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Fremont tech firm accused of employing Chinese workers illegally

A Fremont battery company illegally employed Chinese workers, discriminated against non-Chinese employees, and secretly defied an order from the city to shut down its building, a lawsuit claims. Gotion kept a “revolving door” of Chinese citizens coming to work at the lithium-ion battery plant despite lacking visas allowing employment, the lawsuit in Alameda County Superior […]

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A Fremont battery company illegally employed Chinese workers, discriminated against non-Chinese employees, and secretly defied an order from the city to shut down its building, a lawsuit claims.

Gotion kept a “revolving door” of Chinese citizens coming to work at the lithium-ion battery plant despite lacking visas allowing employment, the lawsuit in Alameda County Superior Court alleged.

The three workers who filed the lawsuit — one U.S. citizen and two with work permits — claimed company officials discriminated against them, and made racist comments toward non-Chinese workers.

The lawsuit by Anirban Das, a U.S. citizen of Indian origin, Atul Deshpande, an Indian citizen with a U.S. work authorization, and Betuel Olivares, a Mexican citizen with a work permit, accused Gotion, its China-based parent firm Gotion High-Tech, and a Gotion supervisor named Chen Li of racial discrimination and unlawful termination. They claim they were forced to quit Gotion after they were stripped of job duties, excluded from meetings, and harassed for complaining about alleged illegalities at the company. They are seeking unspecified damages.

Gotion illegally employed Chinese workers in the country on B-1 visas, the lawsuit filed June 13 claimed. According to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the visa allows foreign citizens into the U.S. for up to six months per visit, for purposes including consulting with business associates, attending conferences, negotiating contracts, or participating in short-term training. The lawsuit did not allege a specific number of visa violations, but included two screen shots of text messages purportedly showing workers acknowledging work for the company while on the B-1.

The lawsuit also claimed Gotion brought over a Gotion High-Tech lawyer from China who was not authorized to work or practice law in the U.S., and “advised Gotion how to impermissibly violate U.S. immigration laws.”

Gotion and Gotion High-Tech did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the lawsuit. Gotion describes itself on its website as “a fast growing energy solutions company that aims to innovate and create the next generation of battery technology.”

A purported City of Fremont violation notice at battery company Gotion (Source: lawsuit against Gotion in Alameda County Superior Court)
A purported City of Fremont violation notice at battery company Gotion (Source: lawsuit against Gotion in Alameda County Superior Court) 

The Fremont battery plant was rife with “illegal practices,” the lawsuit claimed. The building lacked proper permits and safety features including fire-protection systems, the lawsuit said. The City of Fremont shut the facility down over the purported lack of proper permits, according to the lawsuit, which included a photo of a red “do not enter or occupy” notice on a window, dated March 20, 2024 and citing “work without permits.”

Materials allegedly taped over a City of Fremont violation notice at battery company Gotion (Source: lawsuit against Gotion in Alameda County Superior Court)
Materials allegedly taped over a City of Fremont violation notice at battery company Gotion (Source: lawsuit against Gotion in Alameda County Superior Court) 

Gotion, however, “illegally covered up the shutdown notice and continued to have employees work in the office notwithstanding the safety risks,” the lawsuit claimed. A photo included in the lawsuit showed what appears to be pages from a Gotion brochure taped to a window.

Not long afterward, city officials shut the plant down again over improperly stored hazardous batteries, the lawsuit alleged.

The City of Fremont did not immediately answer questions about alleged violations by Gotion.

The three plaintiffs all complained to Gotion about the alleged illegal practices, the lawsuit said.

Das was hired in July 2023 as senior director of industrialization for Gotion and Gotion High-Tech, according to the lawsuit. Das oversaw Deshpande, a senior program manager hired a few months earlier than Das, and Olivares, an engineering manager brought on several months later, the lawsuit said.

Gotion officials mistakenly believed Olivares was of Indian origin because of his brown skin, and referred to him, Das and Deshpande as “foreigners” because they were not from China, the lawsuit alleged.



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Ateme to Feature Contribution, Distributing, OTT Solutions at IBC 2025

PARIS—Ateme will showcase key innovations in its product portfolio spanning contribution, distribution, OTT streaming, advertising and the sports experience during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center. Addressing the sports experience, Ateme is integrating immersive video, artificial intelligence innovation and cloud-native workflows to enable deeper fan engagement and greater reliability. Ateme will present […]

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PARISAteme will showcase key innovations in its product portfolio spanning contribution, distribution, OTT streaming, advertising and the sports experience during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

Addressing the sports experience, Ateme is integrating immersive video, artificial intelligence innovation and cloud-native workflows to enable deeper fan engagement and greater reliability.



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Nothing Just Launched A New $79 Smartwatch With ChatGPT

UK-based tech startup Nothing launched the CMF Watch 3 Pro, a new smartwatch, on July 23, making it available at Nothing and Amazon, with a retail price of $99, aimed at everyday users and casual fitness explorers. The CMF Watch 3 Pro, alongside the recently released Nothing Phone (3) and Nothing Headphones (1), has entered […]

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UK-based tech startup Nothing launched the CMF Watch 3 Pro, a new smartwatch, on July 23, making it available at Nothing and Amazon, with a retail price of $99, aimed at everyday users and casual fitness explorers.

The CMF Watch 3 Pro, alongside the recently released Nothing Phone (3) and Nothing Headphones (1), has entered the market. The device is positioned as a budget-friendly option for smartwatches and fitness trackers. Nothing officially lists the retail price of the CMF Watch 3 Pro at $99. However, the device is currently offered with a $20 discount, bringing its price to $79. Amazon also lists the product at $79. According to a Nothing press release, the $99 figure represents the true retail price, with corresponding prices of £99 in the UK and €99 in Europe. Consumers can purchase the CMF Watch 3 Pro in three color options: orange, light gray, or dark gray.

The CMF Watch 3 Pro features a design characterized by slim bezels, a round watch face, and a soft silicone band. Customization options for the watch include over 120 watch faces, which encompass video and photo options, alongside AI-generated designs accessible through Watch Face Studio. Andrew Freshwater, Head of Smart Products Marketing at Nothing, stated that the CMF Watch 3 Pro is designed to be the “perfect starting point for anyone beginning their health and fitness journey,” indicating its utility as both a smartwatch and a fitness tracker.

The smartwatch incorporates artificial intelligence capabilities. Beyond the AI-generated watch faces, the CMF Watch 3 Pro includes direct ChatGPT integration. This functionality allows users to interact with the AI chatbot using natural voice prompts for tasks such as asking questions or setting reminders. The device also serves as a voice recorder, providing an auto-transcription feature for recorded conversations or notes.

For individuals engaged in athletic activities, the CMF Watch 3 Pro is equipped with a dual-band five-system GPS setup, which facilitates precise location tracking during activities like hiking, cycling, and running. It also features a four-channel heart rate sensor, designed to provide accurate heart rate readings during exercise. The smartwatch offers a selection of 130 activity modes. Its battery supports up to 13 days of use on a single charge. Additional health monitoring features include blood oxygen monitoring and stress tracking. The device also provides support for women’s health and offers guided breathing exercises.


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Amen Rahh Led A South LA High School To A 100% Graduation Rate, Now He’s Using Fintech To Fight Absenteeism And Build Black Wealth

Amen Rahh, widely known as “Principal Rahh,” is a nationally recognized educator and best-selling author from Compton, CA, who first gained attention after leading a South Los Angeles high school to a 100% graduation rate. However, his mission took an unexpected turn. One of his students, Keon — an unhoused teen in foster care — […]

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Amen Rahh, widely known as “Principal Rahh,” is a nationally recognized educator and best-selling author from Compton, CA, who first gained attention after leading a South Los Angeles high school to a 100% graduation rate.

However, his mission took an unexpected turn.

One of his students, Keon — an unhoused teen in foster care — had been accepted to Tuskegee University but couldn’t afford the final $480 he needed to attend.

“He thought, ‘If I can get this $400, I can get out,’” Rahh told AFROTECH™. “Tragically, he lost his life before he could.”

Rahh learned the news while working on his doctorate at UCLA and says the loss changed everything.

“At [age] 34, I left my job and started a tech company to transform education,” Rahh said.

The company — Knowlej — is using fintech innovation to reimagine what’s possible for underserved students nationwide.

The Classroom To Real Life

Since its 2023 launch, the fintech app Knowlej has reached more than 30,000 students, according to Rahh. He says the platform works with school districts across Los Angeles, New York, Colorado, Washington, D.C., and beyond, collaborating with educators to rethink traditional measures of student success.

“Our mission is ‘learn to earn.’ Kids from communities like mine need hope,” he said to AFROTECH™. “Now we’re using AI to integrate financial systems and automate scholarships, making tuition rewards accessible and personalized.”

Knowlej addresses chronic absenteeism, defined as missing over 10% of the school year, as the U.S. Department of Education’s website notes.

“For Black students, that’s 40% of the population,” Rahh told us. “That’s over a month of missed school, impacting career readiness and workforce development.”

What sets Knowlej apart is how it turns learning into real-world rewards, according to the platform’s website.

“Most youth-focused fintech platforms, like Greenlight or Step, focus on financial literacy. That’s important, but it’s not enough,” he said. “Think back to when you were 13, in eighth grade, dreaming of becoming a writer. What if a platform rewarded you with stock or scholarships for writing articles? The more you wrote, the more you could build a portfolio to fund your future.”

Rahh added, “Financial literacy alone isn’t enough if you’re broke. We want to provide that seed money and show students there’s a path forward.”

From Feeling Seen To Showing Up

Courtesy of KN

“From students, the biggest thing we hear is, ‘I feel seen.’ That’s powerful,” Rahh said. “Schools often give incentives kids don’t care about — how many pizza parties can you throw before they’re over it?”

According to Rahh, Knowlej connects students with over 3,000 brands, including Nike, Target, and Apple, in its rewards marketplace, letting them earn stock options and choose their own incentives.

“Now school feels relevant to them,” he said, adding that with these brands on board, students see the real-world value of showing up, and excelling and educators see benefits too. 

“Traditional systems like Eagle Bucks require constant manual tracking. Ours is automated,” Rahh explained to us.

Knowlej’s adaptive AI customizes rewards based on individual progress, making it easier for schools to deliver timely, targeted support.

In high-disengagement schools, Knowlej is already making an impact.

At Garnet-Patterson S.T.A.Y. Opportunity Academy in Washington, D.C., where nearly 96% of students are chronically absent, according to Rahh, Principal DeWayne Little says the partnership has already led to noticeable improvements in attendance and engagement. Little credits Knowlej’s creative approach for giving students a new reason to show up.

Building Generational Wealth Beyond The Classroom

Knowlej isn’t just closing the achievement gap; it’s also aiming to bridge the wealth gap.

“Right now, the U.S. has a $1.7 trillion student loan debt crisis,” Rahh told AFROTECH™. “But when you break down the numbers, Title I kids – foster youth, low-income, Black, and English language learners – hold the most debt. So even when they do close the achievement gap, they still get hit with the wealth gap.”

Looking Ahead: A New Tool For The Future

To expand its reach, Knowlej also runs Knowlej TV, a YouTube channel sharing stories from students and educators that highlight the platform’s impact.

In addition, Rahh said Knowlej aims to launch a debit card later in 2025, offering financial and tuition rewards.

“We’ve partnered with over 500 universities and want to connect with more HBCUs,” he told us. “Families can earn up to $4,000 a year for tuition just by using the card while students succeed in school.”

As for the future, with schools stretched thin, Rahh believes educators must lead innovation.

He concluded, “We need solutions built by those who understand the system — tools that restore hope.”





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Georgia Tech’s first new residence hall in decades starts topping out

The first traditional residence hall to be built on Georgia Tech’s campus in almost 50 years has reached its max height—at least partly.  One section the two-building Curran Street Residence Hall, the south tower, has topped out on the western fringes of campus, according to a Georgia Tech Infrastructure and Sustainability photo update this week.  The […]

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The first traditional residence hall to be built on Georgia Tech’s campus in almost 50 years has reached its max height—at least partly. 

One section the two-building Curran Street Residence Hall, the south tower, has topped out on the western fringes of campus, according to a Georgia Tech Infrastructure and Sustainability photo update this week. 

The project’s north tower has largely topped out, too, apart from a middle section. A formal groundbreaking was held in March, though construction had launched last year.  

The dorm project continues a building spree for Georgia Tech that includes the expanded Science Square district, a football stadium expansion, and the topped-out Technology Square Phase 3 in Midtown, in addition to smaller projects. 

The Curran Street Residence Hall calls for 862 beds spread across eight residential floors for first-year students. Building features—previously described as state-of-the-art—will include a 24-hour automated market, study rooms, e-gaming spaces, and a fitness center, Georgia Tech officials have said.


Looking southeast to downtown, recent construction progress on the two-building Curran Street Residence Hall project. Georgia Tech Infrastructure and Sustainability


Georgia Tech Infrastructure and Sustainability

The project has risen from a site along Northside Drive, between Eighth and Ninth streets. It marks the first housing of any sort added on campus since 2005, when the 153-bed Tenth and Home complex opened along 10th Street to accommodate growing family-student and graduate enrollment.

Formerly the property in question—situated just south of The Interlock project’s second phase and new Stella at Star Metals luxury high-rise—was home to surface parking and little else.

Officials consider the new residential facility an important cog in goals put forward in Georgia Tech’s emerging Comprehensive Campus Plan, which could continue to transform multiple areas of the campus grounds. The project was estimated to cost $117 million in 2023, when it was approved by the University System of Georgia Board of Regents. 


How the Curran Street Residence Hall project will meet Northside Drive. Georgia Institute of Technology


The project’s footprint between Eighth and Ninth streets on the western edge of campus. Georgia Institute of Technology

The residence hall will be geared toward accommodating Georgia Tech’s first-year enrollment growth over the next decade, while also housing students relocated during planned renovations to existing on-campus residential buildings. 

All rooms in the 191,000-square-foot building will be made for double-occupancy, with group kitchens, community lounges, and collaborative learning spaces featured elsewhere, according to the school. 

The construction schedule calls for opening the new dorms in August 2026 for fall semester.

The student living options will join a multitude of new off-campus housing in highly amenitized buildings that have sprouted across Midtown and downtown over the past decade. 

Swing up to the gallery for more context and visuals. 

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• Georgia Tech news, discussion (Urbanize Atlanta) 





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Wearable AI Market 2025–2035 | Trends, Opportunities & Regional Insights

Overview of the Market The global Wearable AI Market is valued at USD 23.56 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 303.59 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17.6% between 2025 and 2035. The Wearable AI Market refers to the industry surrounding intelligent wearable devices powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), including smartwatches, smart […]

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Overview of the Market

The global Wearable AI Market is valued at USD 23.56 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 303.59 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17.6% between 2025 and 2035.

The Wearable AI Market refers to the industry surrounding intelligent wearable devices powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI), including smartwatches, smart glasses, fitness bands, and hearables. These devices leverage AI algorithms to provide users with personalized insights, automate health monitoring, enhance communication, and improve user experience through features like voice recognition and smart assistant capabilities.

Driven by the convergence of advanced sensor technology, increasing consumer awareness, and the integration of AI in consumer electronics, the market is rapidly expanding. Growing demand for real-time health monitoring, the popularity of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, and the rising trend of digital wellness further stimulate market growth.

Moreover, the increasing adoption of AI-powered wearable tech in sectors such as healthcare, sports, and defense has amplified its commercial potential across a variety of industries.

Our comprehensive Wearable AI Market report is ready with the latest trends, growth opportunities, and strategic analysis- View Sample Report PDF.

Market Segmentation & Key Players

Segment Covered

By Application

  • Consumer electronics
  • Healthcare
  • Automotive
  • Military and Defense
  • Media and Entertainment
  • Others

By Type

  • Smart Watch
  • Smart Glasses
  • Smart Earwear
  • Smart Glove
  • Others

By Region

  • North America
  • Europe
  • Asia-Pacific
  • LAMEA

By Operation

  • On-device AI
  • Cloud-based AI

Regions & Countries Covered           

  • North America – (U.S., Canada, Mexico)
  • Europe – (U.K., France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Rest Of Europe)
  • Asia Pacific – (China, Japan, India, South Korea, South East Asia, Rest Of Asia Pacific)
  • Latin America – (Brazil, Argentina, Rest Of Latin America)
  • Middle East & Africa – (GCC Countries, South Africa, Rest Of Middle East & Africa)

Companies Covered  

  • Sony Corporation
  • Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
  • International Business Machines Corporation
  • SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO. LTD
  • Fitbit Inc.
  • TOMTOM INTERNATIONAL B.V
  • Garmin Ltd
  • Amazon.com Inc. Google Inc.
  • Motorola Mobility LLC

Market Dynamics

The Wearable AI Market is influenced by several dynamic variables, including technological advancements, consumer behavior shifts, increasing healthcare demands, and evolving digital lifestyles. A key driver is the rising demand for real-time data and actionable analytics, especially in the healthcare sector for continuous patient monitoring. Consumers now favor seamless interconnectivity and smart features that resonate with their habits, like AI-powered voice commands, gesture control, and proactive health suggestions. Additionally, the proliferation of 5G technology is enhancing device connectivity and data processing capabilities, further accelerating the adoption of wearable AI.

On the regulatory and commercial side, companies are investing heavily in R&D to develop microprocessors and AI chips optimized for wearable ecosystems. Tech giants like Apple, Google, and Huawei are playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of AI wearables, from voice-based assistants to diagnostic health tools.

However, data privacy, security risks, and device interoperability continue to influence buyer decisions. The market is also witnessing mergers and collaborations, particularly in the tech-healthcare crossover segment, suggesting a shift toward a more integrated and intelligent wearable tech environment. Overall, while opportunities abound, the market dynamics indicate a race toward smart, user-centric innovation underpinned by AI.

Top Trends

One of the most significant trends in the Wearable AI Market is its growing role in healthcare and preventive medicine. Wearables equipped with AI now go beyond basic fitness tracking — they analyze heart rate variability, oxygen saturation, sleep patterns, and even mental health parameters. This shift marks the evolution of wearables into sophisticated health companions capable of aiding medical professionals in remote diagnostics and patient engagement.

Another trend is the integration of Natural Language Processing (NLP) and machine learning algorithms that allow devices to interact and learn from user preferences, resulting in personalized experiences. Voice assistants built into smartwatches and hearables are becoming increasingly intuitive and multilingual, broadening their accessibility and functionality across global markets.

AI-powered wearables are also gaining traction in industrial applications. In manufacturing and logistics, smart wearables help monitor worker health, enhance safety, and improve productivity. In the sports industry, AI wearables are being used to optimize athletic performance through data-driven coaching and injury prevention tools.

Furthermore, adoption of edge AI, where data processing occurs within the device rather than in the cloud, is on the rise. This reduces latency, enhances security, and enables faster decision-making. As hardware gets smaller and more efficient, wearable AI devices continue to evolve to become less intrusive and more powerful. Sustainability is also influencing design and production, with manufacturers leaning toward eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient components.

Latest Announcements

Motorola Solutions to Acquire Theatro, Maker of AI and Voice-powered Communication and Digital Workflow Software for Frontline Workers

  • In January 2025, Motorola Solutions entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Theatro Labs, Inc. (“Theatro”), maker of AI and voice-powered communication and digital workflow software for frontline workers, based in Richardson, Texas.

Introducing the new AI-powered Microsoft Surface PCs

  • In March 2024, Microsoft announced at a digital event the release of two new AI-powered PCs, along with advances in its management portal and the commercial availability of its Microsoft Adaptive Accessories

Top Report Findings

  • The global Wearable AI Market is valued at USD 23.56 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 303.59 Billion by 2035 at a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 17.6% between 2025 and 2035.
  • Based on the Product Type, the Smartwatches category accounted for a significant market share in the Wearable AI market industry for 32.30% in 2024
  • In 2024, by Operation, On-Device AI dominated the Wearable AI market with 57.08% of market share.
  • Based on the Application, the Consumer Electronics category accounted for a significant market share in the Wearable AI market industry for 31.30% in 2024
  • Based on the Component, the Sensors category accounted for a significant market share in the Wearable AI market industry for 56.70% in 2024
  • North America dominated the Wearable AI market industry with 44.60% Wearable AI market share in 2024
  • Asia Pacific region is anticipated to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period in the Wearable AI market industry.

Challenges

Despite its vast potential, the Wearable AI Market faces several challenges that could constrain its growth if not adequately addressed. One of the most pressing issues is data privacy and cybersecurity. Wearable devices collect extensive personal information, from biometric data to daily routines, which can be misused if not properly protected. With increasing regulations around data protection, manufacturers must ensure strict compliance and secure data transmission protocols.

Battery life and device design optimization present technological hurdles. Integrating AI, sensors, and wireless capabilities into compact devices without compromising performance remains a difficult engineering challenge. Additionally, the high development and manufacturing costs can result in premium pricing, which limits accessibility in price-sensitive markets. Interoperability between different ecosystems, for instance, wearables not syncing well with platforms like Android, iOS, or proprietary healthcare tools, further complicates seamless user experiences.

Moreover, there is limited public understanding of advanced AI features, which can create a gap in market penetration. To thrive, companies must focus not only on innovation but also on building customer trust and fostering technological inclusiveness.

Opportunities

The future of the Wearable AI Market is underpinned by a variety of promising opportunities. Chief among them is the healthcare sector, where AI-powered wearables are increasingly being used for chronic disease management, rehabilitation support, and remote patient monitoring. With an aging population and the rise of personalized medicine, demand for real-time, AI-driven diagnostics and health tracking is only expected to grow. Hospitals and insurance companies are beginning to integrate wearable data into their digital transformation strategies, opening doors for partnerships and new business models.

There is also immense potential in emerging markets, where mobile-first populations are leapfrogging into advanced technologies. Wearables that offer language translation, mobile payment integration, and diagnostics in remote areas can significantly add value. Another promising area is sports and military applications, where performance optimization through AI creates a competitive edge.

Additionally, with the development of wearable AI in fashion (smart fabrics) and mental health monitoring, the scope for diversification is broadening. As developers craft more affordable, interoperable, and user-centric designs, wearable AI is poised for mass adoption across global demographics.

Key Questions Answered in the Report

1. What is the current size and projected growth of the global Wearable AI Market?

2. Which key segments dominate the wearable AI industry?

3. What are the major drivers fueling market demand for wearable AI devices?

4. How are AI-powered wearables shaping the future of healthcare and diagnostics?

5. What are the key challenges restricting wider adoption of wearable AI technologies?

6. Who are the leading vendors in the market and what strategies are they using to stay competitive?

7. What technological trends are shaping the development of wearable AI devices?

8. How does the North American region contribute to the advancement and growth of the wearable AI market?

Regional Analysis: North America

North America holds a dominant position in the Wearable AI Market, primarily driven by a robust technological ecosystem, significant R&D investments, and high consumer awareness of digital health and smart devices. The United States is the central hub for innovation in both AI and wearable technology, with Silicon Valley housing major players such as Apple, Google, and Fitbit. The region’s focus on health-conscious lifestyles has fueled the adoption of smartwatches and fitness trackers integrated with AI for personalized health monitoring.

Healthcare providers across the U.S. and Canada are increasingly integrating AI-powered wearables into remote patient monitoring systems, chronic disease management, and telehealth services. Initiatives supporting value-based care models have further boosted the use of AI wearables to track real-time patient data, enabling clinical decision-making outside traditional healthcare settings. Furthermore, the region is witnessing substantial governmental and private funding for AI and IoT innovations, creating fertile ground for market expansion.

Regulatory support, combined with nationwide rollout of 5G networks, is accelerating seamless connectivity and pushing the boundaries for wearable applications. North American consumers’ high purchasing power, tech-savviness, and lifestyle-oriented demand for wellness and productivity tools also contribute to the region’s market lead. With startups and established brands focusing on creating smoother user experiences, North America is set to remain a frontrunner in shaping the global wearable AI landscape.

Expanding Market Need: Access Our Full Report for In-Depth Analysis and Trends!

https://www.vantagemarketresearch.com/industry-report/wearable-ai-market-1364

The Wearable AI Market is entering an exciting phase of growth, innovation, and disruption. From shaping the future of digital health to redefining personal convenience through smart automation, wearable AI devices are merging seamlessly into our daily lives. Although challenges such as privacy concerns and device limitations remain, the overwhelming momentum behind real-time analytics, 5G, and personalized consumer experiences promises a future where wearable AI becomes not just a gadget, but an intelligent partner. As industries push toward smarter, faster, and more connected ecosystems, wearable AI stands ready to transform how we live, work, and thrive in the digital era.

 



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UAE Investor 885 Capital Emerges as Sports Force With PFL Stake

The Professional Fighters League has a long list of well-known investors, including financial heavy-hitters Ares, Elysian Park and the Saudi-backed SURJ, as well as team owners David Blitzer, Ted Leonsis and Mark Lerner. But relatively few know of one of PFL’s most significant shareholders: 885 Capital. The United Arab Emirates-based investment fund bought into PFL […]

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The Professional Fighters League has a long list of well-known investors, including financial heavy-hitters Ares, Elysian Park and the Saudi-backed SURJ, as well as team owners David Blitzer, Ted Leonsis and Mark Lerner. But relatively few know of one of PFL’s most significant shareholders: 885 Capital.

The United Arab Emirates-based investment fund bought into PFL with a previously unreported direct investment in late 2024. It became one of the largest shareholders in the mixed martial arts league, putting the Donn Davis-founded organization at the top of its expanding sports portfolio.

“We’re looking for projects, in general, for which there is potential perpetually robust or even infinite demand, and that’s the case when it comes to sports, because humans are emotional and sports brings people together,” 885 Capital cofounder Sudeep Ramnani said on a video call.

Ramnani comes to sports from what originated as a series of startups in financial services. In 2011, shortly after attending the London School of Economics, the London-born Ramnani founded a series of fintech ventures on the continent; Paystack, one of the ventures which Ramnani backed with 885 cofounder Jai Mahtani, was bought by Stripe for $200 million in 2020. More Africa-focused fintech startups followed. The pair formed Sporty Group, which operates Africa’s largest sports book, SportyBet; and SportyTV, the largest free-to-air soccer channel on the continent. SportyTV includes games of Real Madrid, a club for which SportyBet is a regional sponsor.

It’s through Sporty Group that the business partners started finding investment opportunities in athletics, founding 885 to formally invest in sports deals as well as technology and real estate. “We’re in the ecosystem, one door opens the other … once people realize there’s been some success,” Ramnani said. “Operating across the ecosystem across gaming, across broadcasting, means that we come across interesting projects.”

Ramnani and PFL’s Davis got to know each other through meeting with PFL to discuss African broadcast rights, leading to 885’s direct investment in the league. 885 has no outside investors—it’s all Ramnani’s and Mahtani’s money—and while they decline to say how much capital they have in 885 and the size of their investment in PFL, both are probably significant; PFL is now valued at $1 billion, according to the league, and 885 has two of the 10 board seats, filled by Ramnani and Mahtani. Only Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund, with two representatives from PIF and SURJ’s Danny Townsend, has more seats.

“Sudeep and Jai are dynamic entrepreneurs and connected global executives who have brought tremendous insights and relationships to PFL business and expansion in short period of time,” Davis said in an email. “We work most closely with them on digital, media and gaming initiatives in emerging markets.”

Ramnani’s macro thesis that humans are forever drawn to sports doesn’t mean 885 invests wildly. His parameters for buying into a team or a league are built around the structural shift in broadcasting and intellectual property control. “There are a lot of new sports properties where they are founder-led, where there is end-to-end control of the project, IP ownership and the ability to build something without too many egos in the room, kind of the DNA of a technology company,” he explained.

Such companies are usually “challenger brands,” according to Ramnani, which is reflected in his sports portfolio that includes the six-per-side European soccer Baller League, rugby’s R360 startup effort and the European League of Football, which fills the void left by the NFL’s exit from the continent. 885 also co-owns Blue Crow Sports Group, a more traditional holding of equity in four teams across Mexico, Europe and Dubai.

Like the soccer and rugby leagues, PFL fits 885’s preferred profile well—“to build upon the success UFC has had, [but] taking a localized approach and giving regional fighters the opportunity to become local heroes and also be part of a global platform,” Ramnani said.

PFL’s smaller footprint relative to UFC actually can help the league. “There are some structural changes taking place in sports, and you can make your weaknesses your strengths,” he said. “Like if you don’t have a huge existing legacy revenue stream, then you have a blank canvas to work with, and have a more direct relationship with the consumer.”

Free-to-air broadcasting can be a PFL strength, making it the first MMA brand most consumers will interact with as UFC focuses on large single events and pay-per-view.

As to why Ramnani is opening up after quietly buying into PFL months ago, the executive says there’s value to people knowing who he and Mahtani are. “We’re not selling anything, we’re not looking to raise external capital, we’re not looking for investors. We’re people who are very open to collaboration, very open to conversations and creating value—building stuff together.”

(This story has been corrected in the third paragraph to reflect that Ramnani was born in London, and that he invested in Paystack. This story has also been corrected in the ninth paragraph to clarify that 885 isn’t the only owner of Blue Crow.)



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