Investors just can't get enough of artificial intelligence and machine-learning startups--if the latest data on venture capital funding is any indication. Total funding for AI and machine-learning startups for the first three quarters of 2019 was $12.1 billion, surpassing last year's total of $10.2 billion, according to the PwC and CB Insights' MoneyTree report. With global spending on AI systems set to grow 28.4 percent annually to $97.9 billion, according to research firm IDC, these startups see an opportunity to build new hardware and software innovations that can fundamentally change the way we work and live. What follows is a look at the 10 hottest AI and machine-learning startups of 2019, whose products range from new AI hardware and open-source platforms to AI-powered sales applications.

Have you heard about the Darwin Awards? Jump on YouTube and have a look. It's a naughty honor that sets people up for the most sophisticated attempts to do something they think is cool. One is taking a selfie with a wounded bear, another is screwing an engine to a skate. These bold actions lead to serious mistakes with serious consequences and funny comments. Spoiler alarm – unfortunately – they all die.

Preeti Rathi is a Principal at Ignition Partners.

Preeti Rathi is a Principal at Ignition Partners.

Machine learning is a trending topic today and for good reason. It has enormous potential to transform entire markets and industries. Successful machine-learning startups will be the ones targeting vertical applications with a clear need for the technology. The consumer packaged goods industry is a good example. Machine learning can more accurately predict inventory levels to better manage the supply chain, reduce inventory costs, minimize excess capacity requirements, and eliminate stockouts.

Machine learning is a trending topic today and for good reason. It has enormous potential to transform entire markets and industries. Successful machine-learning startups will be the ones targeting vertical applications with a clear need for the technology. The consumer packaged goods industry is a good example. Machine learning can more accurately predict inventory levels to better manage the supply chain, reduce inventory costs, minimize excess capacity requirements, and eliminate stockouts.

Machine learning is a trending topic today and for good reason. It has enormous potential to transform entire markets and industries. Successful machine-learning startups will be the ones targeting vertical applications with a clear need for the technology. The consumer packaged goods industry is a good example. Machine learning can more accurately predict inventory levels to better manage the supply chain, reduce inventory costs, minimize excess capacity requirements, and eliminate stockouts.

The hype around artificial intelligence/machine learning has reached mythic proportions. Some commentators are calling AI the fourth industrial revolution. Others are calling it the new electricity. An incredible amount of money is pouring into companies focused on AI/ML, as it has the potential to revolutionize most, if not all industries. Such a major technology revolution deserves broad and deep financing, potentially justifying the dollars being invested in the space.

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Nasa has announced that it has found evidence of flowing water on Mars. Scientists have long speculated that Recurring Slope Lineae -- or dark patches -- on Mars were made up of briny water but the new findings prove that those patches are caused by liquid water, which it has established by finding hydrated salts. Several hundred camped outside the London store in Covent Garden. The 6s will have new features like a vastly improved camera and a pressure-sensitive "3D Touch" display