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MIT advances scalable quantum computing networks

MIT researchers have developed a breakthrough quantum interconnect device that could significantly advance quantum computing by enabling direct communication between multiple quantum processors.

Unlike point-to-point architectures, which suffer from compounded error rates, their new ‘all-to-all’ communication system allows superconducting quantum processors to exchange quantum information efficiently using microwave photons.

By successfully demonstrating remote entanglement between two quantum processors, the researchers have taken a crucial step toward building large-scale quantum computing networks.

Their method involves using superconducting wires to shuttle photons, allowing quantum processors to remain entangled even when physically separate. However, this advancement paves the way for scalable quantum computing with higher flexibility and reduced error rates.

To maximise efficiency, the team employed reinforcement learning algorithms to optimise photon absorption, achieving over 60% absorption efficiency—enough to confirm successful entanglement.

Future improvements may involve refining photon pathways and integrating modules in 3D to further enhance performance. The research, supported by multiple US agencies and AWS, brings quantum computing closer to practical, large-scale implementation.

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AI firm Cognite targets India as global tech hub

Cognite, the Saudi Aramco-backed industrial software company, has launched an AI services centre in Bengaluru as part of its global expansion strategy.

The firm, which specialises in optimising industrial operations, is seeking contracts with major Indian conglomerates and has already secured deals with a leading cement manufacturer and a major automotive firm.

While declining to name the companies, Cognite’s executives confirmed significant investments in the Indian market, with plans for further expansion.

Chief Executive Girish Rishi described India as a key growth destination, highlighting its appeal as an alternative to China for global tech firms.

Cognite’s parent company, Aker ASA, and major shareholders like Saudi Aramco have been supporting its global push, as AI-driven solutions increasingly play a role in industrial automation, safety, and efficiency.

The company, which recently relocated its headquarters to the US, counts AkerBP, Japanese refiner Cosmo Energy Holdings, and US-based Koch Chemical among its major clients.

India’s rapidly expanding technology sector has drawn interest from several global giants, including Apple, Tesla, and Jabil, following the Indian government’s incentives to attract international firms.

With AI transforming industries worldwide, Cognite’s move signals growing confidence in India’s capabilities as a major player in the global tech ecosystem.

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Data centre surge exposes vulnerabilities in the US grid

A recent incident in Data Center Alley, a region outside Washington DC housing over 200 data centres, exposed a new vulnerability in the US power grid.

Last summer, 60 data centres unexpectedly disconnected from the grid and switched to on-site generators, causing a surge in excess electricity. However, this triggered the need for grid operators to scale back power output to avoid cascading outages.

The disconnection event, caused by a failed surge protector, forced regulators to address the growing risk of power imbalances due to the rapid expansion of data centres, especially those involved in AI and crypto mining.

As these centres consume increasing amounts of energy, grid operators face new challenges in maintaining stability.

Federal regulators like the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) are now studying the impact of such events and the risks posed by unannounced data centre disconnections.

The power consumption of data centres has tripled over the last decade and is projected to continue rising, prompting calls for updated reliability standards.

Industry stakeholders, including major tech companies, have expressed concerns about the potential costs and risks of requiring data centres to remain connected during voltage fluctuations.

With the growing presence of large data users, grid operators face a tough balancing act to ensure power stability while accommodating the demands of the data centre industry.

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RFE/RL sues Trump administration over grant cuts

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), the US-funded news outlet established during the Cold War to reach people under Communist regimes, filed a lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s administration on Tuesday.

The lawsuit aims to block the termination of its federal grant, which was recently cut by the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM).

The cuts affect not only RFE/RL, which broadcasts to Eastern Europe, Russia, and Ukraine, but also Radio Free Asia, which serves China and North Korea.

The decision to cut funding has been widely criticized by press freedom advocates and human rights organizations. Additionally, over 1,300 employees of Voice of America were placed on leave after Trump ordered cuts across USAGM and several other federal agencies.

In its lawsuit, RFE/RL argued that terminating the grant violates federal laws, including the US Constitution, which grants Congress the exclusive authority over federal spending.

RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus called the move a dangerous step towards ceding influence to adversaries’ propaganda and censorship. The case was filed in US District Court for the District of Columbia.

While the Trump administration justified the cuts as part of its broader cost-reduction efforts, the action has drawn backlash from those who view it as an attack on free speech and independent journalism.

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Palmetto leverages AI to revolutionise home electrification across the US

Palmetto, known for its innovative approach to residential solar installations, is now focusing on the broader electrification of US homes using AI.

The company has developed an AI-powered tool that simulates digital twins of homes across the country, which will help determine how technologies like heat pumps and solar panels can be effectively deployed in individual homes.

By using public and private data, Palmetto’s AI can infer critical information about a home, such as insulation types and building materials, to optimise energy efficiency.

As the residential solar market slows, Palmetto has expanded its software to include electrification solutions beyond solar, including backup batteries and heat pumps.

The company has now made its tool available to external developers through an API, allowing them to create new applications that can speed up the electrification process.

Palmetto hopes that developers will build tools that can quickly address the demand for these technologies, which will be essential in the US effort to reduce carbon emissions.

The company’s AI system analyses over 60 characteristics of homes, including details like the construction year and materials used, to make accurate energy efficiency predictions.

However, this tool will also offer developers insights into the growing electrification market. With an API offering 500 free calls per month, Palmetto’s strategy allows for scalable growth while providing key data for the company’s future development.

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Samsung faces tough shareholder meeting over AI struggles

Samsung Electronics faces a challenging annual general meeting as shareholders express frustration over its failure to capitalise on the AI boom.

Despite being South Korea’s most valuable company, Samsung’s stock tumbled nearly a third last year, making it one of the worst-performing tech firms.

Executives, including Co-CEO Han Jong-hee, will address concerns over lagging innovation, competition in semiconductor technology, and strategies to counter US tariffs.

Internal discussions at Samsung have revealed concerns about losing its technological edge, particularly in high bandwidth memory (HBM) chips, where it trails rival SK Hynix.

Chairman Jay Y. Lee reportedly criticised the company for focusing on maintaining the status quo rather than driving major innovation.

A stagnation like this has contributed to Samsung losing market share to competitors like TSMC in chip manufacturing and Apple in smartphones.

Adding to its challenges, Samsung has warned of sluggish AI chip sales due to US export restrictions to China, its biggest market. This puts the company at greater risk from potential US tariffs on Chinese trade.

In an attempt to regain investor confidence, Samsung launched a $7.2 billion share buyback plan in November, which has helped its stock recover slightly. However, shareholders remain sceptical about its future growth strategy.

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Treasury eyes AI-driven future as IRS technology review begins

The US Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is pausing its technology modernisation efforts to evaluate the impact of AI on tax collection and operations, a senior official announced.

The review will include recent initiatives such as the Direct File system, which allows US taxpayers to submit returns for free. AI-driven advancements in customer service and data processing have raised questions about the agency’s long-term strategy.

As the Trump administration prepares for widespread staff reductions in federal agencies, a source familiar with IRS plans indicated that up to a quarter of the agency’s workforce could be cut.

The IRS has not confirmed specific numbers but acknowledged that changes in technology could lead to a realignment of staff. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has expressed confidence that AI will improve tax collection efficiency, though no official budget or workforce reduction targets have been set.

The pause reflects shifting priorities in IRS funding, which was originally bolstered by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. Republican lawmakers have pushed to reduce the agency’s modernisation budget, arguing that enhanced funding could lead to unnecessary audits.

Despite the pause, the IRS has assured taxpayers that the 2025 filing season will not be affected, with tax returns and refunds continuing as usual.

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Musk’s SpaceX challenges global barriers on Starlink service

SpaceX has called on the US government to address trade barriers that impact its global operations, particularly its Starlink satellite service.

The company claims it faces higher costs than foreign competitors due to import duties, regulatory fees, and the need to pay foreign governments for access to spectrum.

These challenges are seen as non-tariff trade barriers that inflate operating expenses and slow the rollout of its service in many countries.

Starlink, which operates in over 120 markets worldwide, has to navigate additional hurdles in some regions, including coordination with domestic satellite operators for spectrum sharing.

SpaceX has argued that such requirements are deliberately designed to protect local competitors, making it harder for the company to offer its lower-cost, high-quality services abroad.

The call for action comes amid wider discussions about trade barriers affecting American businesses. Companies like Tesla, also owned by Elon Musk, have warned of the risks posed by retaliatory tariffs resulting from trade tensions, particularly with countries like China, Canada, and the EU.

Musk has long been involved in efforts to streamline government regulations and advocate for freer trade policies.

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Infosys resolves cybersecurity lawsuits in the US

Indian IT services giant Infosys has settled lawsuits filed against its US subsidiary, Infosys McCamish Systems, for $17.5 million. The lawsuits stem from a cyber incident that occurred in November 2023, which resulted in the compromise of personal data. The company has agreed to pay the settlement into a fund that will resolve all claims related to the breach.

The breach, which involved unauthorised access and data exfiltration, affected up to 6.5 million individuals. Following the incident, Infosys McCamish in the US, in coordination with a third-party vendor, took steps to address the issue and limit the damage caused by the cyberattack.

This settlement marks a significant step for Infosys in resolving the ongoing legal issues stemming from the 2023 incident. The Indian company has worked to resolve the situation while continuing to bolster its cybersecurity measures to prevent future breaches.

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The role of AI in precision farming for wine production

AI is making its mark in the wine industry, with vineyards across California adopting cutting-edge technology to optimise crop production.

One notable example is Napa Valley farmer Tom Gamble, who has integrated an autonomous tractor equipped with AI sensors to map his vineyard.

These AI-powered machines gather data that allows farmers to make more informed decisions about water use, fertilizer application, and pest control, improving efficiency and sustainability.

AI’s influence extends beyond tractors. Companies like John Deere in the US have developed AI-driven technologies that help vineyard managers apply materials more precisely, reducing waste and environmental impact.

Smart irrigation systems, for example, can monitor water use and even shut off in case of leaks, making vineyards more water-efficient.

Despite concerns about the cost of adopting such technology, particularly for smaller, family-run vineyards, AI offers a way to streamline operations and adapt to changing environmental conditions.

While AI is enhancing wine production, it also aids in managing crop health and predicting yields. By analysing images and soil data, AI systems can detect early signs of disease or nutrient deficiencies, helping farmers take preventive action before issues escalate.

However, this technology allows vineyards to make smarter decisions, ultimately improving the quality and consistency of their wine production.

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