Beyond the Bytes: March 2025 AI Breakthroughs & Most Game-Changing Updates.
Marching into the Future: AI’s Biggest Updates & Community Highlights.
Hello DSN Community,
As we wrap up March, we can confidently say that the first quarter of the year has been worthwhile—filled with groundbreaking advancements and transformative developments in the AI space. With Q2 just around the corner, we are eager to see what new innovations and opportunities lie ahead.
This month has been nothing short of revolutionary, from supercomputing milestones to next-gen AI models.
Here are some of the highlights you need to know:
A. AI’s Biggest Advancements in March 2025
1. Cassava Technologies & NVIDIA: Supercomputing in Africa Takes Off!
History was made at the NVIDIA GTC 2025 Conference, where Cassava Technologies announced a game-changing partnership to bring AI Supercomputers to Africa. This marks a massive step in bridging the AI infrastructure gap, accelerating AI adoption in Africa, and positioning the continent as a key player in the global AI space.
2. Alibaba Open-Sources Qwen2.5-Omni: The Future of Multimodal AI
Alibaba’s Qwen2.5-Omni, its latest multimodal AI model, is now open-source! With improved reasoning capabilities, enhanced language comprehension, and powerful multimodal functionalities, this is a major step toward democratizing AI development globally. Developers and researchers can now build on this technology to create more advanced AI-driven solutions.
3. Google DeepMind Launches Gemini 2.5 Pro: A Leap in AI Reasoning
Google DeepMind has unveiled Gemini 2.5 Pro, its most powerful model yet, featuring enhanced reasoning, real-time adaptability, and improved multimodal capabilities. This model sets new standards in AI performance, making it a valuable tool for research, enterprise applications, and beyond.
Upcoming AI Conferences You Shouldn’t Miss
1. GITEX Africa 2025 (14th - 16th April, 2025, Marrakech)
Africa’s largest tech expo is back! GITEX Africa 2025 will feature:
a. AI & Quantum Computing showcases
b. Startup pitch competitions
c. Networking with global tech leaders
2. GITEX Europe 2025 (21st - 23rd May 2025, Berlin)
The European edition of GITEX brings together AI pioneers, policymakers, and enterprise leaders to explore sustainable tech, digital transformation, and cybersecurity innovations. A must-attend for those looking to expand into the European market.
3. GITEX Asia (23rd - 25th April, 2025, Singapore)
Asia’s leading tech event will spotlight AI, Web3, fintech, and smart cities, with a strong focus on scaling startups and cross-border collaborations.
DSN Updates and Opportunities
1. Rewatch All Research Masterclass Videos.
The DSN Research Masterclass was a goldmine of knowledge, covering cutting-edge AI research methodologies, paper breakdowns, and hands-on implementation techniques. If you missed any sessions or want a refresher, all videos are now available for replay!
Week 1>
Week 2>
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2. Access the Data Science Africa (DSA) x Meta Llama Impact Grant.
Are you an African researcher, Startup, or lab?
Access the DSA x Meta Llama for Africa Grant Program and access up to $20,000 using Llama 3.3 to create indigenous solutions
Final Thoughts
March has set the stage for an AI revolution, with Africa stepping into the limelight, open-source models pushing boundaries, and new AI capabilities redefining possibilities. Stay tuned, keep learning, and let’s continue shaping the future—beyond the bytes.