Digital
TCS becomes official AI and tech partner for Paris marathon
MUMBAI: Tata Consultancy Services (TCS), has been appointed as the Official AI and technology partner for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris. This three-year partnership aims to transform one of the world’s most prestigious marathons by integrating cutting-edge AI, data analytics, and digital twin technology to elevate the experience for both athletes and spectators.
With over 55,000 runners from 145 nationalities, the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris is a landmark event, now set to benefit from TCS’ innovation. Leveraging its Paceport innovation hub in Paris, TCS will introduce AI-powered race experiences, personalised digital coaching, and immersive engagement tools to make the marathon more interactive and efficient.
TCS’ growing footprint in endurance sports is undeniable, with sponsorships spanning 14 global marathons, including the World Marathon Majors in New York, London, Chicago, Boston, and Sydney. In 2024 alone, TCS-backed races raised nearly $280 million for charities, reinforcing the company’s commitment to making a lasting societal impact beyond the finish line.
Amaury Sport Organisation (A.S.O.) CEO Yann Le Moenner welcomed the collaboration, stating, “We are delighted to welcome TCS to the Schneider Electric Paris Marathon family of partners. Thanks to its expertise in new technologies and artificial intelligence, TCS will continue to grow the event, strengthen the engagement of all audiences, and enrich the digital experience. Together, we aim to offer an ever more immersive and connected experience, serving both runners and spectators.”
TCS’ advanced AI solutions will optimise race logistics, provide predictive performance insights, and improve sustainability efforts reinforcing its reputation as a trusted technology partner. TCS chief marketing officer Abhinav Kumar emphasised, “Our partnership with the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris aligns with TCS’ commitment of being a trusted transformation partner for our clients, communities, and the ecosystems in which we live and work. This engagement reflects our commitment to using technology towards empowering athletes, optimising race experiences, and transforming the future of sports.”
TCS France managing director Rammohan Gourneni said, “For the past 30 years, TCS has played a pivotal role in France as a technology provider. We are proud to continue our commitment to the community with this new partnership for the Schneider Electric Marathon de Paris. I look forward to engaging our clients and partners in this race as we harness our technology expertise and passion for AI and innovation to create an unforgettable marathon experience.”
With this latest partnership, TCS further cements its position at the intersection of sports, technology, and AI-driven transformation bringing the future of marathon running to the streets of Paris.
Digital
OpenAI’s Stargate lead Peter Hoeschele exits with two senior leaders
Trio behind compute push set to join new startup amid leadership reshuffle
SAN FRANCISCO: Peter Hoeschele, a key figure behind OpenAI’s early Stargate data centre initiative, has exited the company, according to a report by The Information.
The departure is part of a broader leadership shift, with two other senior executives, Shamez Hemani and Anuj Saharan, also set to leave in the coming days. All three are expected to join the same new startup, although details about the venture remain under wraps.
The trio played a central role in OpenAI’s Stargate effort, an initiative aimed at building large-scale data centre capacity in-house to reduce reliance on external infrastructure providers. Their exits mark a notable moment for the company’s compute strategy as it continues to scale rapidly.
OpenAI spokesperson said in a statement to The Information, “We’re grateful for the contributions Peter, Shamez, and Anuj have made to OpenAI and wish them the very best in what comes next.” The company also pointed to the recent appointment of Sachin Katti to lead its industrial compute organisation, signalling continuity in its infrastructure roadmap.
OpenAI has indicated that it does not plan to directly replace Hoeschele’s role, suggesting a possible restructuring of responsibilities within the team.
As competition intensifies in the race to build next-generation AI systems, leadership changes in core infrastructure teams are likely to draw close attention. For now, the spotlight shifts to what this departing trio builds next, and how OpenAI adapts as it scales its ambitions.
