🖥️ Tech Futures #7

Happy Monday 👋

Japan's National Research Institute and Intel are setting up an advanced semiconductor R&D center with EUV equipment, boosting Japan's semiconductor sector. Supermicro previewed its X14 servers with up to 256 cores for AI and HPC. SK Hynix expanded its AI ecosystem with Samsung and Intel, developing HBM4 and HBM4E. Newbility partnered with ZMP for autonomous robot tech in Japan. Samsung launched the Galaxy Quantum 5 with quantum cryptography. MVG integrated Anritsu’s MT8000A for 5G SAR testing. LG U+ partnered with SM Entertainment for AI-based K-pop content. Samsung SDS enhanced AI cloud services. Google integrated Gemini AI into Chrome for instant assistance. Recent funding includes ECI acquiring Khameleon, Attio securing $33M for CRM innovation, Alaska Communications raising $390M for fiber infrastructure, Cortex obtaining $60M for expansion, and Sakana AI raising $100M for R&D in Japan.

💻 Semiconductor R&D 

🏢 Japan's National Research Institute partners with Intel to establish an advanced semiconductor R&D center. The facility will feature EUV equipment, enabling joint prototyping and testing. This collaboration strengthens Japan's semiconductor expertise, with investment reaching hundreds of millions.

⚡ Supermicro previews its next-gen X14 server platforms, featuring up to 256 performance cores, advanced memory, and next-gen GPUs. These upgrades accelerate AI, HPC, and data analytics, offering unprecedented performance and optimized solutions for demanding workloads.

💡 SK Hynix expanded its AI semiconductor ecosystem. Partnering with Samsung and Intel, they will develop and mass-produce customized high bandwidth memory (HBM), with plans for HBM4 and HBM4E, and join the UXL Foundation for enhanced hardware and software technology.

🌐 Networking & Deep Learning Tech

🤖 Newbility partnered with Japan's ZMP to expand autonomous robot services. They will collaborate on deep learning-based control technology, targeting Japan’s robot market across various environments, aiming to advance robot technology and strengthen industry ties between Korea and Japan.

📱 Samsung launched Galaxy Quantum 5 with advanced quantum cryptography. Exclusively for South Korea via SK Telecom, it integrates a QRNG chip for enhanced security, combining Galaxy A55 features with top-tier data protection. 

📞 MVG integrated Anritsu’s MT8000A into the ComoSAR system for 5G SAR testing. The upgrade supports 5G FR1 frequencies below 7.125 GHz, automates SAR measurements, and simplifies test workflows with pre-defined and custom scenarios, aligning with IEC and FCC standards.

🧠 AI Productivity

🎵 LG U+ partnered with SM Entertainment to develop AI-based K-pop content. Using its Generative AI "ixi-GEN," LG U+ will create music videos and goods for SM’s virtual artist Navis, aiming to enhance global fan experiences.

☁️ Samsung SDS to strengthen AI cloud services with GPU focus, and expand Generative AI offerings. Samsung SDS plans to enhance its cloud platform for AI solutions, collaborate with Microsoft for global expansion, and evolve its Generative AI services for enterprises.

🖥️ Google announced its integration of Gemini AI into Chrome's address bar for instant AI responses. Chrome users can now access Google’s Gemini AI chatbot by typing “@gemini” in the browser's address bar, enabling seamless AI assistance. This integration marks a significant leap in AI accessibility and user productivity.

💰 Deals of the Week

☁️ ECI Software Solutions acquired Khameleon Software, a cloud-based ERP (enterprise resource planning) software company for an undisclosed amount to expand its portfolio with advanced technology tailored to support long-term needs and future growth.

📡 Alaska Communications, a broadband telecom and IT service provider to business, wholesale, and consumer customers in the U.S., secured $390M in Debt financing to pay off current debt and make additional investments in building the state's fiber infrastructure.

🦾 Sakana AI, a Tokyo-based AI research and development firm, secured $100M in Series A funding to support the work together with NVIDIA on infrastructure, research, and the growth of the AI community in Japan.

🔧 Cortex, an engineering productivity platform in San Francisco, California, secured $60M in Series C funding to expand operations, business reach, and development efforts.

🧑 Attio, a Customer Relationship Management software provider, secured $33M in Series A funding to create "groundbreaking," AI-driven innovations that will transform CRM.

Thank you for reading. Have a great week ahead!
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