OpenAI Chip Deals, Google Gemini Robotics, AMD Funding

The artificial intelligence landscape continues to evolve rapidly, with significant developments impacting various sectors. In the tech industry, OpenAI is reportedly in talks for multi-billion dollar chip deals with Samsung, SK hynix, and AMD, fueling optimism despite broader market concerns about a potential AI bubble. Nvidia has also seen its stock reach new heights amid this surge. Meanwhile, Google DeepMind is enhancing robot capabilities with new AI models, Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, enabling more complex tasks and reasoning. Meta's former AI Vice President, Jerome Pesenti, has joined Campus, an online college backed by Sam Altman, as its Chief Technology Officer, with Campus acquiring Pesenti's AI learning platform, Sizzle AI, to accelerate its personalized education roadmap. In the energy sector, PG&E is positioning itself as a key power provider for AI data centers, including Microsoft's facilities, updating its investment plans to meet the growing electricity demand. The U.S. Forest Service is developing AI-powered helicopters to improve wildfire response, while AI is transforming warfare, with both Russia and Ukraine employing AI-equipped drones for autonomous targeting and intelligence gathering. The Trump administration is planning an 'American AI Exports Program' to bolster AI exports to allies. On the business adoption front, Cyberhaven is guiding companies on secure AI integration, particularly with tools like ChatGPT, to manage data risks. Amazon is also leveraging AI tools, such as its chatbot Rufus, to reshape product listings for sellers, encouraging natural language descriptions and leading to reported sales increases.

Key Takeaways

• OpenAI is in discussions for multi-billion dollar chip deals with Samsung, SK hynix, and AMD.
• Google DeepMind has introduced new AI models, Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, to enhance robot intelligence and task execution.
• Former Meta AI chief Jerome Pesenti joins Campus as CTO, with Campus acquiring his startup Sizzle AI to advance personalized education.
• PG&E is increasing its focus on powering AI data centers, including Microsoft's facilities, to meet rising electricity demands.
• The U.S. Forest Service is developing AI-powered helicopters for improved wildfire detection and response.
• AI is significantly impacting the war in Ukraine, with both sides using AI-equipped drones for targeting and intelligence.
• The Trump administration plans an 'American AI Exports Program' to promote U.S. AI exports to allies.
• Amazon's AI tools, like chatbot Rufus, are changing how sellers list products, leading to reported sales increases of 15-20% for some.
• Cyberhaven is advising businesses on secure adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT to mitigate data risks.
• Market analysts are expressing concerns about a potential AI bubble due to rapid stock price increases in the tech sector.

Asian markets face uncertainty amid AI bubble fears

Asian markets ended the week with mixed results, influenced by a Middle East ceasefire and significant AI investments. However, concerns about a potential tech bubble grew, with some analysts questioning the sustainability of recent stock price increases. News of OpenAI's multi-billion dollar chip deals with Samsung, SK hynix, and AMD boosted tech optimism. Despite this, market jitters persist, partly due to the ongoing US government shutdown. While Seoul saw gains thanks to Samsung's performance, other major Asian markets experienced declines.

Asian markets mixed as AI boom sparks bubble worries

Asian stock markets closed the week with mixed performance, balancing news of a Middle East ceasefire and substantial AI investments against concerns of a tech bubble. While some markets reached record highs, analysts are questioning if stock valuations have become too high. Major tech investments, including those by OpenAI, have fueled a surge in the tech sector, pushing companies like Nvidia to new heights. However, this rapid growth has led to market jitters, with some experts warning of overheated sectors. Major indexes in Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Shanghai fell, while Seoul saw a rise driven by Samsung's AI chip optimism.

Campus hires Meta AI chief, acquires his startup Sizzle AI

Campus, a college startup backed by Sam Altman, has hired Jerome Pesenti, Meta's former AI Vice President, as its new head of technology. The company also acquired Pesenti's AI learning platform, Sizzle AI, for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition is expected to advance Campus's development roadmap by two to three years, enabling more personalized education for its students. Campus aims to make education more accessible and is supported by investors like Peter Thiel's Founders Fund and Shaquille O'Neal.

Campus acquires Sizzle AI, led by former Meta AI chief

Campus, an online college focused on accessibility, announced it has acquired Sizzle AI, an AI learning platform founded by former Meta AI chief Jerome Pesenti. Pesenti will now serve as Campus's Chief Technology Officer, leading a team of AI scientists. The acquisition is expected to accelerate Campus's engineering plans by two to three years, enhancing its AI-driven personalized learning tools. Campus, which has raised over $100 million, offers accredited associate degrees and is backed by notable investors like Sam Altman and Shaquille O'Neal.

PG&E's AI data center focus shifts investment outlook

California utility PG&E is increasingly central to powering major technology infrastructure, particularly AI data centers like Microsoft's facility in San Jose. In late September 2025, PG&E updated its investment plan through 2030, highlighting its crucial role in supporting the growing demand for electricity driven by artificial intelligence. This focus has attracted significant investor interest, with the company also seen as offering value opportunities. The utility's expansion plans signal a commitment to reliable infrastructure for increased power needs, crucial for capitalizing on data center growth.

AI-equipped helicopters to aid wildfire fighting efforts

The U.S. Forest Service is developing a new fleet of AI-powered helicopters to enhance wildfire response. These advanced helicopters will be capable of identifying and tracking wildfire outbreaks with greater accuracy. This technology aims to provide firefighters with critical real-time data, improving their response times and increasing safety. The initiative is part of a larger strategy to integrate cutting-edge technology into wildfire management operations.

AI transforms Ukraine war with new drone capabilities

Artificial intelligence is significantly changing the war in Ukraine, with both Russian and Ukrainian forces utilizing AI for various military applications. Russia has deployed AI-equipped drones capable of autonomous targeting and evading jamming. Ukraine's military uses AI to analyze over 50,000 video streams monthly, aiding in target identification and intelligence gathering. AI software also helps Ukrainian drones lock onto targets and fly autonomously. While AI offers strategic advantages, concerns remain about distinguishing friend from foe and adhering to the rules of war.

Trump administration plans AI export program for allies

The Trump administration is preparing to launch the 'American AI Exports Program' by October 21, aiming to boost U.S. AI exports to allies and counter China. Companies can propose 'full-stack AI export packages' including hardware, data center storage, data tools, AI models like ChatGPT, and AI applications. Accepted companies may receive federal loans, investment, and expedited licensing. The program seeks to strengthen global competitiveness by ensuring U.S. technology is in the hands of partners, though a government shutdown could delay its implementation.

Google DeepMind's new AI models boost robot intelligence

Google DeepMind has introduced two new AI models, Gemini Robotics 1.5 and Gemini Robotics-ER 1.5, significantly enhancing robots' ability to perform complex, multi-step tasks. These models allow robots to understand their environment, reason, and execute instructions, moving beyond simple commands. In demonstrations, robots sorted fruit by color and explained their reasoning, even using internet searches to follow specific recycling rules. This advancement enables robots to learn across different systems, paving the way for more sophisticated humanoid robots in real-world applications.

Databricks CEO: AI boom creates immense pressure on young talent

Databricks CEO Ali Ghodsi believes the intense competition for AI talent is creating unhealthy pressure on young professionals. He notes that younger individuals are increasingly focused on rapid career advancement, such as becoming CEOs or starting companies quickly, driven by the fear of missing out on the AI boom. Ghodsi suggests that the prospect of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) further heightens this anxiety. While acknowledging the significant financial opportunities, he advises startups to emphasize long-term growth and impact to attract and retain young talent.

Cyberhaven guides businesses on secure AI adoption

Cyberhaven is helping businesses navigate the security risks associated with the widespread adoption of AI tools like ChatGPT. Chief Information Security Officer Aman Sirohi advises companies to implement strong security measures and verify AI-generated content to prevent data breaches. Cyberhaven's solutions aim to protect confidential data when employees use AI, allowing organizations to benefit from increased productivity while managing risks. Their approach emphasizes enterprise-level safeguards for secure and efficient AI integration in the workplace.

Amazon's AI tools reshape product listings for sellers

Amazon's AI tools, including its search engine and chatbot Rufus, are changing how sellers list products on the platform. Merchants are shifting from keyword stuffing to using more natural language, conversational descriptions, and real-life use cases. This AI optimization helps products appear in both traditional search results and Rufus's responses, leading to clearer listings and easier product comparison for shoppers. Some sellers have reported sales boosts of 15% to 20% by adopting these AI-friendly strategies, which also improve search rankings and can reduce the need for paid advertising.

Sources

• Asian markets limp into weekend as AI bubble fears grow
• Asian markets limp into weekend as AI bubble fears grow
• Shaq, Sam Altman-backed college startup Campus taps former Meta AI head as CTO
• Campus Acquires AI Startup Founded by Former Meta AI Chief
• Did PG&E's (PCG) AI Data Center Push Just Shift Its Investment Narrative?
• Helicopters equipped with AI are being made to fight wildfires
• The new AI arms race changing the war in Ukraine
• How Trump's planned AI exports program works
• Robots receive major intelligence boost thanks to Google DeepMind's 'thinking AI' — a pair of models that help machines understand the world
• Databricks CEO says AI talent war has put 'too much pressure' on young people
• Cyberhaven Leads the Charge in Secure AI Adoption for Businesses
• How Amazon’s (AMZN) AI Tools Are Changing the Way Sellers List Their Products