Category: Emerging Tech

WORLD

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have harnessed artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery of new functional magnetic materials, creating a searchable database of 67,573 magnetic materials, including 25 previously unrecognized compounds that remain magnetic even at high temperatures.

“By accelerating the discovery of sustainable magnetic materials, we can reduce dependence on rare earth elements, lower the cost of electric vehicles and renewable-energy systems, and strengthen the U.S. manufacturing base,” said Suman Itani, lead author and a doctoral student in physics.

The newly created database, named the Northeast Materials Database, helps to more easily explore all the magnetic materials which play a major role in the technology that powers our world: smartphones, medical devices, power generators, electric vehicles and more. But these magnets rely on expensive, imported, and increasingly difficult to obtain rare earth elements, and no new permanent magnet has been discovered from the many magnetic compounds we know exist.

How AI is transforming materials research
The research, published in the journal Nature Communications, outlines how the UNH team built an artificial intelligence system that can read scientific papers and extract those key experimental details.

This data fed computer models that identified whether a material is magnetic, and how high a temperature it can withstand before losing its magnetism and organized it into a single, searchable database.

Scientists know that many undiscovered magnetic compounds exist, but testing every possible combination of elements—potentially millions—in the lab is prohibitively time-consuming and expensive.

“We are tackling one of the most difficult challenges in materials science—discovering sustainable alternatives to permanent magnets—and we are optimistic that our experimental database and growing AI technologies will make this goal achievable,” said Jiadong Zang, physics professor and co-author.

Researchers, which also include co-author Yibo Zhang, a postdoctoral researcher in both physics and chemistry, say that moving forward the modern large language model behind this project could have widespread use beyond this database, particularly in higher education. For instance, converting images to a modern rich text format could also be used to modernize library holdings. – Courtesy TX/Nature Communications

MORE NEWS

PAKISTAN

NetSol Technologies Limited (NETSOL), one of Pakistan’s leading software companies, has signed a major agreement worth over Rs500 million with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) to launch the next phase of the province’s Paperless Government Project.

The company announced the development in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Friday, stating that the project is funded by the World Bank.

“NetSol Technologies has entered into a landmark agreement with the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, valued at over PKR 500 million, to implement the next phase of the Paperless Government Project,” the statement read.

According to the company, the initiative builds on Phase I, which successfully digitized key workflows such as summaries to the chief minister, cabinet processes, and other core paper-based operations. The upcoming phase aims to expand automation across departments and establish secure inter-agency integrations to enable faster decision-making and enhanced auditability.

“This milestone transforms digital governance from concept to reality—delivering quicker services, minimizing manual processes, and ensuring transparent, traceable decision-making across government,” said Salim Ghauri, Chief Executive Officer of NetSol Technologies.

He added, “We are proud to partner with the provincial government in driving greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public administration.”

Established in 1996, NetSol Technologies Limited began as a private limited company before being converted into a public limited company. It specializes in the development and global distribution of computer software and IT services.

Earlier this month, NETSOL’s sub-subsidiary, NetSol Institute of Artificial Intelligence (Pvt.) Limited, signed a partnership with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to train 1,600 participants in artificial intelligence, data science, and cybersecurity.

In August last year, a consortium led by NetSol Technologies also entered into an agreement with Ignite – National Technology Fund, under the Ministry of IT & Telecom, to establish and manage the National Incubation Centre (NIC) Lahore for a five-year term. – ER News Desk

PAKISTAN

Islamabad, October 29, 2025 — Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled Services (ITeS) exports grew by 18% in FY2025, reaching $3.8 billion, while exports in the first quarter of FY2026 stood at $1.06 billion, marking a 21% year-on-year increase, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan said on Monday.

The Minister shared these figures during a meeting with a delegation from Meta, led by Rafael Frankel, Director for Public Policy (South Asia). The two sides discussed expanding cooperation in digital trade, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence (AI). Coordinator to the Prime Minister on Commerce Rana Ihsaan Afzal also attended the meeting.

Minister Jam Kamal Khan appreciated Meta’s continued partnership in supporting Pakistan’s digital transformation and highlighted that the country’s digital economy is among the fastest-growing in South Asia, driven by a young population, increasing connectivity, and a strong IT talent pool producing over 75,000 graduates annually.

He informed the delegation that the National E-Commerce Policy 2.0 (2025–2030) is in the final stages of development. The updated policy aims to expand Pakistan’s e-commerce market to $20 billion by 2030, focusing on MSME digitization, logistics improvement, and cross-border trade facilitation.

The Minister also highlighted Pakistan’s leadership role in regional digital trade forums, including the SCO E-Commerce Cooperation Program and the MPCEPA, where issues such as digital trade and secure data flows are central to ongoing discussions.

Inviting Meta to collaborate through the Ministry’s IT Sectoral Council, Jam Kamal Khan proposed joint work on AI ethics, digital safety, and e-commerce standards. He also briefed the delegation on Pakistan’s recent progress in AI policy and governance, referencing the National AI Policy 2025, the Uraan Pakistan initiative, and the Digital National Pakistan (DNP) Act 2025, which collectively aim to promote ethical, transparent, and inclusive AI adoption to boost SMEs and exports.

He further invited Meta to partner in AI skilling programs for youth and explore a Meta–Pakistan E-Commerce Accelerator Pilot to strengthen digital entrepreneurship and innovation.

Mr. Rafael Frankel commended Pakistan’s achievements in advancing digital transformation and expressed Meta’s keen interest in expanding collaboration in AI-driven innovation, digital skills, and SME support. He reaffirmed Meta’s commitment to empowering Pakistani entrepreneurs through initiatives such as Meta Boost, which promotes digital skills, responsible marketing, and online safety.

Both sides agreed to continue close cooperation to promote innovation, ensure safe online practices, and advance economic empowerment through technology. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmation of the long-term partnership between Pakistan and Meta to accelerate the country’s digital economy. –

PID/ER News Desk

LATEST NEWS