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Executive Overview: A High‑Profile VC Event Targets Defense, AI, and Capital TrendsStrictlyVC is hosting an exclusive evening on June 18, 2026 that brings together the venture‑capital community, defense innovators, and AI pioneers. The agenda is designed to surface actionable insights that go beyond headlines, giving attendees direct access to the people shaping the next wave of hard‑tech companies.Event Blueprint: June 18 Gathering at The Aerospace Corporation CampusThe conference will be held at the Aerospace Corporation Campus in El Segundo. The venue choice underscores the event’s focus on aerospace and defense breakthroughs.Location: The Aerospace Corporation Campus, El Segundo, CADate & Time: Thursday, June 18, 2026 – EveningFormat: Curated talks followed by networking sessionsAttendance Snapshot: Curated Audience and Speaker Line‑upSeats are limited to maintain a high‑touch environment. The speaker roster includes:Ethan Thornton, founder of Mach Industries – “Built for a New Era of Defense Technology”Delian Asparouhov (Founders Fund) & Saif Khawaja (Shinkei Systems) – discussion on the rise of physical AICarter Reum, co‑founder and partner at M13 – “Finding the Next Big Thing”Strategic Implications: Why Defense‑Tech and Physical AI Are Redrawing the VC PlaybookThe event highlights three intersecting trends reshaping capital allocation:Hard‑tech acceleration: Founders like Thornton prove that defense and autonomy can be built at venture‑scale speed.Physical AI emergence: Robotics and automation are moving AI out of the cloud and into tangible products, opening new market categories.Long‑term investment focus: Investors such as Reum are shifting from hype‑driven bets to durable, mission‑critical businesses.These dynamics suggest a pivot from pure software playbooks toward capital‑intensive, high‑barrier sectors.Looking Ahead: How the Dialogue May Shape Funding Flows and Innovation PipelinesParticipants are likely to emerge with fresh deal‑sourcing criteria, emphasizing:Proof of manufacturing scalability for defense hardware.Demonstrated integration of AI into physical systems.Clear pathways to government contracts and long‑term revenue streams.In the months following the event, we can expect increased seed and Series A activity in hard‑tech domains, as well as a rise in strategic partnerships between venture firms and defense contractors.

The Intersection of AI and Classical Music The disquiet and distrust surrounding artificial intelligence among artists and creatives remain real and consequential, and the language used by leading arts commentators is often apocalyptic: AI will decimate the arts, it is evil, it is the devil. Like many emerging technologies, AI has been driven by the corporations at the forefront of its creation. Introduced to the public at a rapid rate and continuously evolving, machine learning has become closely entwined with fear, antipathy and foreboding. The RBO/SHIFT Festival: Exploring AI in Opera The upcoming RBO/SHIFT festival at the Royal Opera House aims to interrogate all sides of this fast-evolving landscape to enable artists, performers, creatives and audiences to think deeply and widely about where we are now, and where we may be tomorrow. Machine learning represents a seismic shift, both in society and in the arts, and we need storytellers, artists, teachers and thinkers in this space to help determine the direction of that shift and help us navigate this unfamiliar territory. The Data Analysis: Understanding AI's Impact on Opera Opera is a particularly good place from which to examine technology. It synthesises multiple art forms – music, visual arts, architecture, poetry, dance, theatre and film – making it both niche and remarkably broad. Opera has also always engaged with technology. From its emergence around 1600, opera makers embraced the latest inventions: pyrotechnics, automata, flying machinery and trapdoors. Later came electric lighting, film, digital media and advanced acoustics. The Impact Analysis: Collaboration and Creativity Having spent the past year discussing AI with makers, coders, researchers, composers and performers, I am not sure it is possible for this technology to decimate the arts. The most written-about aspect of machine learning – generative AI creating images, words and music – is, in many ways, the least interesting. There have been operas created with and by AI for decades by researchers and musicians, yet these have had little impact on the creation of new work more broadly. The Prediction: A Future of Collaboration AI appears to have emerged suddenly, but in reality it is part of a continual expansion of technology that has unfolded over centuries. It is also a space in which differing artistic and imaginative voices are essential. RBO/SHIFT asks two questions: what can AI do for creatives, and what can creatives do for the world in the age of AI? As our interaction with machines becomes ever more prevalent, it may be that, rather than decimating the arts, AI will lead us to value them even more highly, protect and preserve them.

The Lead: Biotech Barbie's Mission to Edit Human DNA Cathy Tie, a Canadian entrepreneur known as "Biotech Barbie," is pursuing a controversial mission to genetically modify embryos to prevent hereditary diseases, following in the footsteps of her ex-husband He Jiankui, who served prison time for creating the world's first gene-edited babies. Despite global bans on germline gene editing for reproductive purposes, Tie aims to conduct this work openly with regulatory approval and venture capital funding. The Technical Breakthrough: Gene Editing Made Accessible Since the invention of the Crispr-Cas9 gene editing tool in 2012, the technical process of altering DNA has become relatively straightforward. "The hardest thing about genetically engineering a baby is getting permission to do it; the technical part is not particularly complicated," the article explains. The process is compared to using "find, copy, cut and paste functions on a computer" and doesn't require extensive expertise in molecular biology. Germline gene editing—altering eggs, sperm, or early embryos—is particularly significant because changes are passed down to future generations, potentially altering human evolution permanently. This is why such procedures are banned in the UK, US, and China, with international agreement against research that could result in gene-edited babies. The Financial Landscape: Billionaires Investing in Genetic Engineering Money is flowing into human genetic engineering, with some of the world's richest men investing in companies pursuing similar goals. Preventive, a gene editing startup launched in October 2025 with the aim of "preventing disease before birth," has attracted investment from OpenAI's Sam Altman, his husband Oliver Mulherin, and Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Armstrong has coined the term "the Gattaca stack"—referencing the dystopian film about a genetically engineered society—which includes technologies for "disease prevention, or enhancement" of babies. This suggests a growing interest not just in preventing diseases but in enhancing human traits. Preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), already common in the US fertility treatments, allows parents to "choose the embryo that best matches what you want," with companies like Nucleus Genomics advertising on subways with the tagline "Have your best baby." The Global Impact: A New Biological Arms Race? "There's a big geopolitical component to this," Tie states, referring to the growing interest in genetic engineering. China, where Tie was banned from entering, has already demonstrated what gene editing can do—Chinese researchers made the first edits to human embryos in 2015, and Tie's ex-husband He Jiankui created the first gene-edited babies, twin girls known as Lulu and Nana. Since his release from prison in 2022, He has become an unlikely social media star with close to 150,000 followers on X, making unrepentant posts about "designer babies" being "inevitable." Meanwhile, China's biotechnology ambitions have expanded, with Premier Li Qiang announcing new regulations emphasizing "the need to promote innovative development" and "accelerate R&D; and commercialization." In response to China's announcement, Tie posted: "Welcome to the dawn of the biological arms race." The Future Outlook: Inevitable Genetic Modification "Biology is a double-edged sword – it can be used for good, to heal people, or it can be used for bad," Tie explains. "Stopping this research will only drive bad actors to do it secretively. There is no way to stop this. This is inevitable. The only way to proceed is to do it openly and transparently." Tie named her first human gene-editing company the Manhattan Project, drawing a parallel between the nucleus of the atom and the nucleus of the cell. "In the 20th century, we understood the nucleus of the atom very well, and we learned some very difficult lessons via weapons and wars," she says. "I don't want to see the same happen with the second nucleus." Despite her declared commitment to openness, much of Tie's work remains shrouded in secrecy. Her first company, the Manhattan Project, has since shut down due to what she calls a "fundamental mistake" in choosing a co-founder. She has since launched Origin Genomics, continuing her pursuit of genetic modification of embryos.

The Lead: Apple's AI Integration MilestoneApple has approved Poke as the first standalone AI agent to operate on its Messages for Business platform, representing a significant shift in Apple's approach to third-party AI integration. This approval comes just days before Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC), where the tech giant is expected to unveil AI-optimized Siri and other AI tools.The Breakthrough: Opening Messages for Business to AI AgentsPreviously, Apple's Messages for Business platform was exclusively designed for businesses—such as airlines, retailers, and hotel chains—to communicate with their customers through Apple's Messages app. The platform offered a standardized interface supporting both automated chat and live agents but had never been open to standalone third-party AI agents until now.Poke, launched in March, is designed to be accessible to everyday users without technical expertise. It helps with common activities like daily planning, calendar management, health tracking, smart home control, and photo editing—all via text message. To date, it has processed 100 million messages across SMS, Telegram, and WhatsApp. With this approval, Poke will add Apple Messages for Business to its supported platforms.The Financial Impact: Business Model and ValuationThe approval opens up a new business model for Poke and potentially other AI agents. According to co-founder Marvin von Hagen, Poke pays its messaging service provider on a per-user basis, with pricing significantly lower than Meta AI after its fee increases. The 10-person startup, backed by Spark Capital and General Catalyst, recently secured an additional $10 million, following last year's $15 million seed round, and is now valued at $300 million post-money.Getting Apple's approval required demonstrating the ability to offer live support when needed, clearly identifying the AI agent, and customizing the user interface to meet Apple's guidelines. This process took Poke several months, with von Hagen noting that other companies looking to build on this platform should expect a similar timeline.Industry Transformation: Apple's AI Strategy ShiftThis approval signals a potential shift in Apple's AI strategy. While Apple hasn't opened its App Store to AI agents as rumored, the approval of Poke on Messages for Business suggests the company is exploring ways to integrate third-party AI into its ecosystem. The move positions Apple to compete with other tech giants that have embraced AI agents more aggressively.For consumers, this means more AI-powered services accessible through familiar interfaces like the Messages app. For businesses, it could open new avenues for customer interaction through AI agents. The approval also highlights Apple's focus on quality and trust, as von Hagen emphasized that Poke's brand positioning aligned with Apple's standards.Future Outlook: Expanding AI IntegrationLooking ahead, Poke is rolling out invites to existing users to optionally move to the Apple Messages for Business platform, with plans to continue offering subscriptions that include Apple Pay options. While it's unclear if Apple will announce additional AI agent initiatives at WWDC, von Hagen believes Apple's support for AI agents will grow over time.This approval could pave the way for more AI agents on Apple's platforms, potentially transforming how users interact with both businesses and AI services. As Apple continues to develop its AI strategy, the integration of third-party AI agents like Poke could become a key differentiator in the competitive AI landscape.

The Philosophy of Defending Alessandro Circati, a 22-year-old Socceroos defender, has a unique perspective on the game. He believes that defending well is just as hard as attacking well, and that stopping a goal is equivalent to scoring one. Circati's Journey to Serie A Circati has just finished the Serie A season with Parma, comfortably safe from relegation. After missing most of the previous campaign with an ACL injury, he has established himself as a regular in Carlos Cuesta's defence, starting more than 30 games across their league and cup commitments. The Influence of Italian Football Circati was born in Fidenza but moved to Perth as an infant. He grew up playing football in Australia and eventually moved to Italy in 2021, signing a professional deal with Parma. Italian football has had a significant influence on Circati's game, with the country's defensive traditions and legendary defenders like Paolo Maldini and Franco Baresi. Choosing to Represent Australia Circati was torn between representing Australia or Italy, having played for Italy's junior national teams. However, with the help of Gianluigi Buffon, he decided to represent the Socceroos. Buffon simply asked him, 'What do you feel inside?' The Future: World Cup and Beyond Circati's dream was always to play at a World Cup. He has come a long way since his first senior call-up in June and international debut in October. Now, he is likely to start in the World Cup and is excited for the challenge ahead.

The Final Bow for Football's GreatestThe FIFA World Cup 2026 could be the final act for some of football's finest talents. Although some of this tournament's players will set a men's football record by appearing in their sixth World Cup, age is catching up, and other players have struggled with injuries.Cristiano Ronaldo - Portugal's Ageless WonderAlthough fitness has been one of Ronaldo's biggest strengths during his illustrious career, at 41, the Portugal forward knows his playing days are numbered. Numbers have always been on the former Manchester United and Real Madrid forward's side, though, and he fired in 30 in 37 matches for Al-Nassr this season, while his tally for Portugal currently sits at 143 goals.The second-oldest player at this year's tournament, only behind Scotland's 43-year-old Craig Gordon, Ronaldo heads to his record sixth World Cup, well aware it could be his final chance to lift the coveted golden trophy: the only one missing from his glittering cabinet.Lionel Messi - Argentina's Final ChapterLike Ronaldo, Messi is also off to his record sixth finals appearance, one where he will lead Argentina's defense of the title they won in Qatar four years ago. Argentina's all-time leading scorer and appearance holder, Messi, has struggled with injury in the build-up to the tournament, raising doubts about whether he will feature in each game and if his body can keep up with the gruelling demands of an expanded World Cup.The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's impact and talent, however, are such that, even at 38, he remains the heartbeat of the football-crazy South American nation.Luka Modric - Croatia's Midfield MaestroAfter playing a key role in Croatia's run to the 2018 final and a third-place finish in 2022, Modric is ready for his fifth and final appearance at the World Cup. As the 40-year-old heads to the tournament after undergoing cheekbone surgery, the veteran knows the team still relies heavily on him for his playmaking prowess.The ageing midfielder, also the Balkan nation's captain, still enjoys a hero's status within a side that has often defied expectations on the global stage. Enjoy his magic in midfield before he bows out.Neymar Jr - Brazil's Comeback KingAt 34, Brazil's all-time leading scorer Neymar is much younger than Messi or Ronaldo, but unlike the two greats of the game, his place in the national team is not guaranteed. Neymar's comeback in the Brazil squad after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus electrified football fandom, and only time will tell whether it was a gamble or a tactical masterclass by coach Carlo Ancelotti.With a history of fitness issues, a series of injuries and mounting age (he would be 38 by the 2030 World Cup), what looks more certain is that this could be Neymar's fourth and final act at the tournament.Manuel Neuer - Germany's Goalkeeping LegendSuch is the "aura" of Neuer, as coach Julian Nagelsmann said last month, that the 40-year-old came out of retirement to be named Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. Back in the squad after nearly two years, fans will have a final chance to see him at the World Cup.Widely regarded as one of the greatest goalkeepers, Neuer has played at four World Cups, most notably having a key role in Germany's 2014 World Cup triumph on Brazilian soil.Mohamed Salah - Egypt's African StarArguably Africa's greatest player of all time, Salah became a global superstar on the back of his success at Liverpool, where he won nine trophies. At 33, and no longer at the peak of his powers, this could be the forward's second, and possibly final, World Cup.An underwhelming season and his subsequent departure from Liverpool may have tempered expectations. Yet Egyptians continue to place their faith in their beloved number 10, hoping he can inspire the nation and help deliver something it has never experienced before: the joy of celebrating a World Cup victory.Kevin de Bruyne - Belgium's Playmaking EngineA big part of Belgium's "golden generation" between 2014 and 2022, playmaker De Bruyne continues to flourish in his duties for club and country. Age, however, is starting to catch up with the playmaker, who turns 35 later this month.The Napoli midfielder's performance is central to Belgium's odds of a deep run at the 2026 World Cup, and he will be eager to drive them to a memorable finish in what will be his fourth and presumably final appearance at the tournament.Virgil van Dijk - Netherlands' Defensive LeaderExperienced centre-back van Dijk is not quite the force he was a few years ago, when he won the Champions League and Premier League in back-to-back seasons with Liverpool. The Netherlands captain turns 35 next month, and the Dutch could move on with a younger defensive core by the time the 2030 edition comes around.After reaching the 2022 World Cup quarterfinals and Euro 2024 semifinals, van Dijk will hope to take the team one step further in what will be his third finals.Sadio Mane - Senegal's Inspirational CaptainWidely regarded as one of the world's best wingers, Mane heads to the World Cup seeking to make up for the disappointing leg injury that denied him a shot at Qatar 2022. At 34, the Senegal international is far from the peak of his career, which saw him enjoy trophy-laden spells at Liverpool and Bayern Munich.Despite his mounting age, Mane remains the team's source of inspiration and creativity, and he was an integral part of the side that beat Morocco in the Africa Cup of Nations final – only for the result to be overturned due to Senegal's mid-game protest.Mane will feature in his third, and likely final, World Cup, given that the Teranga Lion has said the last AFCON was his last, although the coaching team have said they have not given up on changing his mind.Guillermo Ochoa - Mexico's Record-Setting GoalkeeperPart of an esteemed group which includes Messi and Ronaldo, Ochoa is also set to play at a record sixth World Cup. The goalkeeper, who will turn 41 next month, had not been part of the national squad in recent years, but was picked for the tournament, which is being co-hosted by his country, Mexico.Known for being a formidable figure in Mexico's previous World Cup campaigns, Ochoa will retire at the end of the team's run at the tournament.The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11. You can follow the action on Al Jazeera's dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary, and keep up to date with group standings, real-time match results and schedules.

The Road to World Cup Qualification The equation sounds simple: avoid defeat on Friday and England will qualify automatically for the Women’s World Cup. The reality of the task ahead is far more complicated. Facing the world champions, Spain, like the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range that towers into the sky behind the Estadi Mallorca Son Moix, is an imposing barrier between the Lionesses and Brazil 2027. The Challenge of Taming Spain A positive result in Mallorca would do more than guarantee England a shot at glory next summer. It would send a powerful statement that England remain a force to be reckoned with if they can tame the game’s greatest technical midfield, again. Historical Context and Rivalry Spain away is the toughest fixture in international football. Topping a tough qualifying group – in a fixture that is a repeat of 2023’s World Cup final – would show the Lionesses are ready for a world title to add to their two European triumphs. England's Preparation and Strategy England, the only team in Europe’s top tier, League A, to boast a 100% record in qualifying so far, produced a spirited performance to beat Spain 1-0 at Wembley in April, when an early Lauren Hemp goal was enough to move Sarina Wiegman’s side to the top of their group. The Impact of Injuries and Team Dynamics England will be without their captain, Leah Williamson, and Taylor Hinds through injury. However, Wiegman confirmed she has a full squad to draw from otherwise in Palma, including Lauren James, who missed the World Sevens final in Brentford on Sunday after picking up a minor injury. Spain see James as England’s biggest threat. The Future Outlook Knowing a draw would be enough for England could foster a degree of complacency, but Wiegman’s philosophy is plain enough: “The principle is always, whatever the situation, we go out there to win.”

Lead: Jakarta Summit Sets a New Bilateral AgendaTurkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held high‑level talks in Jakarta, agreeing to accelerate cooperation in defence, energy, artificial intelligence and the halal sector as both nations chase a $10 bn trade goal set in April 2025.Defence and Energy Pillars Take Center StageThe meetings highlighted joint projects in armoured‑vehicle and drone development, as well as collaborative energy infrastructure, power‑generation and renewable‑energy initiatives. Both sides view these sectors as gateways to deeper industrial integration.Joint development of UAV and armoured‑vehicle technology.Co‑investment in energy transport and renewable projects.Exploration of AI‑driven digital solutions for both economies.Trade Numbers Reveal the Gap to the $10 bn GoalAccording to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS), bilateral trade rose from $2.1 bn in 2023 to nearly $2.4 bn in 2024. The Indonesian trade surplus with Turkey increased from $940 m to almost $1.5 bn over the same period, indicating momentum but also a sizable distance from the $10 bn target.Geopolitical Implications for the Global SouthReaching a $10 bn trade relationship would modestly compare with Indonesia’s ties to China, Japan or the United States, yet it would signal a significant upgrade in South‑South cooperation. Strengthened ties could boost both countries’ influence in the G20, OIC and UN, positioning them as more autonomous “middle powers” amid shifting global blocs.Outlook: Toward a Strategic South‑South PartnershipAnalysts expect the defence‑energy agenda to generate concrete projects within the next two years, while AI and halal‑sector collaborations could diversify export baskets. If trade growth continues at its current pace, the $10 bn milestone may be realistic by the mid‑2020s, further cementing Turkey and Indonesia as pivotal players in a multipolar world.

Spotlight on a Rare Summer VisitorA female beautiful demoiselle (Calopteryx virgo) was observed fluttering over a garden near the River Brit, offering a vivid reminder of the insect’s metallic sheen and its ecological significance.What Makes This Damselfly Distinctive?The species is one of only two damselflies with coloured wings. Males display blue bodies with dark‑sheened wings, while females—like the one spotted—are green with tan wings and an iridescent mix of emerald, gold and bronze. Key visual traits include:Four wings folded at an angle, autumn‑bracken colour with turquoise‑tinged edges.Long, sharply angled deep‑green legs.Microscopic hairs haloing the head.Life‑Cycle Numbers That MatterTwo years spent underwater as nymphs.Development through a dozen larval stages.Eggs hatch within weeks after being deposited in water‑plant stems.Why This Observation Signals More Than BeautyDamselflies, including the beautiful demoiselle, are top predators in their aquatic habitats and serve as reliable indicators of water quality. Their presence suggests:Clean, well‑oxygenated running water.Healthy macro‑invertebrate communities.Balanced ecosystem dynamics in riverine environments.Seeing adults thriving near the River Brit reassures locals about the river’s current ecological state.Looking Ahead: Conservation and Climate OutlookContinued monitoring of Calopteryx virgo populations can help track the impacts of climate change and land‑use pressures on UK waterways. Conservationists recommend:Protecting riparian zones to maintain suitable breeding habitats.Reducing nutrient runoff to preserve water clarity.Engaging citizen scientists in seasonal surveys.Future sightings will indicate whether the species can adapt to shifting temperature regimes and altered flow patterns.