What’s New Today: TSMC's 7nm Chip Ban Hits China's AI Chip Industry Hard
Fast-Track Insights: ID Verification Firm Equal Secures $10M in First Institutional Raise
Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest tech headlines making waves today. From TSMC's 7nm Chip to EIL Recruitment 2024, let’s dive into the top tech stories of the day.
TSMC will cease shipping 7nm and below semiconductors to Chinese firms making AI chips and GPUs, aligning with US sanctions. This aims to restrict Huawei from accessing TSMC chips via intermediaries. The ban affects major Chinese AI firms like Alibaba’s T-Head and Baidu’s Kunlunxin. While TSMC can still supply chips for automotive and smartphone applications, Chinese firms face challenges as local foundries like SMIC struggle with 7nm yields and capacity. The Biden administration may tighten chip export rules further before Trump’s 2025 inauguration, especially as Huawei prepares to launch the Mate70 smartphone with the advanced Kirin 9100 chip.
Hyderabad-based identity verification startup Equal raised $10 million in its first institutional funding round, led by Prosus Ventures, Tomales Bay Capital, and founder Keshav Reddy. This round is valued Equal at $80 million. Founded in 2022 by Reddy and Rajeev Ranjan, Equal’s platform streamlines KYC processes and combats fraud for 350 clients, including TVS Credit and Upstox. Additional investors include Blume Ventures, DST Global, and Flipkart’s Binny Bansal. The funds will support scaling, partnerships, and developing a data-sharing framework. Equal is also exploring expansion into consumer services and plans to deepen regulatory involvement through licenses and strategic investments.
Engineers India Limited (EIL) has announced recruitment for 12 positions including Deputy Manager, Manager, and Junior Secretary. Salaries range from Rs. 29,000 to Rs. 2,20,000 per month depending on the role. The selection process involves interviews or skill tests, with the interview conducted in Delhi or via video conferencing. Applicants must be under 32 years of age for Deputy Manager and Junior Secretary, and under 36 for Manager, with age relaxations for certain categories. Interested candidates can apply online through EIL's official website before the deadline.
Quantum machine learning (QML) is rapidly emerging as a field that combines the power of quantum computing with the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI). As quantum computing advances, the possibilities for machine learning expand significantly. The fusion of quantum mechanics and AI promises breakthroughs that could revolutionize industries, from finance to pharmaceuticals. Quantum machine learning is on the brink of transforming the data science landscape by making computations faster, more efficient, and capable of handling complex datasets.
Bitcoin reached a record high as Republicans neared full control of the U.S. Congress, fueling investor optimism. The cryptocurrency surged in value, reflecting a broader market sentiment that expects economic and regulatory shifts with potential Republican dominance. This development follows increasing interest in digital assets, with Bitcoin benefiting from political and economic uncertainty. Analysts suggest that Republican control could lead to a more favourable regulatory environment for cryptocurrencies, further driving demand and investment. As a result, Bitcoin's price continues to rise, marking a significant milestone in its market trajectory amid shifting political dynamics in Washington.