ConnectingAI #113: Custom AI Chip Initiative: a New Era in AI Hardware and more
Bits and bites of how hardware enables the future of AI, the latest technological advancements and my favorite news in AI this week.
Top ConnectingAI articles of the week
1- Custom AI Chip Initiative: a New Era in AI Hardware: The push for custom AI chips is accelerating as organizations seek to reduce reliance on general-purpose GPUs. Custom chips promise higher efficiency, better performance, and more resilient supply chains for large-scale workloads.
2- VMware Explore 2025 Recap: Enterprises are increasingly turning to private cloud infrastructure to balance performance, cost, and governance in the AI era. Integrated approaches are emerging as the backbone for scaling AI while maintaining security and control over sensitive data.
3- Explore the 10 most disruptive companies in AI outside the Magnificent 7: A new report highlights 10 AI players outside the “Magnificent 7” that are reshaping industries with breakthrough approaches. From hardware and software to vertical applications and hybrid models, these firms are redefining what innovation looks like.
4- Shining a light on AI chips designed for speed and energy efficiency: Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed new chip architectures that focus on speed and energy efficiency for AI acceleration. These designs aim to deliver high performance while lowering power consumption, critical for scaling AI workloads.
5- Startup’s radiation shield tech could bring high-performance AI chips to space: New radiation-protection technologies are enabling advanced AI chips to function in the extreme conditions of space. This opens the door to more capable autonomous spacecraft, smarter satellites, and resilient off-Earth computing.
6- Building Edge AI Processors With DigAn Technology: A novel DIgan approach is being used to build edge AI processors optimized for compact, efficient inference near data sources. By lowering power and latency requirements, this technology could expand AI’s reach into IoT and edge applications.
7- Introducing CHPX: The Case For AI Semiconductors And Quantum Computing: Emerging research points to a future where AI semiconductors and quantum computing converge. Such hybrid systems could unlock new levels of computational power for science and industry.
AI piqued my interest
1- Weatherwatch: AI flood forecasting gives hope to people in vulnerable areas: AI-driven flood models can predict flooding with significantly higher accuracy than traditional methods. This allows vulnerable communities to prepare earlier, reducing potential loss of life and property.
2- OpenAI Is Preparing to Launch a Social App for AI-Generated Videos: A new short-form video app uses AI to recommend content in a TikTok-style feed. The AI-powered personalization aims to enhance user engagement and discoverability of creative content.
3- Research, curriculum and grading: new data sheds light on how professors are using AI: College professors are adopting AI for grading, course design, and student interaction. While it streamlines administrative work, educators must balance efficiency with thoughtful oversight.
4- How to Thrive in the AI Era of Work: Thriving in the AI-driven workplace requires more than technical proficiency; it demands blending technology skills with creativity, judgment, and emotional intelligence that machines cannot replicate. Professionals who can strategically collaborate with AI, leverage its insights, and make nuanced decisions will gain a competitive edge.
5- AI Scribes: A ‘Write’ Solution for Clinician Burnout?: Ambient AI scribes are transforming healthcare by automating documentation, reducing after-hours work, and giving clinicians more time to engage directly with patients. By handling routine note-taking and record-keeping, these AI tools help improve both productivity and the quality of patient care.
6- Predicting Risk: Saving Veterans Lives with AI: AI is being used to analyze veteran health and service data to identify individuals at heightened risk. Early detection enables proactive interventions that can prevent crises and save lives.