Microsoft Develops AI Chips, Meta's $14.2B Cloud Deal, and More! - Silicon Brief #38

Hi there,

In this edition of Silicon Brief, we're diving into the latest developments in AI chips and data centers. Microsoft is making waves by developing its own AI chips to reduce reliance on Nvidia and AMD, a move that could significantly impact the AI hardware landscape. Meanwhile, Meta is expanding its technological capabilities by acquiring chip startup Rivos, signaling a strong push towards enhancing its AI infrastructure.

On the data center front, 123NET is expanding its Southfield data center to better support AI operations, while Meta has signed a substantial $14.2 billion cloud deal with CoreWeave. These developments highlight the growing demand for robust data center solutions to support the increasing computational needs of AI technologies. Stay tuned as we explore these stories and more in this edition.

Gemtek Technology Company Ltd has introduced the OMDN-107 800Gbps DR Linear Pluggable Optics transceiver to enhance AI and cloud data center connectivity. Meanwhile, Fourier Cooling Solutions announced new prefabricated, containerized data center solutions for AI and HPC, focusing on rapid deployment and energy efficiency.

In recent developments, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman met with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung to explore AI and semiconductor partnerships, potentially involving Samsung and SK Group. Meanwhile, the US Department of Energy is seeking proposals for AI data centers at the Oak Ridge Reservation in Tennessee, with a submission deadline of December 1, 2025.

123NET has completed a major expansion of its Southfield DC1 Data Center in Michigan, enhancing its AI infrastructure with a 4-megawatt power increase and advanced colocation space. Meanwhile, Meta has entered into a $14.2 billion agreement with CoreWeave for cloud services, lasting until 2031, to bolster its computing infrastructure as it expands its cloud capabilities.

UST and Kaynes Semicon have announced a Rs 3,330 crore joint venture to boost semiconductor manufacturing in India, with plans to establish an OSAT facility in Gujarat. Meanwhile, Rebellions Inc., a South Korean AI chip startup, has raised $250 million in a Series C funding round, reaching a valuation of $1.4 billion to support the mass production of its Rebel-Quad AI accelerator and expansion into new markets.