Sci/tech

ASML has invited Elon Musk to virtually speak at an internal technology conference about his "Terafab" project, which focuses on manufacturing chips for AI, robotics, and aerospace. However, the invitation has sparked backlash on an internal company channel, with some critical employees threatening to boycott the event over Musk's political views.

TSMC, the world's leading semiconductor manufacturer, has confirmed that global appetite for AI chips continues to outstrip production capacity—even as the company pours billions into expanding its manufacturing footprint.

The European Union is set to unveil a new strategy to reduce its dependence on foreign technology providers for microchips, AI, and cloud services. The draft proposals include emergency powers to override contracts and fast-track local data centre infrastructure. These measures come amid growing concerns in Brussels over the dominant market share of American digital companies.

Brussels will unveil new rules for chips, cloud computing, and AI to reduce the European Union's dependence on countries like the United States. This initiative, known as the technological sovereignty package, aims to boost local production and includes laws to accelerate the development of data centers and enhance the supply security for chips.

KPN and German technology company Schwarz Digits will introduce a European sovereign cloud in the Netherlands next year. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on American cloud giants and give Dutch organizations more control over their data.

Huawei says it may produce advanced chips without relying on ASML’s EUV machines, despite ongoing export restrictions. The company aims to reach 1.4-nanometre production by 2031, potentially narrowing the gap with global leaders. Details of the approach remain unclear.

AI developer Anthropic is reportedly finalizing a new funding round next week to raise more than 30 billion dollars. The investment could push the valuation of the Claude chatbot creator past 900 billion dollars, overtaking rival OpenAI. Both artificial intelligence firms are also rumoured to be preparing for stock market listings later this year.

Indian manufacturing giant Tata Electronics has signed a strategic agreement with Dutch semiconductor equipment leader ASML to develop India's first commercial chip fabrication plant. The 11 billion USD facility in Gujarat will utilise ASML's advanced lithography technology to produce microchips for global automotive, mobile, and artificial intelligence markets.