Verizon and Google Partner for $1 Billion AI Infrastructure - Silicon Brief #81

August 03, 2026 - Silicon Brief
Hi there,

In this edition of Silicon Brief, we're diving into some significant developments in the world of AI chips and data centers. Galaxy Digital has made a strategic move by acquiring 500 acres in McGregor, Texas, to build a new AI and high-performance computing data center. This marks their second major facility in the state, highlighting their commitment to expanding their infrastructure capabilities.

Meanwhile, Newforma has partnered with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in a seven-year agreement aimed at advancing AI capabilities and cloud adoption within the AECO industry. This collaboration focuses on modernizing Newforma's platform with enhanced scalability and security. Additionally, Korea's partnership with AMD aims to bolster its AI semiconductor ecosystem, including the establishment of a research center. These stories reflect the ongoing evolution and investment in AI technology and infrastructure across the globe.
Verizon and Google Partner for $1 Billion AI Infrastructure
Verizon has announced a $1 billion deal with Google to enhance its AI infrastructure by connecting data centers and edge premises. This partnership aims to meet the growing demand for AI connectivity. Read more
Galaxy Digital Acquires Land for AI Data Center in Texas
Galaxy Digital has purchased 500 acres in McGregor, Texas, to establish a new AI and high-performance computing data center. This initiative follows their previous Helios campus and aims to boost local employment and tax revenue while utilizing water-efficient cooling systems. Read more
AWS and Newforma Partner for AI and Cloud in AECO Industry
Newforma has signed a seven-year agreement with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to enhance AI capabilities and cloud adoption in the architecture, engineering, construction, and owner (AECO) industry. The partnership focuses on modernizing Newforma's platform with improved scalability, security, and FedRAMP compliance. Read more
Korea Partners with AMD for AI Chip Development
Korea has entered into a partnership with AMD to boost its AI semiconductor ecosystem, including setting up a research center and supporting local entities. Read more
Recursive Superintelligence Signs $410M Deal with AWS
On July 28, 2026, Recursive Superintelligence announced a $410 million agreement with Amazon Web Services to enhance its AI research capabilities and infrastructure. Read more
METLEN Signs Gallium Supply Deal for AI Infrastructure
METLEN has entered a long-term agreement to acquire 25% of annual gallium production from its upcoming Greek plant, enhancing Europe's AI supply chain. Read more
U.S. Department of Energy Plans $100 Billion AI Data Center in Kentucky
The U.S. Department of Energy has announced a $100 billion investment to build an AI data center at the former Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Kentucky, creating thousands of jobs and improving local energy infrastructure. Read more
Meta Reports Q2 2026 Financial Results, Highlights AI Impact
Meta Platforms, Inc. announced its Q2 2026 financial results, showing a 28% revenue increase attributed to AI's role in business growth, despite a decrease in net income and operating margin. Read more
Xsight Labs Secures $300M for AI and Cloud Networking
Xsight Labs has raised over $300 million, reaching a valuation of $2.8 billion, to advance its AI and cloud networking technologies. Read more
SiEngine Technology Raises $200 Million for AI Automotive Semiconductors
SiEngine Technology Co., Ltd., incubated by ECARX Holdings Inc., has secured $200 million in funding to boost its AI-driven automotive semiconductor innovations. Read more
Leidos and CoreWeave Partner for AI Cloud Services
The collaboration between Leidos and CoreWeave focuses on providing secure AI cloud services for U.S. national security, enhancing capabilities for defense and intelligence missions. Read more
PJM Plans Temporary Power Cuts for Data Centers
PJM Interconnection, the largest U.S. grid operator, will implement temporary power cuts for data centers during shortages starting June 2027, following a failed auction to secure more generating capacity. Read more
Orange and Morrison Announce Data Centre Joint Venture in France
Orange and Morrison plan a joint venture to establish a data centre company in France, aiming to expand capacity to 400 MW with a €3 billion investment to meet AI and cloud service demands. Read more
Frore Systems Publishes White Paper on AI Factory Efficiency
Frore Systems has released a white paper discussing how inadequate thermal management can significantly reduce compute power in AI factories, stressing the need for optimized Thermal Stack for better efficiency. Read more
Eolian Starts Construction on Ohio Battery Storage Project
Eolian has initiated the Flint Grid project in Ohio, a significant battery energy storage system aimed at supporting AI data center electricity needs. Read more
CleanCore and Cerebras Sign 10-Year AI Colocation Deal
CleanCore Solutions has entered a 10-year agreement with Cerebras Systems for AI colocation services at a Minnesota data center, with an expected contract value of $800 million. Read more
Equinix Q2 2026 Results Show Revenue and Income Growth
Equinix reports a 16% increase in revenue and a 35% rise in operating income for Q2 2026, driven by strong AI infrastructure demand. Read more
Cloud Capital Completes $520 Million ABS Issuance
On July 29, 2026, Cloud Capital announced the successful closing of a $520 million asset-backed securities issuance, marking the first data center ABS issuance to receive Triple-A ratings from three independent agencies. Read more
Extropic Secures $75 Million from U.S. Department of Commerce
Extropic has signed a letter of intent with the U.S. Department of Commerce for up to $75 million in funding to develop Thermodynamic Sampling Units, a new semiconductor for AI workloads. Read more

We hope you enjoyed this article.

Consider subscribing to one of our newsletters like Silicon Brief or Daily AI Brief.

Also, consider following us on social media:

Subscribe to Silicon Brief

Weekly coverage of AI hardware developments including chips, GPUs, cloud platforms, and data center technology.