Cohere and Aleph Alpha to merge and challenge US-China AI dominance

Canadian AI company Cohere and Germany's Aleph Alpha have agreed to merge, aiming to create a stronger alternative to US and Chinese giants in artificial intelligence. Cohere’s chief AI officer says smaller players need to join forces or risk being 'held by the throat.' The deal comes as government backing for domestic AI develops, with Europe and Canada both investing heavily. The combined firm plans to push for more homegrown AI models.

• Cohere and Aleph Alpha will join as one company
• Their goal: compete with US and China AI powers
• Cohere's chief AI officer called the merger urgent
• European and Canadian funding for domestic AI is up
• The new company aims for sovereign AI models