.