AI for climate & ag: Google picked four Indian startups for its inaugural DeepMind AI accelerator (Terrastack, Varaha Climate, Farmers for Forests, Climitra Carbon), aiming to scale AI-driven solutions for sustainable farming, agroforestry, carbon removal and biodiversity. SMB cross-border selling: Chinese digital platforms are increasingly acting as business infrastructure for overseas entrepreneurs, helping small firms source, manage suppliers and build brands—highlighted by Alibaba’s CoCreate 2026 in Los Angeles with US sellers like The Sweetest Bean. Fintech expansion: Tabby raised US$233M at a US$6.5B valuation to broaden from BNPL into wider financial services, adding SME finance licences in Saudi and wallet/card capabilities in the UAE. Startup commercialization push: Circuits Integrated Hellas secured pre-seed funding from Evercurious VC to commercialize its CI-ONE satcom semiconductor modules, targeting general availability in Q4 2026. SME-friendly workspaces: Industrious opened Indy by Industrious at The Chelsea in Hong Kong (Sheung Wan), adding 50 private offices and meeting space for SMEs and startups. Policy & regulation watch: Korea’s nominee for SMEs and startups says she’ll streamline rules and carve out an SME role in big state projects while restoring KOSDAQ trust. Energy pressure on small firms: Australia’s fuel excise cut is back under discussion as Middle East tensions push prices higher, with small businesses feeling the squeeze. Capital markets & risk: Multiple investor-rights alerts and class actions continue to target newly listed or merged public companies, underscoring diligence for SMB investors.