Business Daily

Will Blyth, a former British Army major and co-founder of Arundyte, dives into the intersection of AI and modern warfare. He shares his journey from military service to founding a tech company aimed at enhancing battlefield capabilities. Discussing the shift from traditional military platforms to an array of drones and sensors, Will explains how Arundyte's mission-management software facilitates rapid, coordinated responses in combat. He emphasizes the importance of human oversight in lethal systems and his commitment to democratic values in defense technology.

Stacey Petitjohn, Director of the defense program at the Center for a New American Security, delves into drone warfare trends. Oleg Vornik, CEO of DroneShield, shares insights on counter-drone technology and its rapid growth, especially in Ukraine. Ksenia Kalmas, a former floral artist turned drone manufacturer, discusses her venture, Clin Drones, highlighting production challenges amidst conflict. Together, they explore how drones are reshaping modern warfare, the advantages of jamming technology, and the rise of DIY drone production in Ukraine.

Nihiro Yamaguchi, an economist at Oxford Economics, highlights how oshikatsu spending is reviving Japan's retail sector, driving a 2% boost in turnover. Bilingual broadcaster Harry Sugiyama shares the cultural evolution of this fan practice, showcasing its significance. Teenage fans Mao, Emery, and Senu discuss the emotional connection to collecting merchandise and supporting their favorite characters. Together, they explore how oshikatsu reflects changing consumer behaviors and connects generations through shared passions.

Renwick Drysdale, CEO of Acre, shares innovative tree propagation methods for carbon projects. Matt McGrath discusses the dynamics of compliance and voluntary carbon markets under new UN rules. Dr. Inji Johnston raises concerns about integrity and oversight in voluntary markets. Fan Weiwei highlights Singapore's unique approach to international carbon credits, emphasizing their role as a supplement to domestic efforts. The conversation delves into the potential for reform and growth in the carbon market amidst scrutiny, aiming for a sustainable future.

Kies-Jan Rameau, CEO of Eneco and expert in energy distribution, discusses the Dutch grid's challenges amid a rapid shift to renewables. He highlights how the surge in electric vehicles and solar installations is straining local networks. Rameau explains the delicate balance of supply and demand, revealing the impacts of curtailing wind and solar energy. With thousands on waiting lists for connections, he shares insights on virtual power plants and the urgent need for grid reinforcement to prevent economic fallout and maintain competitiveness.

Tim Brown, co-founder of Allbirds and former New Zealand footballer, shares his fascinating journey from sports to sustainable footwear. He dives into his passion for design, sparked during an entrepreneurship class, and how he tackled industry challenges while reviving New Zealand's wool sector. Tim discusses the hurdles of launching on Kickstarter, the importance of measuring carbon footprints, and Allbirds' commitment to sustainability. He also reflects on navigating the complexities of business growth and the realities of global supply chains.

Chris Morgan, founder of the Safe Flight camera shop in Berlin, shares insights on the booming sales of analogue cameras fueled by celebrity endorsements. Yuji Igarashi from Fujifilm discusses the surprising demand resurgence and their plans for production expansion. Emiliano Vittoriosi, who runs popular analogue workshops, highlights the rising costs of film and the importance of hands-on experiences in darkrooms. Together, they explore how analogue photography encourages a slower, more intentional approach to capturing moments.

Afia Eri is a young member of Japan's lower house and Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, passionately discussing the barriers women face in politics. Kaori Hayashi, Executive Vice-President of the University of Tokyo, highlights efforts to increase female faculty in STEM through the UTokyo Gender Equity Initiative. Yumiko Murakami, co-founder of W Power Fund, reveals funding gaps faced by female entrepreneurs and addresses safety issues in the startup ecosystem, advocating for a cultural shift towards greater support for women.

Lily Jamali, a BBC technology correspondent based in San Francisco, joins John Danielson, a finance professor at the London School of Economics, and Dan Ives, managing director at Wedbush Securities. They dive into whether the current AI surge is a bubble or the onset of a new industrial revolution. Jamali highlights massive investments and warns many companies aren't yet monetizing AI. Danielson draws parallels with the dot-com bubble, while Ives maintains that heavy tech spending signals a transformative era. The debate tackles demand, investment strategies, and future profitability.

Isabella Weber, an economist from UMass Amherst, discusses bold proposals for making New York City more affordable, such as free buses and universal childcare. Andrew Ryan from the Citizens Budget Commission highlights fiscal challenges and the city's budget constraints, questioning the feasibility of these ambitious plans. Michelle Fleury, BBC's North America correspondent, shares insights on business reactions to the mayoral race and Mamdani’s appeal. Together, they explore the complexities of addressing affordability in the city that never sleeps.