TSMC's 3-Nanometre Chips, Nvidia's $2B Move, and SpaceX's Orbital Data Centers - Silicon Brief #63
April 07, 2026 -
Silicon Brief
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In this edition of Silicon Brief, we're diving into the latest developments in AI chips and data centers. TSMC is making headlines with its ambitious plan to start 3-nanometre chip production in Japan by 2028, marking a significant investment in the region. Meanwhile, Nvidia has committed $2 billion to Marvell Technology to enhance their collaboration on AI chips, combining Marvell's designs with Nvidia's networking gear and processors.
On the data center front, major players like Microsoft, Google, and Meta are investing in natural gas power plants to support their energy needs, sparking discussions about environmental impacts. Additionally, SpaceX is planning to develop orbital data centers, a move that comes alongside its recent IPO filing. These stories and more highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology and infrastructure.
In this edition of Silicon Brief, we're diving into the latest developments in AI chips and data centers. TSMC is making headlines with its ambitious plan to start 3-nanometre chip production in Japan by 2028, marking a significant investment in the region. Meanwhile, Nvidia has committed $2 billion to Marvell Technology to enhance their collaboration on AI chips, combining Marvell's designs with Nvidia's networking gear and processors.
On the data center front, major players like Microsoft, Google, and Meta are investing in natural gas power plants to support their energy needs, sparking discussions about environmental impacts. Additionally, SpaceX is planning to develop orbital data centers, a move that comes alongside its recent IPO filing. These stories and more highlight the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of AI technology and infrastructure.
TSMC to Launch 3-Nanometre Chip Production in Japan by 2028
TSMC has announced plans to start mass production of 3-nanometre chips at its second factory in Japan by 2028. The new facility will be located in Kumamoto prefecture and will have a significant production capacity. Read more
Nvidia Invests $2 Billion in Marvell Technology
Nvidia has invested $2 billion in Marvell Technology to enhance collaboration on AI chips, utilizing Nvidia's networking gear and processors to improve AI systems in data centers. Read more
EvoChip.ai Reveals AltiCoreAI for Faster AI Inference
EvoChip.ai has introduced its AltiCoreAI technology, claiming it achieves 13 to 41 times faster AI inference performance compared to optimized neural networks on standard CPU hardware. The technology is set for commercial release in April 2026. Read more
Hyperscale Data Gains $26.6M from Settlement
Hyperscale Data has secured $26.6 million from a litigation settlement, boosting its liquidity for AI operations. The funds will be recognized as revenue in early 2026. Read more
Singapore Charges Jenny Lim with Fraud Involving AI Chips
Jenny Lim has been charged in Singapore for fraudulently misleading Dell Technologies about the end-user of servers, potentially containing Nvidia chips, which were sent to Malaysia. This follows a U.S. export ban on high-end Nvidia chips to China. Read more
IBM and Arm Collaborate on AI Enterprise Infrastructure
On April 2, 2026, IBM and Arm announced a partnership to develop dual-architecture hardware for AI and data-intensive enterprise workloads. Read more
Tech Giants Invest in Natural Gas for Data Centers
Microsoft, Google, and Meta are investing in natural gas plants in the southern U.S. to support the energy needs of their data centers, raising concerns about resource shortages and environmental impact. Read more
Mixed Opinions on Data Centers in Polls
A Harvard/MIT poll shows 40% support for neighborhood data centers, while a Quinnipiac University survey finds 65% opposition, citing concerns over electricity costs and job opportunities. Read more
DeepSeek's V4 Model to Use Huawei Chips
China's DeepSeek plans to launch its V4 AI model, which will operate on Huawei chips. Major Chinese tech firms have reportedly placed large orders for these chips. Read more
SpaceX Plans for Orbital Data Centers Amid IPO Valuation
SpaceX has filed for an IPO with a valuation of $1.75 trillion, aiming to raise $75 billion. The company is exploring orbital data centers as part of its future strategy. Read more
Phantom Space Acquires Thermal Management Technologies
Phantom Space Corporation has acquired Thermal Management Technologies, LLC to enhance the development of its Phantom Cloud orbital data center. This move aims to improve thermal management for high-performance satellites. Read more
Nscale and Fortum to Build AI Data Center in Finland
Nscale is partnering with Fortum to construct a data center in Harjavalta, Finland, aiming to boost electrification in the Nordics and benefit the local economy. Read more
Xcel Energy Proposes Tariff for Data Centers in Colorado
Xcel Energy has proposed a new tariff for large-load data centers in Colorado to manage electricity demand and prevent additional charges to smaller customers. The proposal awaits approval from the Colorado Public Utilities Commission. Read more
Unidata and Azimut Launch AI Data Center in Rome
Italian companies Unidata and Azimut Libera Impressa have partnered to develop a 20MW data center in Rome, named UniCenter, with a €57 million investment. Read more
Cognichip Secures $60 Million for AI Chip Design
Cognichip, a startup focused on AI-driven chip design, has raised $60 million in funding led by Seligman Ventures. The company aims to significantly reduce chip development costs and timelines. Read more
Microsoft, Chevron, and Engine No. 1 Plan $7 Billion AI Power Plant
Microsoft, Chevron, and Engine No. 1 have agreed on a $7 billion project for a natural gas power plant in Texas to support AI data centers. The plant is expected to produce 2,500 megawatts of electricity, though final terms are pending. Read more
Rebellions Secures $400 Million in Pre-IPO Funding
South Korean AI chip startup Rebellions has raised $400 million in a pre-IPO funding round, valuing the company at $2.3 billion. The funds will aid its expansion into international markets and support new product launches. Read more
Tata Communications Launches IZO™ Data Centre Connectivity
Tata Communications has launched IZO™ Data Centre Dynamic Connectivity, a network designed to enhance global data center connectivity and resilience. The platform aims to maintain high service availability and reduce operational costs in the AI-driven digital economy. Read more
Starcloud Secures $170 Million for Space Data Centers
Starcloud has raised $170 million in a Series A funding round to develop space-based data centers, with plans to launch its first spacecraft using SpaceX's Starship. Read more
Microsoft's $1 Billion Investment in Thailand
The Thai government has revealed that Microsoft plans to invest $1 billion in Thailand, targeting cloud services and AI infrastructure to boost digital skills and support AI initiatives. Read more
Nebius Group Plans $10 Billion AI Data Centre in Finland
Nebius Group is planning to construct a 310-megawatt data centre in Lappeenranta, Finland, valued at over $10 billion, to support AI applications as part of its European expansion. Read more
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