DAVOS, Switzerland—In her first interview as Meta's new president and vice chairman, Dina Powell McCormick argued that AI is a "group sport" that will require cooperation among tech rivals to keep "humanity" at the center.
Why it matters: Powell McCormick used her debut at Axios House Davos to frame AI as a "transformation" for the human race — and to urge the industry to align on "core values" that ensure the technology is as "safe" as it is "productive."
Actor Matt Damon is in Davos to recruit more corporate partners for his water access nonprofit, pronouncing on stage at Axios House, "We're trying to raise an army."
The big picture: Damon decided about 20 years ago to devote "all my time and energy" to increasing access to clean water after learning about the scale of the challenge and how it compounded so many other issues. That led to co-founding Water.org.
DAVOS, Switzerland—BlackRock CEO Larry Fink will open the World Economic Forum with a blunt acknowledgment that Davos — and the economic system it represents — is facing a crisis of legitimacy.
Why it matters: As thousands of executives and global leaders descend on the Swiss Alps for a week of cocktails and canapés, WEF's interim co-chair will warn that the prosperity they celebrate has left too many people behind.
OpenAI is "on track" to unveil its first device in the second half of 2026, chief global affairs officer Chris Lehane said Monday at Axios House Davos.
Why it matters: CEO Sam Altman has teased a future AI device since acquiring former Apple design chief Jony Ive's company last May, but offered no concrete timeline or description of what it will look like.
Elon Musk and his SpaceX team believe they've cracked the code on building orbiting data centers to power the future of AI — and plan to use the company's upcoming public offering to help fund the audacious vision, according to people briefed on the plans.
Why it matters: Musk and top executives at other AI giants believe that earthbound data centers will become politically toxic and less efficient than space, which they see as the inevitable answer.
Elon Musk has cut a massive $10 million check to bolster Nate Morris, an outsider, pro-Trump candidate running to succeed retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Axios has learned.
Why it matters: The stunning gift is the biggest sign yet that Musk plans to spend big in the 2026 midterms, giving Republicans a formidable weapon in the expensive battle to keep their congressional majorities.
In Davos this week, OpenAI will unveil plans to help everyday users get as much out of ChatGPT as the most prolific AI adopters.
Why it matters: ChatGPT is improving fast — roughly doubling the length and complexity of tasks it can handle every seven months, according to OpenAI. But most users tap only a fraction of its power.
If play helps us think better at work, the next question is: How can you have a playful mindset on the job?
Why it matters: We all have different "play modes," and finding yours could help you approach work with more curiosity and creativity, according to Piera Gelardi, Refinery29 co-founder and author of the forthcoming book "The Playful Way" (out in April).
A global survey of C-suite executives by IBM's Institute for Business Value found most expect AI spending to shift over the next four years from efficiency to a new wave of innovation.
64% of the surveyed executives think that by 2030, their AI edge will come from innovation rather than resource optimization.
