- TSMC: Announced additional $100 billion investment in Arizona to build four or more semiconductor fabs for 2nm and below technologies, plus advanced packaging facilities. Reported record Q2 2026 net profit of $22 billion (+77% YoY) and raised 2026 revenue growth forecast to slightly above 40%.
- Nvidia: Partnering with Kawasaki Heavy Industries to co-develop AI-powered robots for shipbuilding in Japan. CEO Jensen Huang stated AI growth is at the “beginning” despite tech market rout. Selling 27,500 Rubin AI chips to Noetra consortium (SoftBank, Sony, Fujitsu) for Japan’s AI model development.
- Samsung Electronics: Stock fell 8.8% as South Korea’s central bank raised interest rates for the first time in over 3 years, citing robust economic growth fueled by AI chip demand.
- Fujitsu: Collaborating with Nvidia on robotics development.
- SoftBank: Part of Noetra consortium purchasing 27,500 Nvidia AI chips for government-supported AI model development.
- Sony: Part of Noetra consortium with SoftBank for AI model development.
Automotive & Aerospace
- Tesla: Federal probe concluded driver pressed accelerator to full speed in fatal Texas crash, suggesting self-driving software was not to blame. Stock up 22% in past year despite flat/sales declines, as Musk focuses on hands-free vehicles and Optimus robots. Preparing to sell two-seated Cybercabs without steering wheels or pedals.
- SpaceX: Scheduled first Starship test flight since going public, aiming for 13th flight with upgrades to heat shield and engine relight tests. Flight window opens at 5:45 pm local time.
AI & Software
- Apple: China’s cyberspace regulator approved Apple Intelligence AI tool for use in China; Alibaba’s Qwen model will be integrated into Apple Intelligence.
- Anthropic: Study warns Claude chatbot may spread government restrictions on online speech, risking extension of illegitimate censorship globally.
- Microsoft: Cutting 4,800 jobs (2.1% of global workforce), including significant reductions at Xbox video game division.
Internet & Social Media
- ByteDance/TikTok: UK communications regulator Ofcom opened investigation into TikTok’s child safety measures, particularly its age verification model under the Online Safety Act. Google Search and Microsoft Bing to work with Ofcom on solutions.
- Alibaba Cloud: China approved Apple Intelligence AI tool; Alibaba’s Qwen model to be integrated.
E-commerce & Retail
- Amazon: Collapse of Amazon soy pact will drive at least 1.4 million hectares (3.5 million acres) of additional deforestation in Brazil by 2036, releasing CO2 equivalent to Canada’s annual emissions.
Other Technology
- Kawasaki Heavy Industries: Co-developing AI-powered robots with Nvidia for next-generation digital shipyards.
