💰 Nvidia-backed Reflection AI chasing $5.5B tag
Reflection AI - one of those hyped Nvidia-linked startups - is trying to pull in roughly $1 billion. If it works out, the valuation would rocket to about $5.5 billion… compared with just $545 million half a year ago. That’s startup inflation on something like rocket fuel.
The roster of backers isn’t small either: Nvidia’s venture arm, Lightspeed, Sequoia, DST Global. Basically, big cash chasing even bigger chip bets.
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🇹🇼 Taiwan doubles down on AI + quantum
President William Lai laid out fresh state support for AI infrastructure, quantum computing, silicon photonics, and robotics. The bigger idea? Position Taiwan as a global innovation hub - not just the world’s go-to chip factory.
The plan leans hard on deeper international R&D links, with semiconductors at the center (of course). It’s equal parts ambition, necessity, and survival play.
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🏭 TSMC warns ecosystem must catch up
TSMC said the AI rush has cut chip development cycles down to just a single year. That kind of speed isn’t sustainable unless packaging tech and the wider ecosystem catch up - fast.
Their message between the lines: if Taiwan doesn’t scale support systems soon, bottlenecks could start choking growth.
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🏛️ Cruz pitches AI “sandbox” for lighter rules
Senator Ted Cruz is floating a “sandbox” approach - AI companies could get two-year exemptions from certain federal regs if they submit safety and risk outlines.
The sell? Keep U.S. AI competitive against China. The worry? Safety trade-offs and loopholes you could probably drive a data center truck through.
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⚡ EPA looks to fast-track AI permits
The U.S. EPA wants to streamline permits for AI infrastructure projects - cutting red tape so data centers and power builds don’t stall out.
It’s recognition of AI’s massive appetite for resources, but also a reminder: scaling “brains” for AI burns through land, energy, and patience.
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