Tech

Govini, an AI-driven defense tech startup, has surpassed $100 million in ARR, fueled by demand for innovative solutions in the defense industry. Backed by a $150 million investment from Bain Capital, Govini aims to expand its team and product suite, addressing escalating security demands. CEO Tara Murphy Dougherty emphasizes data-driven insights for optimized resource allocation, highlighting their AI-powered Ark software for modernizing the defense tech supply chain. Govini competes with both legacy defense giants and emerging disruptors amid rising global tensions.

Applied Digital (APLD) stock surged 16% after exceeding first-quarter revenue estimates, driven by high demand for AI data centers. Revenue reached $64.2 million, an 84% increase year-over-year. The company is expanding infrastructure, including its partnership with CoreWeave, adding 150 MW of capacity. Applied Digital secured funding for a second North Dakota campus, aiming for 600 MW total leased capacity by 2027. While revenue increased, the company reported a net loss of $18.5 million.

OpenAI’s updated Sora 2 AI video generation service is causing concern among content creators. This powerful tool, generating videos from text prompts, faces objections from Hollywood organizations and talent agencies regarding copyright infringement. Concerns center on unauthorized use of copyrighted material to train AI, potentially leading to derivative works. OpenAI is modifying Sora 2’s handling of sensitive content, but the technology’s capabilities raise fundamental questions about creativity and the future of creative professions. Sora 2 and similar technologies are poised to reshape content creation and consumption.

Rocket Lab’s stock surged over 20% this week, driven by new launch agreements, including deals with JAXA, iQPS, and Synspective. The stock is up nearly 50% in two weeks and has almost tripled year-to-date. These contracts highlight Rocket Lab’s growing role as a trusted launch provider, particularly for Japanese entities. Short covering may also be contributing to the rise. The broader space sector is experiencing renewed investor interest, benefiting companies like Rocket Lab.

Singapore is investigating AI computing firm Megaspeed, an Nvidia customer, for potentially helping Chinese companies evade U.S. export restrictions on advanced semiconductors. The U.S. Commerce Department is also reportedly investigating Megaspeed. These probes focus on Nvidia’s oversight of its AI chip sales to China. Concerns exist about loopholes in export controls, use of Southeast Asian data centers, and a black market for smuggled chips. Malaysia now requires permits for Nvidia chip exports. The case highlights the balance between economic interests, national security, and global competition.

Campus, an AI-driven community college platform backed by Sam Altman, appointed former Meta AI VP Jerome Pesenti as its technology chief and acquired Pesenti’s AI education platform, Sizzle AI. This acquisition accelerates Campus’s personalized learning initiative, integrating Sizzle AI’s content used by 1.7 million users. Campus aims to disrupt traditional community colleges by providing accessible, high-quality education, enhanced with AI and personalized support. The move signifies Campus’s commitment to leveraging AI and positions them as a leader in AI-driven education.

The UK’s CMA has designated Google with “strategic market status” for its search and advertising services after a nine-month investigation, granting the regulator new powers to potentially reshape Google’s operations. The CMA is concerned Google’s dominance may stifle competition and innovation, potentially requiring fairer search rankings and increased transparency. Google acknowledges the designation, but cautions against overly restrictive regulations that could hinder innovation and growth, especially in AI. The CMA’s move balances promoting competition and fostering an environment for investment, while Google emphasizes its contribution to the UK economy.