Your Tech Story

tech news

China Says US Targeting of AI Not Helpful for Healthy Development

China Says US Targeting of AI Not Helpful for Healthy Development

Leave a Comment / Artificial Intellegence, News, Tech News / By

China has expressed significant resistance to U.S. efforts that target investments in artificial intelligence (AI) within its territory, claiming that these moves could cause splits in the world and impede the advancement of AI technology. China’s U.N. Ambassador Fu Cong made this declaration on Monday in response to the U.N. General Assembly’s passage of a resolution that was written by China and intended to improve international cooperation on AI capacity-building.

US Draft AI Investment Regulations

China Says US Targeting of AI Not Helpful for Healthy Development

Image Source: foxnews.com

Citing possible risks to U.S. national security, the United States this month unveiled proposed regulations that would forbid or require notification of certain investments made in China in the fields of artificial intelligence and other technologies. 

These actions are part of a larger campaign to keep US knowledge from supporting China’s technological innovations and positioning it as a dominating player in international markets.

China's Resolute Reluctance

Ambassador Fu Cong stated their position is that these sanctions are not right. He underlined that American measures do not support the development of an inclusive and equitable economic climate and urged Washington to change course. According to Fu, the limitations would lead to inconsistent norms and regulations, which would fracture global governance in addition to impeding the development of AI technology.

Encouraging a Collaborative Enterprise Environment

The international community is urged to guarantee a just, transparent, inclusive, and non-discriminatory business environment throughout the lifecycle of AI systems, according to a recently adopted U.N. resolution that was drafted by China. 

In order to develop safe, secure, and reliable AI technology, international cooperation is essential, as this resolution emphasizes.

"We don't believe that the U.S. government's position or decision will be helpful to the healthy development of AI technology, and will, by extension, divide the world in terms of the standards and rules governing AI," Fu said, emphasizing the significance of international unity in AI governance.

reuters.com

Also Read: Biden Administration Invests $504 Million to Develop 12 Nationwide Tech Hubs

An Appeal for Reversal

In response to an executive order that President Joe Biden signed in August of last year, the U.S. Treasury Department published these proposed regulations. This executive order is part of a larger strategic effort to protect American technological leadership and stop vital knowledge from being transferred to China, which might increase its technological might.

China’s call for lifting the U.S. limits on AI investments underscores the need for a more coordinated and cooperative approach to the development and regulation of AI technology, even while the debate over these investments rages on. The result of this geopolitical struggle will probably influence how international AI governance develops in the future.

 
Biden Administration Invests $504 Million to Develop 12 Nationwide Tech Hubs

Biden Administration Invests $504 Million to Develop 12 Nationwide Tech Hubs

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

The Biden administration announced on Tuesday a significant investment of $504 million in implementation grants aimed at bolstering a dozen technology hubs spread across Ohio, Montana, Nevada, Florida, and other locations. This move is part of a broader strategy to foster technological advancement across the United States, ensuring that innovation is not confined to a handful of metropolitan areas like San Francisco, Seattle, Boston, and New York City.

Biden Administration Invests $504 Million to Develop 12 Nationwide Tech Hubs

Image Source: wkbn.com

The funds will support groundbreaking work in quantum computing, biomanufacturing, lithium batteries, computer chips, personalized medicine, and other cutting-edge technologies. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the untapped potential spread throughout the nation, stating, “The reality is there are smart people, great entrepreneurs, and leading-edge research institutions all across the country. We’re leaving so much potential on the table if we don’t give them the resources to compete and win in the tech sectors that will define the 21st century global economy.”

Strategic Allocation of Funds

The $504 million investment is sourced from the Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration. This strategic allocation follows President Joe Biden’s October 2023 designation of 31 tech hubs, as part of an effort to distribute technological growth and opportunities more evenly across the country. Raimondo highlighted the administration’s commitment to securing additional funding to ensure all designated tech hubs receive the necessary resources to thrive.

Nationwide Technological Renaissance

This comprehensive funding initiative aims to decentralize technological innovation, enabling a more balanced and inclusive growth of the tech industry. By investing in diverse regions, the Biden administration seeks to tap into the vast reservoir of talent and potential existing across the country, fostering a robust and competitive technological ecosystem.

Also Read: Billionaire Xavier Niel Bids $4.1 Billion to Take Over Millicom

The $504 million grants represent a significant step towards a more equitable distribution of resources, positioning various regions to become leaders in the next wave of technological advancements. As these tech hubs develop, they are expected to drive economic growth, create jobs, and pave the way for the United States to maintain its leadership in global technological innovation.

Billionaire Xavier Niel Bids $4.1 Billion to Take Over Millicom

Billionaire Xavier Niel Bids $4.1 Billion to Take Over Millicom

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

Billionaire Xavier Niel has made a substantial offer to buy all of the outstanding shares of Millicom International Cellular SA, valuing the telecom operator in Latin America at almost $4.1 billion. This is a daring move on his part.

The Specifics of the Offer

Billionaire Xavier Niel Bids $4.1 Billion to Take Over Millicom

Image Source: reuters.com

The proposal was made by Niel’s investment vehicle, Atlas Luxco Sarl, to buy Millicom shares for $24 in cash per share, which is marginally less than the business’s most recent closing price of $24.55. The independent board committee of Millicom has already determined that the offer is insufficient, stating that it “would significantly undervalue” the company given its financial performance in the second quarter, even though the board has not made a formal decision.

Money and Strategic Goals

The buyout proposal is completely financed by bank financing and available resources. Another chapter in Millicom’s takeover history Interest, Atlas, already the company’s largest shareholder, had been exploring this deal for months.

Niel purchased his interest in the company during discussions over a possible sale with Apollo Global Management Inc. as well as Claure Group last year.

The Market Position of Millicom

With its headquarters located in Luxembourg, Millicom provides landline and mobile telephony services to more than 50 million customers in Latin America under the Tigo brand. Due to market rivalry and economic uncertainty, Millicom has experienced inconsistent results in recent years; yet, the company generated $5.6 billion in revenues last year.

The decision by Atlas is interpreted by Analyst Insights BI analyst Matthew Bloxham as a conviction in Millicom’s underappreciated potential for cash production. He draws a comparison between Niel’s approach and French billionaire Patrick Drahi’s BT investment, pointing out that affluent telecom investors frequently exhibit confidence in generating large returns.

Also Read: SK Hynix Announces $75 Billion Investment in Chip Technology by 2028

Advisory and Upcoming Actions

Niel is being advised on the transaction by BNP Paribas SA, Lazard Inc., Credit Agricole SA,  Societe Generale SA,  JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Svenska Handelsbanken AB. Financing is being provided by BNP, Credit Agricole, JPMorgan, Natixis, and Societe Generale. Market watchers and investors are waiting for more information about Millicom’s response and possible takeover as things stand.

 
SK Hynix Announces $75 Billion Investment in Chip Technology by 2028

SK Hynix Announces $75 Billion Investment in Chip Technology by 2028

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

SK Hynix Inc., the semiconductor arm of South Korea’s SK Group, has unveiled an ambitious investment plan, announcing it will allocate 103 trillion won (approximately $74.8 billion) towards the chip sector by 2028. This substantial investment underscores SK Group’s strategic focus on the semiconductor industry, which is viewed as crucial for the conglomerate’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Focus on High-Bandwidth Memory Chips

SK Hynix Announces $75 Billion Investment in Chip Technology by 2028

Image Source: trendforce.com

A significant portion of the investment, about 80 percent or 82 trillion won, will be dedicated to high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, according to a statement released by SK Group on Sunday. These HBM chips are particularly optimized for use with Nvidia Corp.’s artificial intelligence accelerators, reflecting SK Hynix’s commitment to advancing AI technology. This move aligns with the broader industry trend of integrating AI capabilities into various technological applications, underscoring the critical role that memory chips play in supporting advanced computational tasks.

In addition to SK Hynix’s significant investment, SK Telecom Co. and SK Broadband Co. will also contribute 3.4 trillion won towards enhancing their data center businesses. This reflects SK Group’s broader strategy of bolstering its AI and data infrastructure to maintain a competitive edge in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.

Strategic Planning Amidst Challenges

This comprehensive investment plan follows a series of high-level strategy meetings led by SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won. Over two days, Chey and approximately 20 top executives engaged in marathon discussions, totaling 20 hours, to chart the future course of South Korea’s second-largest conglomerate. The meetings emphasized the need for a thorough overhaul of the group’s diverse business operations, which span energy, chemicals, and batteries, in addition to semiconductors.

The stakes for SK Group are particularly high this year, as Chairman Chey faces the challenge of securing $1 billion for a divorce settlement. Speculators suggest that this financial pressure may drive Chey to implement measures aimed at boosting the conglomerate’s overall performance.

As part of its strategic goals, SK Group aims to generate 80 trillion won from operations and business restructuring by 2026. Additionally, the group plans to secure 30 trillion won in free cash flow over the next three years to maintain a debt-to-equity ratio below 100 percent. Despite recording a loss of 10 trillion won last year, SK Group projects a pretax profit of 22 trillion won for this year, with a target of increasing this figure to 40 trillion won by 2026.

Also Read: Stephen Schwarzman and The Rise of The Blackstone Group

This investment plan is the first time SK Group has disclosed its financial strategy through 2028. However, SK Hynix has already announced several significant investments this year, including $3.87 billion for constructing an advanced packaging plant and AI research center in Indiana, and $14.6 billion for a new memory chip complex in South Korea, among other domestic investments in the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster. These moves signal SK Hynix’s commitment to strengthening its position in the global semiconductor market and driving innovation in AI technology.

Nexperia Invests $200 Million in German Chipmaking Facilities

Chinese-Owned Nexperia Invests $200 Million in German Chipmaking Facilities

Leave a Comment / News, Tech News / By

Leading worldwide producer of fundamental semiconductors including diodes and transistors, Nexperia, revealed on Thursday that it will invest $200 million in further developing its Hamburg, Germany-based main manufacturing plant. With this large investment, Nexperia hopes to boost its European operations while increasing its German location’s capacity.

A Special Investment Devoid of Government Funding

Nexperia Invests $200 Million in German Chipmaking Facilities

Image Source: linkedin.com

With its main office in the Netherlands and possessed by the massive Chinese electronics company WingTech, Nexperia is investing a significant sum of money without depending on government grants thanks to the European Union’s Chips Act, which went into effect in 2023. This action is especially noteworthy because it’s one of the rare times that significant semiconductor investments in Europe happen without official government assistance.

At present, the European Union is investigating if China is wrongfully profiting from its domestic manufacturing of “legacy” chips, that serve as essential parts used in automobiles and home appliances. Nexperia is also the manufacturer of these chips, which emphasizes the importance of the organization’s investment in Germany.

Improving Vital Technologies

The digital revolution, green energy, and electric cars all rely significantly on semiconductors such as those made by Nexperia. According to the chief financial officer Stefan Tilger, they are the nuts and bolts that contribute to making new technologies possible, underscoring the essential significance of their products. With a yearly output of 100 billion chips and nearly a fifth of the world’s supply, Nexperia has an enormous manufacturing scale. After producing in Europe, the organization integrates and packages its goods in Malaysia, China, and the Philippines.

Handling Regulatory Obstacles

Following WingTech’s $3.6 billion acquisition of Nexperia in 2018, the European authorities have been closely monitoring the company. The British government ordered Nexperia to sell a Newport factory in 2022 because of safety issues. In a similar way in 2023, the Dutch government authorized Nexperia’s takeover of the firm Nowi following retroactive scrutiny, despite the German government excluding the company from receiving subsidies to produce battery efficiency technology.

Also Read: SoftBank Invests in AI Startup Perplexity at $3 Billion Value

Growing the Production of Advanced Chips

Production lines for two varieties of “wide bandgap” chips composed of silicon carbide (SiC) as well as gallium nitride (GaN) will be established in Hamburg by Nexperia. Because of their increased speed, efficiency, and capacity to withstand extreme temperatures and voltages, these chips are preferred over conventional silicon chips and are therefore essential for modern electrical infrastructure.

Nexperia, which was first separated from NXP, the erstwhile Philips chip division, in 2017, is still a major player in the worldwide semiconductor industry. This $200 million funding for Germany strengthens its standing as a major role in allowing future technology developments and its footprint throughout Europe.

SoftBank Invests in AI Startup Perplexity at $3 Billion Value

SoftBank Invests in AI Startup Perplexity at $3 Billion Value

Leave a Comment / Tech News / By

SoftBank Group Corp.’s Vision Fund 2 is making a significant investment in US-based artificial intelligence startup Perplexity AI, valuing the company at $3 billion. This latest move by SoftBank’s founder, Masayoshi Son, underscores his commitment to the AI sector, which he views as vital for securing his legacy. According to sources familiar with the matter, SoftBank will invest between $10 million and $20 million in Perplexity as part of a larger $250 million funding round. This infusion of capital triples Perplexity’s valuation, positioning it as one of the industry’s most highly valued companies.

SoftBank Invests in AI Startup Perplexity at $3 Billion Value

Image Source: reuters.com

The deal highlights SoftBank’s strategy to accelerate its investments in AI. Recently, Son shared an ambitious vision for the future of AI, which includes developing “artificial super intelligence” (ASI), an AI system thousands of times smarter than any human. Speaking at an annual shareholders meeting, Son emphasized, “We’ve done many things, but all that’s been a warmup for my dream to realize ASI. This is what I was born to do.”

While the deal is not yet finalized and the terms could change, representatives for Perplexity and SoftBank have declined to comment on the ongoing discussions. Some details of the broader financing were initially reported by TechCrunch.

Strategic Partnerships and Controversies

SoftBank’s equity investment also reinforces an existing business relationship with Perplexity. Earlier this year, Perplexity announced a partnership to offer SoftBank’s Japanese wireless customers a free one-year subscription to its service. This collaboration has strengthened Perplexity’s presence in Japan, a significant market for the company.

Perplexity, established less than two years ago, has set itself apart from other AI chatbots by delivering more real-time information. Although primarily a search service, Perplexity describes itself as an “answer engine” that provides text-based results instead of traditional links. However, the startup has faced controversy regarding a product that summarizes news stories, raising questions about whether it adequately credits original news outlets.

SoftBank is expected to further intensify its focus on AI services. According to a Bloomberg report in February, SoftBank is planning to invest around $100 billion into AI-related chips under a project named Izanagi. When asked about Izanagi at the recent shareholders meeting, Son expressed his commitment to achieving tangible results but did not provide additional details.

Also Read: Google and CME Collaborate on Cutting-Edge Facility for Cloud Trading

In addition to Perplexity, SoftBank has been actively investing in other AI ventures. This year, the company invested $200 million directly into Tempus AI, a startup that analyzes medical data to improve treatment options for doctors and patients. They also plan to establish a ¥30 billion ($187 million) joint venture to offer similar services in Japan. Son explained his rationale for supporting Tempus during his recent address to shareholders, emphasizing his dedication to advancing AI technology.