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25 Apr 2026, 15:25
Why Tokyo Is the Most Important Tech Destination of 2026: AI, Robotics, and Resilience Converge at SusHi Tech
BitcoinWorld Why Tokyo Is the Most Important Tech Destination of 2026: AI, Robotics, and Resilience Converge at SusHi Tech Tokyo is solidifying its position as the most important tech destination of 2026. The SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 conference, running April 27–29 at Tokyo Big Sight, brings together four tightly defined technology domains: AI, robotics, resilience, and entertainment. Each domain features live demonstrations, dedicated exhibit floors, and sessions with the people building and funding these technologies globally. Bitcoin World is partnering with SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 as an official media partner. Our Startup Battlefield team will select one standout semifinalist from the SusHi Tech Challenge to advance to the Bitcoin World Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200. Why Tokyo Matters for Tech in 2026 Tokyo has long been a hub for innovation. However, the city is now taking a leadership role in shaping global tech trends. The SusHi Tech conference is not just another event. It is a focused platform where real-world applications take center stage. Unlike many conferences with vague themes, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 defines clear technology domains. Each domain has its own exhibit floor and dedicated sessions. This structure allows attendees to dive deep into specific areas without distraction. Furthermore, Tokyo’s position as a global city gives it unique advantages. It is home to some of the world’s largest tech companies. It also hosts a vibrant startup ecosystem. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government actively supports innovation through initiatives like G-NETS. This network connects 55 cities across five continents. They discuss common challenges, such as climate resilience and urban well-being. As a result, Tokyo is not just a destination for tech events. It is a model for how cities can integrate technology into their infrastructure. AI: Beyond the Hype, Into the Infrastructure The AI track at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 cuts through the noise. Sessions feature Howard Wright from Nvidia, Rob Chu from AWS, and Eric Benhamou from Benhamou Global Ventures. These experts examine where AI is genuinely deployed at scale. They also discuss the real risks involved. The focus is on infrastructure, not just hype. On the exhibit floor, AI-themed university startups pitch alongside global players. This mix of academia and industry creates a fertile ground for collaboration. Additionally, the AI Film Festival Japan takes place at Tokyo Innovation Base in Yurakucho. This partner event explores how artificial intelligence is reshaping culture in real time. Attendees can see AI-generated films and discuss their implications with creators. Moreover, the conference addresses the practical challenges of AI adoption. Topics include data privacy, model bias, and energy consumption. These are critical issues for businesses looking to implement AI responsibly. By focusing on infrastructure, SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 provides actionable insights for companies of all sizes. Robotics: Physical AI Has Arrived Robotics is a key pillar of the conference. The robots at SusHi Tech are not behind glass. They are on the floor and interactive. This hands-on approach allows attendees to see physical AI in action. Sessions feature Nissan, Isuzu, and Applied Intuition’s Qasar Younis. They examine how software-defined vehicles are reshaping transportation. Physical AI is not a future trend. It is happening now. The conference showcases robots that can perform complex tasks. These include warehouse logistics, healthcare assistance, and disaster response. For example, one exhibit demonstrates a robot that can navigate rubble to find survivors. Another shows a robotic arm that can assemble electronics with precision. Furthermore, the robotics track highlights the importance of collaboration between hardware and software. Companies like Nvidia provide the computing power for these systems. Meanwhile, startups develop the algorithms that make them intelligent. This ecosystem is crucial for advancing physical AI. Tokyo, with its strong manufacturing base, is an ideal location for this work. Resilience: The Cities That Survive What’s Coming Resilience is a critical theme at SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026. Eva Chen from Trend Micro and Noboru Nakatani from NEC tackle cyber defense. Top climate tech VCs from Breakthrough Energy and Cleantech Group examine where global investment is flowing. The stakes are made viscerally real through a VR disaster simulator and site-visit tours of Tokyo’s underground flood-control infrastructure. Climate change is increasing the frequency of natural disasters. Cities must adapt. Tokyo has invested heavily in resilience infrastructure. The underground flood-control system is a marvel of engineering. It can hold millions of cubic meters of water. This prevents flooding during typhoons and heavy rains. Attendees can tour this system and learn how it works. Cyber resilience is equally important. As cities become more connected, they become more vulnerable to attacks. Eva Chen discusses how Trend Micro protects critical infrastructure. Noboru Nakatani shares insights from NEC’s work on secure networks. These sessions provide practical advice for city planners and business leaders. Entertainment: Japan’s Cultural Engine Meets AI Japan’s entertainment industry is a global powerhouse. The conference features sessions with the CEOs of Production I.G, MAPPA, and CoMix Wave Films. They discuss what it takes for Tokyo to become the Hollywood of animation. On the floor, startups are using AI to translate manga globally. Others generate music from text prompts. Some bring Japanese IP to life as anime, delivered worldwide. AI is transforming the entertainment industry. It can automate tasks like in-betweening and coloring. This reduces production time and costs. However, it also raises questions about creativity and authorship. The conference explores these issues in depth. Attendees can see demos of AI tools that assist animators. They can also discuss the ethical implications with experts. Furthermore, the entertainment track highlights Japan’s unique cultural assets. Manga, anime, and video games are beloved worldwide. AI can help these industries reach new audiences. For example, AI-powered translation tools can make manga available in multiple languages instantly. This opens up new markets for Japanese creators. Remote Participation: Can’t Make It to Tokyo? You Can Still Be There Missing SusHi Tech Tokyo does not mean missing out. Remote participants get more than a livestream. On-site staff will walk the floor on your behalf. They carry a device that displays your face. This allows you to interact with attendees and exhibitors in real time. It is the closest thing to actually being there. This innovative approach to remote participation is a first for a major tech conference. It addresses the challenges of travel and accessibility. Not everyone can afford to fly to Tokyo. Some have visa issues. Others have health concerns. This system ensures that everyone can benefit from the conference. Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026: Your Next Opportunity Your next round. Your next hire. Your next breakout opportunity. Find it at Bitcoin World Disrupt 2026. This event brings together 10,000+ founders, investors, and tech leaders. They gather for three days of 250+ tactical sessions, powerful introductions, and market-defining innovation. Register now to save up to $410. The event takes place in San Francisco, CA, from October 13-15, 2026. Bitcoin World Disrupt is one of the most prestigious launchpads in tech. The Startup Battlefield 200 selects the most promising startups. They pitch to a panel of top investors. Past winners have gone on to become billion-dollar companies. This year, one semifinalist from the SusHi Tech Challenge will advance to the Startup Battlefield 200. This is a huge opportunity for startups in Tokyo. G-NETS Summit: A New Urban Future In conjunction with the startup event, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government hosts a meeting of leaders from 55 cities across five continents. They discuss the theme of “A New Urban Future Built on Climate and Disaster Resilience.” This summit is part of G-NETS (Global City Network for Sustainability). It has been organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government since 2022. The summit can be observed by general audiences on YouTube in real time and after the event. This summit is a key part of the conference. It shows that Tokyo is not just a tech hub. It is also a leader in urban sustainability. The discussions focus on practical solutions. These include green infrastructure, disaster preparedness, and citizen well-being. By sharing best practices, cities can learn from each other. Conclusion Tokyo is the most important tech destination of 2026. SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 brings together AI, robotics, resilience, and entertainment. Each domain has dedicated sessions and live demonstrations. The conference is backed by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and partners like Bitcoin World. Remote participation options ensure that everyone can benefit. Whether you are a founder, investor, or tech enthusiast, this is an event you cannot afford to miss. Register now to secure your spot. FAQs Q1: What is SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026? SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026 is a major tech conference held in Tokyo from April 27-29. It focuses on four domains: AI, robotics, resilience, and entertainment. The event features live demonstrations, sessions with industry leaders, and a startup competition. Q2: How can I participate remotely? Remote participants can have on-site staff walk the floor on their behalf. The staff carry a device that displays your face, allowing real-time interaction. You can also stream sessions online if you are a ticket holder. Q3: What is the Bitcoin World partnership? Bitcoin World is an official media partner for SusHi Tech Tokyo 2026. Our Startup Battlefield team will select one standout semifinalist from the SusHi Tech Challenge to advance to the Bitcoin World Disrupt Startup Battlefield 200. Q4: Who are the key speakers? Key speakers include Howard Wright from Nvidia, Rob Chu from AWS, Eric Benhamou from Benhamou Global Ventures, Eva Chen from Trend Micro, and Noboru Nakatani from NEC. CEOs from Production I.G, MAPPA, and CoMix Wave Films also participate. Q5: What is the G-NETS summit? G-NETS (Global City Network for Sustainability) is a summit organized by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. It brings together leaders from 55 cities to discuss climate and disaster resilience. The summit can be observed on YouTube. This post Why Tokyo Is the Most Important Tech Destination of 2026: AI, Robotics, and Resilience Converge at SusHi Tech first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
25 Apr 2026, 15:18
Chinese EVs dominate globally but hit a wall in the US
Beijing Auto Show 2026 is exhibiting more than 1400 Chinese cars. The goal is not limited to attracting customers at home but to reach over the shores while potential American buyers remain left out. BYD, China’s biggest EV name, grabbed headlines with a charging system it calls “flash” technology, capable of adding hundreds of kilometers of range within five minutes. To prove the point, the company set up a cage chilled to minus 30 degrees Celsius, showing the cars could charge even in brutal cold. Rival Xpeng went a different route, showing off its own in-house AI chip that drives its vehicles’ self-driving features and, the company says, will also power flying cars it plans to put into mass production by 2027. Other brands brought humanoid robots to the show floor to catch the eye of social media influencers filming live. The flash and spectacle mask a difficult reality back home: Chinese EV brands are stuck in a punishing price war. Most are losing money, and without government subsidies and tax relief, many would not survive. That pressure is pushing companies to load their cars with as much technology as possible to stand out. BYD and Geely have already teamed up with Chinese AI company DeepSeek, while others are working with Huawei and Alibaba. “There’s no longer a distinction between a technology company and a car company,” said Stephen Ma, Nissan Motor China’s chief, speaking to reporters at the show on Friday. Locked out of America but going viral anyway Abroad, the picture looks brighter for Chinese makers. Since the Iran war cut oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz and drove up fuel prices, demand for EVs has soared, as reported by Cryptopolitan previously. Chinese EV exports have jumped 140 percent compared with March last year. BYD executive vice president Stella Li told the BBC the company’s real problem now is keeping up with orders. “Our demand is much higher than what we can supply,” she said. The company has no plans to chase American buyers. “We survive and are successful without the US market today,” Li said. That is largely because the US market is shut to them. The Biden administration put a 100 percent tariff on Chinese EVs in 2024 and later banned Chinese vehicle software and hardware on security grounds. Ford this week denied a Wall Street Journal report that it had discussed a technology-sharing deal with Geely that might bring Chinese car technology to the US market. Yet despite being locked out, Chinese brands are building a strong following in America, largely through TikTok. Influencers with millions of followers have been showing off models that Americans cannot buy, and the videos are pulling in huge audiences. Car influencer Forrest Jones, who has 8.2 million followers, gave viewers a tour of the Zeekr 9X, calling it the “most powerful SUV on the planet.” The vehicle comes with massaging seats, dual touchscreens, a panoramic roof, and rear seats that fully recline with a heated leg rest, a footrest, a cooler, and a removable tablet, all for $83,000. On the more affordable end, influencer Alexandra Kozak raved in a January 2025 video about the BYD Seagull, a small hatchback listed at just $13,000, pointing to its 10-inch rotating touchscreen, wireless charger, and four airbags. “A great price-point that people deserve to have here,” she said. “Not cars starting at $30,000.” A study by Cox Automotive found that 38 percent of Americans said they would seriously consider buying a Chinese car if one were on offer. Australia is a different story Around 80 percent of EVs sold there are made in China, including Teslas built in Shanghai. EV sales rose at least 50 percent in March, with one in every seven cars sold being electric, a national record. BYD alone is expected to deliver 30,000 cars to Australia by June, which could make it the second best-selling brand in the country, behind Toyota, by year’s end, remarkable given it only started selling cars there in 2022. Energy Minister Chris Bowen says the EV shift is already saving 15 million liters of petrol a week and has helped achieve the first drop in transport emissions outside of COVID. Whether the current surge is a lasting shift or a fuel-crisis spike remains to be seen, but analysts are betting on the former. “When somebody switches to an EV, they tend not to switch back,” said Melbourne-based auto analyst Mike Costello. “Clearly the brands most ready to capitalise on that are the Chinese, because they’ve got the most products.” If you want a calmer entry point into DeFi crypto without the usual hype, start with this free video.
25 Apr 2026, 14:25
AI Agents Unlock the Next Wave in Crypto Payments, Says Base Developer
BitcoinWorld AI Agents Unlock the Next Wave in Crypto Payments, Says Base Developer AI agents are poised to transform the landscape of crypto payments, according to Jesse Pollak, a key developer for Coinbase’s Layer 1 blockchain, Base. This emerging trend, known as agentic payments, allows artificial intelligence to autonomously handle financial transactions for services such as data access, computing resources, and travel bookings. Pollak shared these insights in a recent report by CoinDesk, highlighting the growing integration of AI and blockchain technology. AI Agents and Agentic Payments: A New Frontier The concept of agentic payments marks a significant shift in how digital transactions occur. Instead of requiring human intervention for each payment, AI agents can now execute payments independently. This capability opens doors for automated subscriptions, real-time data purchases, and on-demand computing power. For example, an AI agent could automatically pay for cloud storage when it runs low, or book a flight based on pre-set preferences. Pollak emphasized that this trend will become a key driver in the crypto payments sector. According to Pollak, the x402 protocol is at the heart of this innovation. This open-source payment protocol is being co-developed by major industry players, including Coinbase, Microsoft, Google, and Mastercard. The protocol enables payments through simple API calls, making it easy for AI agents to integrate and execute transactions. This collaboration between tech giants signals strong industry support for agentic payments. The x402 Protocol: How It Works The x402 protocol simplifies the payment process for AI agents. It allows them to make API calls that trigger payments directly, without needing traditional banking or manual approval. This streamlined approach reduces friction and speeds up transactions. Pollak noted that to date, approximately $48 million in payments have been processed through the protocol. A staggering 95% of this volume occurs on the Base chain, underscoring the platform’s role in this ecosystem. Base, as Coinbase’s Layer 1 blockchain, provides a scalable and efficient environment for these transactions. Its integration with the x402 protocol demonstrates how blockchain technology can support AI-driven financial activities. The protocol’s open-source nature also encourages further development and adoption across various industries. Real-World Applications and Impacts Agentic payments have practical applications across multiple sectors. In data access, AI agents can pay for premium datasets on the fly, enabling real-time analytics and research. For computing resources, they can allocate funds for cloud processing power, optimizing costs and performance. Travel bookings become seamless, with AI handling itinerary changes and payments instantly. This technology also reduces human error and operational costs. By automating payment processes, businesses can focus on core activities while AI manages financial transactions. The x402 protocol’s simplicity—requiring only API calls—lowers the barrier for integration, making it accessible to startups and large enterprises alike. Industry Expert Perspectives Industry analysts view agentic payments as a natural evolution of both AI and crypto. Dr. Elena Martinez, a blockchain researcher at the University of Zurich, notes that ‘the combination of AI autonomy and blockchain transparency creates a trustless system for automated payments.’ She adds that the involvement of companies like Google and Mastercard lends credibility to the protocol. However, experts also caution about potential risks. Security concerns around AI decision-making and transaction errors remain. Pollak addressed this, stating that the protocol includes safeguards and audit trails. The collaborative development process ensures robust testing and updates. Timeline and Adoption The x402 protocol has been in development since early 2024. Its public launch in late 2024 saw initial adoption by tech firms. By early 2025, the $48 million in processed payments indicates growing traction. Pollak expects this number to rise as more AI agents integrate with the protocol. Base’s dominance in this volume highlights its strategic position. The chain’s low fees and high throughput make it ideal for microtransactions, which are common in agentic payments. Other blockchains may follow suit, but Base currently leads. Broader Implications for Crypto Payments The rise of AI agents in crypto payments could reshape the financial landscape. Traditional payment systems may need to adapt to compete with the speed and efficiency of agentic transactions. Banks and fintech companies are watching closely, as this trend could reduce reliance on intermediaries. Moreover, the protocol’s open-source nature promotes innovation. Developers can build on top of x402, creating specialized agents for various industries. This could lead to a new ecosystem of AI-driven financial services. Conclusion AI agents represent the next wave in crypto payments, as highlighted by Base developer Jesse Pollak. The x402 protocol, backed by major corporations, has already processed $48 million in payments, with 95% on Base. This technology enables autonomous transactions for data, computing, and travel, reducing costs and errors. As adoption grows, agentic payments could redefine how we interact with financial systems, making them faster and more efficient. The future of crypto payments is increasingly automated, and AI agents are leading the charge. FAQs Q1: What are AI agents in crypto payments? AI agents are autonomous software programs that can execute payments for services like data access or computing resources without human intervention, using protocols like x402. Q2: Who is Jesse Pollak? Jesse Pollak is a developer for Coinbase’s Layer 1 blockchain, Base, and a key advocate for agentic payments in the crypto space. Q3: What is the x402 protocol? The x402 protocol is an open-source payment protocol co-developed by Coinbase, Microsoft, Google, and Mastercard, enabling AI agents to make payments through simple API calls. Q4: How much volume has the x402 protocol processed? As of early 2025, the protocol has processed approximately $48 million in payments, with 95% occurring on the Base chain. Q5: What are the benefits of agentic payments? Agentic payments reduce human error, lower operational costs, and enable real-time, automated transactions for services like data access, computing, and travel bookings. This post AI Agents Unlock the Next Wave in Crypto Payments, Says Base Developer first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
24 Apr 2026, 23:39
Zcash (ZEC) Price Soars 5% to $360 Amid Bullish Sentiment
On April 24, Zcash (ZEC) price gained an upward momentum and soared above 5% on a daily chart amid the positive sentiment in the crypto market. The current price chart suggests that Zcash is following a classic bullish reversal pattern, which comes after breaking out from a long-term descending channel. One of the major factors behind the surge is the release of a major security patch in the zcashd version 6.12.0 software to fix a long-standing weak point in the legacy Sprout shielded pool. On Friday, Zcash (ZEC), one of the leading privacy coins, witnessed a spike of 5% on constant buying pressure, helping the cryptocurrency to soar above $360 in the last 24 hours. The surge in Zcash ZEC 5.17% is part of a larger recovery for the asset, as in the 30 days, Zcash has gained more than 55%. At the time of writing this, Zcash is currently trading at around $362 with a market capitalization of around $6.03 billion on a daily chart, according to CoinMarketCap . The daily trading volume has shot up by 21%, soaring above $622.08 million. This makes it among the top 20 most valuable digital assets in the world. Security Patch and Quantum Computing Fears Spark the Rally in Zcash (ZEC) A main reason behind this recent price surge is the release of a major security patch in the zcashd version 6.12.0 software. This update has fixed a long-standing weak point in the legacy Sprout shielded pool. According to experts, this weakness could have allowed bad actors to take money out of the system. By fixing this issue privately before any attack could happen, the development team has greatly increased investor confidence. They have also reduced the looming risk of cyber attacks on the protocol. A recent research paper from major technology groups about the future of quantum computing has triggered a shift of capital into assets with advanced cryptography. Investors are increasingly seeing the zero-knowledge proof architecture of Zcash as a structurally better model. They are comparing it to the standard elliptic curve schemes used by older blockchains. Zcash Price Gives Bullish Sign After Soaring Above MA According to the current price chart on TradingView, Zcash is now showing a classic bullish reversal pattern. This comes after breaking out from a long-term descending channel. This price recently claimed its 200-day moving average at $344. This is a major in the ZEC’s price chart. It generally shows the start of a sustained upward trend. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently revolving around 61, which suggests that the asset has strong bullish momentum without reaching the overbought limit of 70. This suggests that the cryptocurrency might see more upward movement. At the same time, Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is showing a positive histogram that is continuing to grow. The 20-day Exponential Moving Average at $299.80 is providing dynamic support. Right now, traders are watching the immediate resistance level at around $354. If it manages to break above this level, it could spark a short squeeze toward the $400 psychological target. The surge in the ZEC price comes after Bitcoin soared above $77,000 and managed to hold the position above this level. The Zcash Foundation has officially released its 2026 strategic roadmap, which is expected to move the network toward a consensus mechanism. Major progress is being made on the Zebra consensus node. This node is designed to improve network decentralization and reduce reliance on single software setups. Also Read: Spark Price Eyes $0.35 Support as Post-Rally Profit Booking Kicks In
24 Apr 2026, 21:05
Thinking Machines Lab Talent War: How Meta’s Loss Becomes AI Startup’s Gain
BitcoinWorld Thinking Machines Lab Talent War: How Meta’s Loss Becomes AI Startup’s Gain The AI industry is witnessing a dramatic talent shift. Thinking Machines Lab is aggressively hiring from Meta, turning the tables on a company that once tried to acquire it. This trend, highlighted by recent high-profile moves, signals a new phase in the battle for AI expertise. Thinking Machines Lab Gains Top Meta Researchers Weiyao Wang spent eight years at Meta. It was his first job out of college. He helped build multimodal perception systems. He also contributed to open-world segmentation projects, including SAM3D. His final day at Meta was last week. He has since joined Thinking Machines Lab (TML). Wang’s move comes as TML expands rapidly. The startup just signed a multibillion-dollar cloud deal with Google. This agreement gives TML access to Nvidia’s latest GB300 chips. It makes TML one of the first startups to run on that hardware. The deal was announced at Google Cloud Next on Tuesday. This partnership follows an earlier agreement with Nvidia. It puts TML in the same infrastructure tier as Anthropic and Meta. Meta reportedly held talks to acquire TML around this time last year. Since then, Meta has been picking off TML’s founders one by one. The Two-Way Talent Grab Intensifies The talent picture remains fluid. Wang and Kenneth Li are the latest examples. Li is a Harvard PhD who spent ten months at Meta. He joined TML this month. Business Insider reported last week that Meta poached seven of TML’s founding members. However, a review of recent hires shows TML is raiding Meta right back. Based on LinkedIn profiles, TML has hired more researchers from Meta than from any other single employer. This creates a fascinating dynamic in the AI talent war. Key Hires from Meta to Thinking Machines Lab Soumith Chintala – TML’s CTO, spent 11 years at Meta, co-founded PyTorch Piotr Dollár – 11-year Meta veteran, research director, co-authored Segment Anything Andrea Madotto – Research scientist in Meta’s FAIR division, joined TML in December James Sun – Software engineer with nearly nine years at Meta Weiyao Wang – Eight years at Meta, built multimodal perception systems Kenneth Li – Harvard PhD, spent ten months at Meta Beyond Meta: A Diverse Talent Pipeline TML has drawn talent from beyond Meta as well. Neal Wu is a three-time gold medalist at the International Olympiad in Informatics. He was a founding member of the buzzy coding startup Cognition. He joined TML early this year. Jeffrey Tao came via Waymo, Windsurf, and OpenAI. Muhammad Maaz previously held a research fellowship at Anthropic. Erik Wijmans arrived from Apple. Liliang Ren spent two and a half years on Microsoft’s AI Superintelligence team. He pre-trained OpenAI models for code before joining TML in March. The startup’s headcount now stands at around 140. This rapid growth reflects the company’s ambitious plans in the AI startup ecosystem. Financial Incentives Drive Talent Decisions Meta’s pay packages are well known. Seven figures, no strings attached. For researchers weighing their options, the calculus may be simple. Thinking Machines Lab is currently valued at $12 billion. That figure would have been unimaginable for a company at this stage in any previous tech cycle. TML has released just one product so far. However, compared with OpenAI and Anthropic’s record-breaking valuations, there is still significant financial upside. Reached Friday morning, a spokesperson for TML declined to comment for this story. The silence only adds to the intrigue surrounding the company’s rapid ascent. Industry Implications of the AI Talent War This talent transfer has broader implications for the AI industry. It shows that smaller, well-funded startups can compete with tech giants for top researchers. It also highlights the importance of infrastructure partnerships, like TML’s Google Cloud deal. The timing is critical. AI research is advancing rapidly. Companies need the best talent to stay competitive. The ability to attract researchers from Meta gives TML a significant advantage. Timeline of Key Events Date Event Late 2025 Soumith Chintala leaves Meta Early 2026 Chintala appointed CTO of TML December 2025 Andrea Madotto joins TML March 2026 Liliang Ren joins TML from Microsoft April 2026 Weiyao Wang and Kenneth Li join TML April 2026 Google Cloud Next announces TML partnership What This Means for the AI Landscape The talent war between Meta and TML is far from over. Both companies continue to recruit aggressively. The outcome will shape the development of AI technologies for years to come. For researchers, the choice often comes down to resources versus autonomy. Meta offers massive infrastructure and established teams. TML offers equity upside and potentially more influence over product direction. The infrastructure deal with Google gives TML resources that rival those of much larger companies. Access to Nvidia’s GB300 chips is a game-changer. It allows TML to train models at scale without relying on a big tech parent. Conclusion The AI talent war is reshaping the industry. Thinking Machines Lab is proving that a well-funded startup can compete with Meta for top researchers. The combination of financial incentives, infrastructure partnerships, and a compelling vision is attracting talent from across the AI ecosystem. As both companies continue to hire, the balance of power in AI research may shift. The coming months will reveal whether TML can translate its talent gains into product success. FAQs Q1: Why are Meta researchers leaving for Thinking Machines Lab? Researchers are attracted by TML’s $12 billion valuation, equity upside, and the opportunity to work on cutting-edge AI with significant autonomy. The startup’s Google Cloud partnership also provides access to top-tier infrastructure. Q2: How many Meta employees has Thinking Machines Lab hired? Based on LinkedIn profile reviews, TML has hired more researchers from Meta than from any other single employer. Key hires include Soumith Chintala, Piotr Dollár, and Weiyao Wang. Q3: What is Thinking Machines Lab’s valuation? TML is currently valued at $12 billion. This is significant for a company that has released only one product so far, but it reflects investor confidence in its AI capabilities and talent pool. Q4: What infrastructure does Thinking Machines Lab have access to? TML signed a multibillion-dollar cloud deal with Google, giving it access to Nvidia’s latest GB300 chips. This puts TML in the same infrastructure tier as Anthropic and Meta. Q5: Has Meta tried to acquire Thinking Machines Lab? Meta reportedly held talks to acquire TML around a year ago. Since then, Meta has been hiring TML’s founders, while TML has been recruiting Meta researchers in return. Q6: What is the headcount of Thinking Machines Lab? The startup’s headcount now stands at around 140 employees. This includes researchers from Meta, Google, Apple, Microsoft, OpenAI, and Anthropic. This post Thinking Machines Lab Talent War: How Meta’s Loss Becomes AI Startup’s Gain first appeared on BitcoinWorld .
24 Apr 2026, 20:40
China is preparing to block major tech firms from taking U.S. money without state approval
China is tightening the gate around its technology sector and making it harder for firms to take U.S. money. The new line from Beijing is: If a Chinese tech company wants funding that comes from America, it may now need state approval first. Bloomberg reported Friday that this policy is part of a wider reaction to Meta Platforms’ takeover of Manus. That deal was worth $2 billion earlier this year. After the December announcement, Beijing opened an investigation into possible illegal foreign investment and the export of technology. Beijing tightens control over U.S. money entering China tech Several state bodies have spent the past few weeks telling private firms to turn down capital from the U.S. unless officials clearly approve it first. One of the main agencies involved is the National Development and Reform Commission, a powerful planning body with broad influence over policy. The message has already reached companies such as Moonshot AI, which is considering an IPO, and StepFun, another startup working in AI. The same kind of limit is also being applied to ByteDance Ltd. The Beijing company owns TikTok and is still the most valuable startup in the country. It also runs one of China’s best-known AI chatbots. Regulators do not want ByteDance to allow secondary share sales to American investors unless the government signs off on it. Beijing simply wants to stop U.S. investors from picking up stakes in sectors it sees as sensitive and tied to national security. The Manus deal pushed that fear into the open. It also put the National Development and Reform Commission at the center of a broader investigation. That review now involves several agencies, including China’s Ministry of Commerce. This could leave China’s tech sector even more cut off from the kind of venture money that helped build it over the last 20 years. A lot of that backing came from American pensions and endowments. The funding pipeline mattered for growth, hiring, product development, and overseas expansion. Now the state is putting more barriers in front of it. The pressure does not stop there. Beijing has also restricted red chips, which are Chinese firms set up overseas, from seeking listings in Hong Kong. That matters because the red-chip route helped Chinese companies raise foreign money for years by going public outside the mainland. That old playbook now looks far less reliable. Foreign carmakers rush into China with new software and electric models While Beijing is shutting some doors in tech finance, foreign car brands are trying to win ground in China by pushing harder on software, electric cars, and driver-assist systems. The timing is not random. Carmakers from the U.S., South Korea, and Germany rolled out fresh plans around the Beijing auto show, which opened on Friday, as they try to fight weak sales in the biggest auto market on earth. General Motors is trying to rebuild Cadillac’s position in China. Will Stacy, vice president of Cadillac China at GM, said, “We have plans to really build this brand and return [to] where we used to be in terms of volume and [market] share.” On Wednesday, Cadillac unveiled its first model for China with driver-assist features. The vehicle is the three-row VISTIQ, a luxury electric SUV priced at 468,000 yuan, or about $68,000, and 508,800 yuan for a higher trim. The VISTIQ can handle highways, city roads, and self-parking through advanced driving support software. That system was developed with Momenta, a Chinese startup focused on autonomous driving. The partnership shows how foreign brands still need local tech ties if they want to stay relevant in China. Hyundai also made its move on Friday by formally launching its all-electric IONIQ brand in China. The Korean company is treating this as its biggest local expansion plan so far. Volkswagen is doing the same on a large scale. On Tuesday, the German automaker said it will start adding AI-powered voice control to cars in China in the second half of the year. Thomas Ulbrich, Volkswagen China CTO, said, “The car should be like a companion.” He also said the company’s in-car AI agent will use technology from Tencent, Alibaba, and Baidu to build a tool with “personality” that can predict what drivers need. Volkswagen also showed four vehicles in Beijing on Tuesday, including the ID. UNYX 09, which it developed with Xpeng in just two years. Your keys, your card. Spend without giving up custody and earn 8%+ yield on your balance with Ether.fi Cash.
