Daily Tech: Quantum Computing, Robotaxis and U.S. Chip Revival

FutureGate | February 24 2025

MLGO +500%: Quantum Hybrid Computing Breakthrough

Shares of MicroAlgo (MLGO) soared 500% after unveiling a revolutionary hybrid computing system that integrates classical and quantum computing to tackle complex problems faster, with fewer errors. Traditional computers struggle with large-scale optimization and cryptographic challenges, areas where quantum computing holds immense potential. However, full-fledged quantum adoption remains years away. MLGO’s approach bridges this gap—allowing today’s systems to leverage quantum capabilities without waiting for full-scale quantum hardware deployment.

For investors, this represents a first-mover advantage in a space where companies like Google, IBM, and IonQ are actively competing. If MLGO can demonstrate commercial viability, this hybrid model could see rapid adoption in finance, drug discovery, and logistics, areas where computational efficiency translates directly into revenue.

Pony AI: China’s First Robotaxi Service in Guangzhou

In a landmark move for autonomous transportation, Pony AI became the first company to launch a commercial robotaxi service in Guangzhou, China. The company, backed by Toyota and NIO Capital, now operates self-driving taxis that connect the city center with key transportation hubs.

This milestone is a significant step toward mass adoption of autonomous vehicles, positioning Pony AI as a serious competitor to Waymo and Cruise, which are leading similar efforts in the U.S. China’s regulatory stance on self-driving technology has been more flexible, giving local firms a potential edge in rolling out commercial fleets.

Together AI: $305M AI Cloud Investment, Backed by Nvidia

Together AI, a cloud computing startup focused on AI model training and inference, has secured a $305 million funding round, backed by tech heavyweights including Nvidia, Kleiner Perkins, and Emergence Capital. This fresh capital brings Together AI’s valuation to $3.3 billion, underscoring the growing demand for AI infrastructure.

The company specializes in cloud-based AI model training, allowing enterprises to fine-tune and deploy large language models (LLMs) at a fraction of the cost of traditional in-house GPU clusters. Nvidia’s backing further cements Together AI’s position as a key player in the AI arms race, as companies seek scalable, cost-efficient AI compute solutions.

With AI adoption accelerating across industries, investment in cloud-based model optimization is becoming a critical component of AI scaling strategies, particularly for startups and enterprises looking to reduce dependency on OpenAI and Google’s AI ecosystems.

Trump Eyes Intel Revival: U.S. Semiconductor Policy in Focus

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled plans to revive Intel (NASDAQ: INTC), as the U.S. semiconductor giant struggles to keep pace with Taiwan’s TSMC and South Korea’s Samsung. Intel has fallen behind in chip manufacturing, losing market share to rivals benefiting from superior process nodes and fabrication capabilities.

Trump’s potential policy proposal could focus on:

• Incentives for domestic semiconductor production to strengthen U.S. supply chain security.

• Tariffs on foreign-made chips to promote Intel’s competitiveness.

• Increased government contracts to accelerate Intel’s AI and defense applications.

Intel has already received significant CHIPS Act funding to build fabs in Arizona and Ohio, but execution risks remain. Investors will be watching how policy shifts under a second Trump administration could reshape Intel’s long-term competitiveness against TSMC, Samsung, and Nvidia.