Several key developments are shaping the AI landscape. Malaysia is implementing stricter trade controls on high-performance AI chips from the US, requiring companies to obtain permits and provide 30-day advance notice for exports. This move aims to prevent illegal trade and align with global trade laws. Meanwhile, in the US, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick indicated that Nvidia is permitted to sell its "fourth best" AI chip to China, a decision linked to trade talks and a desire to keep China reliant on American technology. On the innovation front, SIGMA AI and Trading Technologies are partnering to create an AI hub, with TT investing in SIGMA AI and appointing SIGMA's CEO, Andy Simpson, as Head of AI and Innovation at TT. This collaboration aims to integrate AI into TT's platform for faster and more secure trading solutions. In other news, Surge AI, a data labeling startup that trains AI models for companies like Google and OpenAI, has reached $1 billion in annual revenue without any venture capital funding. Tesla is set to integrate the Grok AI assistant into its vehicles, starting with AMD Ryzen-based infotainment systems, allowing users to interact with Grok via voice commands. Additionally, Pronto.ai is acquiring SafeAI to enhance its self-driving technology for off-road vehicles, aiming to offer a tiered technology portfolio. Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, has raised $2 billion for her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab, which plans to launch its first product soon, featuring an open-source component for researchers. Finally, C-Gen.AI has launched a platform designed to improve the efficiency of AI data centers by automating setup, scaling, and GPU resource management.
Key Takeaways
- Malaysia now requires trade permits for high-performance AI chips from the US, with a 30-day notification period for exports.
- Nvidia is allowed to sell its "fourth best" AI chip to China, according to the US Commerce Secretary, as part of a trade strategy.
- SIGMA AI and Trading Technologies are partnering to build an AI innovation hub, with TT investing in SIGMA AI.
- Surge AI, a data labeling startup, has reached $1 billion in annual revenue without venture capital funding.
- Elon Musk announced that the Grok AI assistant will be available in Tesla cars next week, initially on AMD Ryzen-based systems.
- Pronto.ai is acquiring SafeAI to enhance its self-driving technology for off-road vehicles.
- Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, has raised $2 billion for her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab.
- C-Gen.AI has launched a platform to improve AI data center efficiency through automated setup and GPU resource management.
- Embedded hardware is crucial for ensuring the security and reliability of AI systems in critical applications like defense and aerospace.
- Every Cure is using AI, specifically their MATRIX model, to identify new uses for existing drugs, potentially treating diseases with no current cures.
Malaysia requires permits for US-made AI chips amid trade tensions
Malaysia will now require trade permits for high-performance AI chips from the US. This is due to concerns about trade deficits and potential misuse of chips. The new rule requires companies to notify authorities 30 days before exporting or transferring US-made chips. Malaysia wants to ensure fair trade and prevent illegal activities involving these technologies. This decision follows pressure from the US to tighten regulations on semiconductor shipments to rival countries.
Malaysia mandates trade permits for US-origin AI chips
Malaysia now requires trade permits for AI chips coming from the United States. The new rule is effective immediately and applies to exports and transshipments. Companies must notify authorities 30 days in advance for items not on Malaysia's strategic list. This move aims to close regulatory gaps and prevent illegal trade activities. Malaysia is working to tighten rules on semiconductors under pressure from the United States.
Malaysia enforces stricter trade controls on US AI chips
Malaysia is now enforcing trade controls on AI chips that come from the United States. A trade permit is needed to export high-performance US AI chips. Companies must inform authorities 30 days in advance before exporting these chips. This action aims to close loopholes and follow global trade laws. Malaysia is taking a firm stance against illegal trade activities and export control breaches.
SIGMA AI partners with Trading Technologies for AI innovation
SIGMA AI and Trading Technologies (TT) are partnering to build an AI and innovation hub. Trading Technologies is investing in SIGMA AI to deepen their partnership. The hub will focus on adding AI to the TT platform and products. Andy Simpson, SIGMA AI's CEO, will also become Head of AI and Innovation at TT. The goal is to create faster, smarter, and more secure AI solutions for clients.
Trading Technologies invests in AI firm SIGMA AI
Trading Technologies (TT) is investing in SIGMA AI, a fintech company specializing in AI and real-time data. SIGMA AI will develop an AI and innovation hub for TT. The hub will integrate AI into TT's platform and services. Andy Simpson, SIGMA AI's CEO, will also become Head of AI and Innovation at TT. This partnership aims to create cutting-edge AI tools for global trading.
US Commerce Secretary says China gets Nvidia's fourth-best AI chip
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the US is allowing Nvidia to sell AI chips to China. However, China will only get Nvidia's "fourth best" chip. The US wants China to keep using American technology. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also supports selling chips to China. He believes it will prevent China from developing its own infrastructure.
Nvidia AI chip export easing linked to China trade deal
The US is easing restrictions on Nvidia's AI chip exports to China. This decision followed trade talks with China about rare earth elements. The US Commerce Secretary said China will receive Nvidia's "fourth best" chip. The goal is for Chinese AI developers to become reliant on American technology. A trade deal between the US and China was announced in June.
Embedded hardware powers trusted AI in critical systems
Embedded hardware is important for reliable AI in areas like defense and aerospace. It makes sure AI systems are secure and work well in real-world situations. This hardware helps AI systems resist cyber and physical threats. It also ensures data is kept safe and correct. Rugged hardware is key for AI to make trustworthy decisions in tough environments.
AI startup Surge AI reaches $1B in revenue without VC funding
Surge AI, a data labeling startup, has reached over $1 billion in annual revenue. The company did this without any outside investment. CEO Edwin Chen believes venture capital can slow down companies. Surge AI provides human contractors to train AI models for companies like Google and OpenAI. Venture capitalists are still interested in the AI industry despite Surge AI's success.
Elon Musk says Grok AI coming to Teslas next week
Elon Musk announced that the Grok AI assistant will be available in Tesla cars next week. The Grok user interface has been in the system since update 2025.20. Grok will initially work on AMD Ryzen-based infotainment systems. Users will be able to have conversations with Grok by clicking the voice button. Grok may eventually control vehicle functions.
Can AI find new uses for existing drugs to cure diseases?
David Fajgenbaum, a doctor who suffered from a rare disease, used his medical knowledge to find a drug that saved his life. This inspired him to co-found Every Cure, a nonprofit that uses AI to find new uses for existing drugs. Their AI model, called the MATRIX, looks at data about diseases, genes, and drugs. It then suggests new ways to use drugs that are already available. This could help treat many diseases that currently have no cure.
Pronto.ai buys SafeAI to boost self-driving tech for off-road vehicles
Pronto.ai, a self-driving startup, is buying SafeAI, a competitor in off-road autonomous vehicles. Pronto.ai develops self-driving systems for haulage trucks used in construction and mining. The acquisition will bring SafeAI's engineering team and technology to Pronto. This will help Pronto expand its services and customer base. Pronto plans to offer a tiered technology portfolio, including SafeAI's multi-sensor approach.
Ex-OpenAI CTO Mira Murati raises $2B for AI startup
Mira Murati, former CTO of OpenAI, has raised $2 billion for her new AI startup, Thinking Machines Lab. Murati was also interim CEO of OpenAI for a short time. Thinking Machines will announce its first product in the next few months. The company is building AI that interacts naturally with people. Their first product will include an open source part for researchers.
C-Gen.AI launches platform to improve AI data center efficiency
C-Gen.AI is launching a new platform to help data centers run AI more efficiently. The platform automates the setup and scaling of AI infrastructure. It uses AI to manage GPU resources and reduce waste. This helps companies save money and improve performance. The platform can also help cloud providers and large enterprises manage their AI infrastructure.
Sources
- Malaysia requires trade permits for US AI chips
- Malaysia says trade permit required for AI chips of U.S. origin
- Malaysia enforces trade controls on AI chips with US origin
- SIGMA AI Closes on Investment from Trading Technologies to Build TT AI and Innovation Hub
- Trading Technologies Invests in SIGMA AI
- Commerce Secretary Lutnick says China is only getting Nvidia’s ‘4th best’ AI chip
- Howard Lutnick says easing of Nvidia’s AI chip exports linked to China deal
- Embedded Hardware’s Role in a Trusted AI Ecosystem
- An AI Startup Bootstrapped Its Way to $1 Billion in Revenue. Should VCs Be Nervous?
- Musk confirms: Grok AI is coming to Teslas next week
- Can A.I. Find Cures for Untreatable Diseases—Using Drugs We Already Have?
- Exclusive: AV startup Pronto.ai acquires off-road autonomous vehicle rival SafeAI
- Former OpenAI CTO Mira Murati raises $2 billion for new AI startup Thinking Machines Lab
- C-Gen.AI's new GPU orchestration platform promises to boost AI data center efficiency