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Safe Superintelligence (SSI), the ambitious artificial intelligence startup co-founded by former OpenAI chief scientist Ilya Sutskever, has secured $6 billion in fresh funding, propelling its valuation to an impressive $32 billion. This represents a sixfold surge in value compared to its previous funding round, according to a report.

SSI Attracts Major Backers Without a Product Launch

Despite not having a publicly released product, SSI has managed to captivate major investors such as Google and Nvidia. The startup, launched in 2023 by Sutskever alongside Apple AI veteran Daniel Gross and AI researcher Daniel Levy, remains secretive about its development efforts but is reportedly working on “unique ways” to build and scale AI models.

Sources familiar with the matter suggest that even the company’s backers have been kept largely in the dark, a move that has only intensified curiosity surrounding SSI’s approach to safe superintelligence.

A Different Approach from OpenAI

SSI differentiates itself by focusing exclusively on building a safe version of artificial superintelligence, steering clear of commercial pressures. This contrasts with OpenAI’s trajectory, which blends research with real-world product rollouts like ChatGPT.

Sutskever, who was involved in a failed attempt to remove OpenAI CEO Sam Altman in 2023, left the organization shortly thereafter on seemingly amicable terms. His vision for SSI is to climb a new technological “mountain,” hinting at a path distinct from his former projects.

Raising the Stakes in the AI Arms Race

The massive funding round underscores the relentless investor enthusiasm in the AI sector, despite increasing scrutiny around its ethical implications and feasibility. Critics argue that while narrow AI has made significant progress, the leap to safe, human-surpassing intelligence remains elusive and riddled with safety concerns.

Nonetheless, SSI’s valuation spike signals strong confidence in its long-term potential, even as it keeps its strategies under wraps.

Safe Superintelligence’s staggering $32 billion valuation proves that the race to develop superintelligent AI is accelerating, with major tech players like Google and Nvidia betting big on startups with visionary leadership. While the road to safe and general AI remains uncertain, SSI’s rise highlights how investor optimism and bold ideas continue to shape the future of artificial intelligence.

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In a major breakthrough for clean tech and sustainable innovation, Ukrainian startup SorbiForce has introduced what it claims is the world’s first fully circular and sustainable battery, built entirely from carbon, salt, water, and agricultural waste. The solution presents a safer, eco-friendlier alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries, which often come with toxic byproducts, fire hazards, and disposal challenges.

Reimagining Energy Storage with Simplicity and Safety

SorbiForce’s new battery tech sidesteps chemical reactions in favor of three physical processes that transport electrons through an ultraporous carbon layer. Both the anode and cathode are carbon-based, making the battery entirely metal-free and nonflammable.

“What’s really interesting about our technology is that the ultraporous carbon materials actually get better as they age,” said Kevin Drolet, CMO of SorbiForce. “The battery life could be up to 30 years as long as you can add more water.”

Waste-to-Value: A Circular Approach

The company’s mission is rooted in the idea of transforming waste into value. With over 95% of each battery recyclable or biodegradable, SorbiForce’s solution creates a closed-loop energy storage system—a stark contrast to the growing issue of lithium-ion waste.

Notably, the battery is so stable that, as Drolet explains, “you can cut one of SorbiForce’s cells in half and still keep the lights on”—with no risk of explosion or toxic leaching.

Scaling Up for U.S. Production

Following its acceptance into the University of Arizona Center for Innovation through the U.S. Department of State’s GIST program, SorbiForce has established a U.S. presence. It’s currently preparing pilot battery projects (60–150 kWh) for deployment in late 2025 and is seeking $5 million in seed funding.

“Compared to lithium-ion, our capex is much lower,” Drolet noted. “Our materials—salt, carbon, water—are abundant here in the U.S., lowering the cost barrier for domestic production.”

Positioning for a Safer, Smarter Battery Future

With more than 6,000 charge cycles, modular scalability, and zero risk of fire or explosion, SorbiForce batteries could become a go-to solution for residential, commercial, and off-grid energy storage. As the push for localized, safe, and sustainable energy grows, the startup is well-positioned to lead the charge—literally.

SorbiForce’s innovation signals a potential paradigm shift in the energy storage industry—one where batteries are safe, sustainable, scalable, and circular. As the startup gears up for pilot deployment and fundraising, it reflects a broader movement toward technologies that don’t just store energy—but do it responsibly.

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In a bold move to offset its rising emissions, Microsoft has signed a 12-year agreement with CO280, a Vancouver-based startup, to capture and store carbon emissions from a U.S. pulp and paper mill. The deal will see Microsoft finance the removal of 3.685 million metric tons of carbon dioxide, one of the largest carbon removal commitments to date in the tech industry.

A Strategic Push Toward Carbon Negativity

While Microsoft aims to become carbon negative by 2030, its emissions have continued to climb due to the high energy demands of artificial intelligence and the expansion of data centers. The agreement with CO280 is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy to counterbalance those emissions through scalable, high-impact carbon capture technologies.

Brian Marrs, Microsoft’s senior director of energy and carbon removal, emphasized the importance of integrating carbon removal into existing industries:

“The CO280 strategy of adding carbon removal to existing paper mills is an efficient way to quickly scale carbon removal and bolster investment and jobs in timberland communities across the United States.”

How It Works: Retrofitting with Carbon Capture

The project involves retrofitting a pulp and paper mill with carbon capture technology developed by SLB Capturi, which will extract carbon dioxide from the mill’s boiler emissions. Once captured, the carbon will be permanently stored underground in geological formations, ensuring long-term climate benefits.

Though the exact location and financial details of the deal remain undisclosed, the scale of the agreement positions it as a transformative step in industrial decarbonization.

CO280’s Role in Scaling Carbon Removal

CO280 specializes in large-scale carbon removal infrastructure, with over 10 active projects and plans to complete at least half by 2030. This deal with Microsoft marks a significant milestone in its mission to integrate carbon capture into traditional industrial operations.

Jonathan Rhone, CO280’s co-founder and CEO, hailed the agreement as pivotal:

“The agreement with Microsoft is a significant milestone for CO280 and the carbon dioxide removal market.”

Microsoft’s Growing Carbon Removal Portfolio

Microsoft has rapidly emerged as a global leader in carbon removal investments. In 2023, the company purchased 80% of the world’s high-durability carbon removal credits, totaling 5 million metric tons. It has funded various U.S. and international projects, including

  • Ebb Carbon for removing 350,000 metric tons of CO₂ from seawater.
  • Occidental Petroleum subsidiary for capturing 500,000 metric tons in Texas.
  • Partnerships in Norway and Denmark to remove over 4.3 million metric tons.

Additionally, Microsoft has been working with Carbon Direct to establish science-based standards for verifying marine-based carbon dioxide removal, signaling its commitment to credible and impactful climate solutions.

As pressure mounts on tech companies to align with climate goals, Microsoft’s latest move with CO280 could become a model for future industry collaborations. By targeting high-emission industrial sectors like pulp and paper and combining them with cutting-edge capture technology, Microsoft is not just offsetting emissions—it’s reshaping the path to a more sustainable industrial future.

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Gold prices soared to record highs, surpassing the key $3,200 mark on Friday as mounting economic uncertainty, a weakening U.S. dollar, and escalating trade tensions reignited demand for safe-haven assets.

Gold Prices Hit Historic Levels

  • Spot gold jumped over 1% to $3,214.92/oz by 0801 GMT, after reaching an all-time high of $3,219.84/oz earlier in the session.
  • U.S. gold futures rose nearly 2% to $3,233.80/oz.
  • Gold is now up more than 5% this week and 21% year-to-date, continuing its powerful rally.

Why the Surge? Economic Worries & Trade Turmoil

According to Alexander Zumpfe, a precious metals trader at Heraeus Metals Germany:

“Recession risks are mounting, bond yields are soaring, and the U.S. dollar continues to weaken – all factors reinforcing gold’s role as a crisis hedge and inflation shield.”

Adding to investor anxiety, U.S. President Donald Trump intensified tariffs on Chinese goods despite briefly pausing reciprocal tariffs on other nations. The ongoing trade war and unpredictable policy shifts have spooked markets and heightened global economic risk.

Dollar Weakness Adds Fuel to Gold Rally

The U.S. dollar index fell to a decade low, making dollar-denominated gold more attractive to foreign buyers. Meanwhile, global equities slipped, reflecting broader investor unease.

The drop in U.S. consumer prices in March and anticipation of lower producer price data added to speculation that the Federal Reserve may resume rate cuts, with traders betting on a full 1% reduction by the end of 2025.

Gold May Climb Even Higher

Analysts see more room for upside. UBS analyst Giovanni Staunovo said:

“We believe gold has further to run — in the upside case, we target USD 3,400–3,500/oz over the months ahead.”

Supportive factors include:

  • Rising central bank demand
  • Increased flows into gold-backed ETFs
  • Ongoing macro uncertainty

Other Precious Metals Also Gain

  • Silver rose 0.4% to $31.31/oz
  • Platinum climbed 0.7% to $944.35/oz
  • Palladium surged 1.9% to $925.43/oz

As global financial stress intensifies, investors are seeking safety in gold. With central banks possibly shifting toward rate cuts and continued geopolitical instability, gold’s momentum looks set to continue — possibly breaking into new territory beyond $3,400/oz in the near term.

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Walmart is proving its resilience once again — this time by seizing opportunity amid global trade upheaval. As the U.S. imposes sweeping new tariffs under President Donald Trump’s latest trade policy, Walmart is adapting its strategy to remain competitive and potentially expand its market share.

On Wednesday, Walmart announced it would pull its financial guidance for the current quarter due to uncertainty surrounding the impact of 10% tariffs on goods from countries like China, Vietnam, and others. China, notably, will face even steeper tariffs, with rates jumping to 125%.

Despite this unpredictability, Walmart remains confident. The retail giant reaffirmed its full-year profit and revenue outlook, expecting annual sales to grow by up to 4%.

The reason for the cautious near-term guidance? Flexibility. Walmart’s Chief Financial Officer, John David Rainey, explained the company is leaving room to invest in price reductions to stay competitive as tariffs take effect. “We see opportunities to accelerate share gains while maintaining flexibility to invest in price,” he said.

Walmart’s stock responded positively, climbing 3% in early trading Wednesday, a signal that investors trust the company’s ability to outperform in a volatile retail landscape.

Analysts agree. With unmatched scale, a diverse supplier network, and strong tech and logistics capabilities, Walmart is in a prime position to weather the tariff storm. “Walmart is leaning into its scale advantage, tech capabilities, and supply chain prowess to lead at a time of heightened uncertainty,” noted Greg Melich of Evercore ISI.

While no retailer is completely insulated from trade-related headwinds, Walmart appears better prepared than most. Experts believe its ability to manage costs and maintain low prices could allow it to capture market share from less nimble competitors during this period of economic and geopolitical uncertainty.

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U.S. Treasury yields dropped on Thursday after President Donald Trump announced a 90-day tariff reprieve for most countries, easing investor fears and reversing a sharp bond market sell-off.

As of 4:50 a.m. ET, the yield on the 10-year Treasury note fell by over 10 basis points to 4.288%, while the 2-year yield declined to 3.841%. This came after Wednesday’s spike in yields, when the 10-year briefly surged past 4.51%, reflecting high volatility in the bond market.

Typically seen as a safe haven during market turmoil, U.S. Treasurys experienced an unusual sell-off earlier in the week. Analysts attributed this to investor concerns over trade policy unpredictability and the broader impact of rising tariffs.

President Trump’s move to implement a temporary 10% universal tariff on most countries brought some relief, though China was excluded from the pause and saw its tariff rate rise sharply to 125% amid ongoing trade tensions.

Trump admitted to watching the bond market closely, saying, “The bond market is very tricky… but right now it’s beautiful.” This statement followed investor unease and a sudden spike in yields just a day earlier.

Market analysts view the tariff pause as a short-term calming signal but remain wary of longer-term trade policy shifts. “A 10% minimum universal tariff represents the largest increase in decades,” noted analysts at Deutsche Bank, adding that ongoing uncertainty is likely to keep markets on edge.

Adding to market stabilization was strong demand during Wednesday’s 10-year Treasury auction, further signaling that investor appetite for bonds remains intact despite recent turbulence.

Looking ahead, investors await key economic indicators. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March is set to be released at 8:30 a.m. ET, followed by weekly jobless claims and the Producer Price Index (PPI) on Friday — all of which will provide more clarity on the health of the U.S. economy.

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In a strategic move signaling its expansion beyond software, OpenAI is reportedly negotiating a $500 million acquisition of io Products, an AI hardware startup co-founded by former Apple design chief Jony Ive and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman.

This potential acquisition marks a major shift for OpenAI, best known for its software innovations like ChatGPT and API tools. By investing in physical products, the company is aiming to diversify its revenue streams and establish a foothold in AI-powered consumer tech.

AI Devices Without Screens

io Products is believed to be developing next-gen devices like screen less smartphones and ambient smart home gadgets. The startup’s approach challenges traditional tech norms by offering context-aware, screen-free interaction, positioning AI as a more natural extension of the user experience.

The team behind io Products includes several former Apple veterans, including Tang Tan and Evans Hankey, adding design credibility to the venture. The startup reportedly drew early backing from high-profile investors, including Laurene Powell Jobs, and is expected to hit $1 billion in funding by the end of 2024.

Jony Ive and Altman’s Vision

Jony Ive, celebrated for his iconic designs at Apple, launched LoveFrom in 2019 and later teamed up with Altman to reimagine consumer tech through io Products. Their goal: create devices that blend into everyday life, with AI at the core of user interaction.

OpenAI’s interest in io Products follows Altman’s past ventures into AI hardware, including Humane Inc., which was recently acquired by HP for $166 million. However, this new move suggests OpenAI might finally take a hands-on approach to consumer hardware rather than simply investing from the sidelines.

If finalized, the deal could reshape how users interact with AI in daily life, marking a significant milestone in the fusion of software intelligence and human-centered design.

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Google has officially opened applications for the 2025 edition of its Google for Startups Accelerator: Apps program, targeting 20 high-potential Indian startups developing AI-powered mobile applications. The initiative, supported by Google Play, is designed to nurture app-based ventures with cutting-edge AI resources, expert mentorship, and personalized growth support.

The three-month accelerator, set to begin in July 2025, is open to Indian startups in the Seed to Series-A funding stage with a published app on the Google Play Store. Participating startups will benefit from:

  • Tailored mentorship sessions
  • Insights into Google’s latest AI advancements
  • Performance optimization reports
  • Tools to enhance user engagement and scalability

According to Paula Wang, Managing Director of APAC Partnerships at Google Play, “The startup ecosystem in India continues to inspire us. With this program, we aim to give AI-powered app startups the tools they need to grow and innovate at scale.”

The accelerator also builds on the success of its first cohort, which saw notable advancements in app technology, design, and business growth. The 2025 edition will place a stronger emphasis on AI integration, helping startups align with the future of mobile innovation.

Applications are open until May 15, 2025, and selected startups will kick off the program with an immersive bootcamp in July.

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US government debt experienced a sharp sell-off on Monday, driven by hedge funds reducing risk in their portfolios and a broader investor move toward cash amid ongoing market turbulence. This significant shift in investment strategy has led to a notable spike in yields on US Treasuries.

Key Market Movements and Influences

  • Yield Surge:
    The benchmark 10-year Treasury yield surged by 0.19 percentage points to 4.18%, marking the largest daily rise since September 2022. Similarly, the 30-year yield experienced a jump of 0.21 percentage points, reminiscent of the dramatic swings seen during the early stages of the pandemic.
  • Deleveraging in Action:
    Hedge funds have been actively deleveraging—reducing the use of borrowed funds—by liquidating positions across the board. In particular, the unwinding of specialized basis trades in the fixed-income market has contributed significantly to the downward pressure on Treasury prices.
  • Investor Flight to Cash:
    Amid concerns over market volatility, many investors are selling off even traditionally safe assets like US Treasuries to raise cash, avoiding the possibility of locking in losses from declining equity positions. This flight to cash has further exacerbated the liquidity crunch in the Treasury market.

The Tariff Factor and Broader Implications

The recent announcement of steep tariffs by US President Donald Trump continues to reverberate through Wall Street, having already contributed to equity market declines and heightened investor caution. The resulting turbulence has led to a confluence of factors—deleveraging, basis trade liquidations, and a dash for cash—that together are reshaping the dynamics of the fixed-income market.

Market experts note that the current environment is akin to an “everything, everywhere all at once” trade, where multiple sectors and asset classes are being simultaneously affected. The sell-off in the US Treasury market, valued at $29 trillion, underscores the fragile state of liquidity across a range of high-grade assets, including corporate bonds and mortgage-backed securities.

As the market continues to navigate these choppy waters, investors and analysts alike are keenly watching for further moves that could signal deeper shifts in risk appetite across global financial markets.

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OpenAI has confirmed it will release a new open-source AI language model in the coming months, marking its first public model release since GPT-2 in 2019. The move signals a shift in strategy for the company, which has largely kept its AI models proprietary since partnering with Microsoft.

The news came through a feedback form posted by OpenAI, inviting developers, researchers, and the public to share their input to help shape the model’s design and usefulness.

OpenAI Shifts Gears Toward Open Source

OpenAI has not released any open-source models since GPT-2, now operating on GPT-4.5 and advanced proprietary models like o1 and o3. After Microsoft’s $1 billion investment in 2019—followed by additional investments exceeding $13 billion—OpenAI kept its models exclusive to Azure users. However, this exclusive cloud arrangement ended in January 2025, paving the way for a new direction.

Open-Source Rivals Gaining Momentum

OpenAI’s decision follows the rising success of open-source AI models such as:

  • Meta’s LLaMA, which has seen over 1 billion downloads since 2023.
  • Mistral and DeepSeek, which have surged in popularity, even leading DeepSeek to restrict API access due to overwhelming demand.

Tech giants like Spotify and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) have integrated these models to enhance services, while Chinese firms like Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent have released their own open-source models in response.

  • Alibaba’s Qwen 2.5-Omni-7B processes text, images, audio, and video and is open-sourced on Hugging Face and GitHub.
  • Baidu’s Ernie 4.5 and Ernie X1 aim to offer powerful reasoning and multimodal capabilities.
  • Tencent’s Hunyuan T1 is positioning itself as a high-performance, affordable alternative to DeepSeek.

Meanwhile, AI startup Manus gained attention for its general-purpose AI agent powered by existing foundation models, further diversifying the open-source landscape.

With OpenAI now re-entering the open-source arena, the competition among global AI developers is expected to accelerate.

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