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What’s New Today: Amazon's Trainium 2 Chip Could Challenge Nvidia's AI Dominance
Fast-Track Insights: Razorpay Launches Fund to Back Early-Stage B2B Startups
Here’s a quick rundown of the biggest tech headlines making waves today. From the Amazon's Trainium 2 Chip to Verizon Hiring CS Graduates, let’s dive into the top tech stories of the day.
Amazon is set to unveil Trainium 2, its next-gen AI chip developed by Annapurna Labs, aiming to reduce dependence on Nvidia and cut operational costs for Amazon and AWS clients. Expected next month, the chip is already being tested by firms like Anthropic. AWS custom chip initiative seeks to boost data center efficiency and provide a viable alternative to Nvidia's AI processors. To drive adoption, AWS will offer $110 million in credits to researchers using its cloud infrastructure and custom AI chips, aiming to demonstrate Trainium’s capabilities and support broader AI development within the research community.
Razorpay has launched the Razorpay Venture Investment Programme to fund early-stage B2B startups, targeting sectors like fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce. The Bengaluru-based fintech plans to invest $500,000 to $1 million in 10-15 companies annually, aiming to support at least 50 startups overall. Partnering with Peak XV Partners and Lightspeed for co-investments, Razorpay will also offer mentorship, guidance, and discounted products to these startups. Led by a three-member team under Vishnu Acharya, the program intends to evaluate companies with Razorpay's leadership making final investment decisions, with deal flow expected to start in the coming months.
Verizon is hiring a Principal Engineer – Software Development in Chennai, India, to lead AI-driven innovation, specifically in Generative AI. Responsibilities include designing scalable AI architectures, fostering a creative culture, prototyping, stakeholder engagement, and ensuring compliance with ethical AI standards. The role requires a bachelor’s degree and 6+ years of relevant experience, with expertise in machine learning, AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch), cloud platforms, and programming languages like Python and Java. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree, strong problem-solving skills, and experience in DevOps, cloud migration, and container technologies, along with an ability to lead cross-functional teams effectively.
The AI industry witnessed a wave of significant acquisitions in 2024, reflecting the strategic focus of tech giants on artificial intelligence as a growth driver. Major players like Nvidia, AMD, and Salesforce expanded their AI capabilities through acquisitions that strengthen their positions in the competitive AI landscape. Here’s a detailed look at some of the top AI acquisitions of 2024, highlighting the motivations, technologies, and potential impacts of these deals.
Crypto mania is reaching new heights due to a combination of factors driving increased interest and investment. Institutional adoption is rising as more companies integrate cryptocurrencies into their business models, further legitimizing digital assets. Additionally, innovations like decentralized finance (DeFi), non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and blockchain technology are fueling excitement. With inflation concerns and currency devaluation in traditional markets, many see crypto as a hedge and a store of value. The increasing accessibility of crypto platforms and growing media coverage also contribute to public awareness, creating a wave of retail investors eager to capitalize on the volatile market.
