Democratic Socialist Senator Bernie Sanders and right-wing Governor Ron DeSantis rarely agree. Yet, they unite as key critics of the artificial intelligence industry's data center surge this year. This rare alignment highlights growing concerns over electricity prices, grid reliability, and job losses. Moreover, their opposition could hinder the industry's rapid growth if more politicians join them. Sanders, representing Vermont independently, demands a national moratorium on new data center builds.

Baidu, China's leading tech giant, plans to spin off its AI chip subsidiary, Kunlunxin. The company aims to list it on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. This move supports Beijing's drive for semiconductor self-sufficiency. Baidu made this announcement on Friday. It filed a confidential listing application. However, details like the offering size and structure remain undecided. The spin-off requires regulatory approvals.

Julian Hetherington, Transformation Director at the Advanced Propulsion Centre UK (APC), highlights the UK government's new funding initiatives. These efforts promise to speed up research and boost industry innovation. The Department for Business and Trade recently launched Driving Research and Investment in Vehicle Electrification (DRIVE35) and the Connected Automated Mobility (CAM) Pathfinder programme. Both initiatives align with the government's Advanced Manufacturing Sector Plan and the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy.

Ylli Bajraktari, President of the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), and Nicholas Furst, Associate Director for Fusion, discuss the United States' vital role in global fusion efforts. They emphasize international collaboration and coordination as essential for achieving commercial fusion energy. This approach strengthens energy security and industrial competitiveness. The Global Fusion Race Ignites The race for fusion energy started in December 2022.

Advancements in quantum science revolutionize high-energy particle physics. Researchers develop the Superconducting Microwire Single-Photon Detector (SMSPD) to enhance detection of high-energy particles. This technology promises to unlock secrets of the universe. Quantum science and high-energy physics intersect excitingly. These fields drive the quest to understand fundamental particles. Transformative advances in quantum science and technology create new opportunities. Particularly, they improve instrumentation and detector design.

Venture capital in Europe has transformed significantly in recent years. Easy money has vanished, and growth at any cost no longer dominates. Instead, today's strongest venture firms select investments carefully. They take a hands-on approach. Moreover, they focus on building enduring companies. Currently, VCs back founders who tackle real problems. These founders scale responsibly in challenging markets. The leading firms shape Europe's VC landscape this year.

Enterprises have tested various AI tools for years. They seek clear adoption strategies. Investors now believe this experimentation phase ends soon. A recent TechCrunch survey highlights this shift. It polled 24 enterprise-focused venture capitalists. Most predict enterprises will boost AI budgets in 2026. However, they emphasize focus. Spending will concentrate on fewer contracts. Enterprises allocate more funds to select vendors.

The tech industry races forward at breakneck speed. Innovations like AI dominance battles and smart devices shape our future. Yet, amid the serious news, absurd moments often slip by unnoticed. These stories highlight the human side of tech giants. They range from name mix-ups to quirky AI behaviors. This year brought plenty of lighthearted blunders. We explore the funniest ones you might have missed.

Fusion power has transformed dramatically over recent years. Once the subject of jokes as perpetually 'a decade away,' it now attracts serious investors. The technology harnesses the sun's nuclear reactions to create endless clean energy on Earth. Startups aim to build viable fusion plants. These plants could disrupt trillion-dollar energy markets. Three key advances propel this fusion surge. Powerful computer chips enable detailed simulations.

Many expected 2025 to mark the end of climate tech. President Donald Trump and Republicans targeted Biden's climate policies aggressively. The European Union also softened its bold targets. However, investments tell a different story. Venture capital in U.S. and European climate sectors stayed flat compared to 2024, per CTVC data. This stability defies predictions of decline. Climate change threats persist, fueling investor confidence.

Europe's universities and research labs serve as deep tech powerhouses. They spawn startups that now form a $398 billion funnel. Venture capital follows this trend closely. Dealroom's 2025 European Spinout Report highlights this growth. It reveals 76 deep tech and life sciences companies achieving key milestones. These firms reach $1 billion valuations or $100 million revenues, or both. Unicorns like Iceye, IQM, Isar Aerospace, Synthesia, and Tekever lead the pack.

The idea of successful entrepreneurs skipping college captivates many. Icons like Steve Jobs, Bill Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg dropped out and built empires. Yet, studies reveal a different truth. Most successful startups boast founders with bachelor's or advanced degrees. This contrast fuels ongoing debates in the startup world. The Persistent Allure of the Dropout Founder Despite solid data, the dropout narrative endures.

The 2025 economy fell short of expectations. This slowdown shapes the commercial real estate (CRE) landscape for 2026. Unemployment rose, and construction paused in most sectors. However, lower interest rates now unlock capital slowly. Tariffs and immigration restrictions increased costs for builders and developers. Despite these challenges, experts foresee recovery ahead. General Investment Outlook CRE firms and consultants describe 2026 with cautious optimism.

Major restaurant chains face tough challenges today. Yet, companies like Chipotle and Cava invest in innovative solutions. They back automated makelines from startup Hyphen. This San Jose, California-based firm targets two vital goals. It boosts speedy throughput. It enhances customer service. The technology creates a smoother experience for workers and guests. Co-founder and CEO Stephen Klein shared this insight during a…

The restaurant industry faced significant challenges in 2025. Inflation-weary consumers reduced their spending on dining out. Many chose to eat at home instead. Others sought deals when they ventured out. This shift created a sales slump across the sector. Traffic to established restaurants declined every month, except July, according to Black Box Intelligence. As a result, chains across various segments announced closures.

Homebuyers face a brighter landscape today. Mortgage rates have dropped significantly. Home prices ease across many markets. Supply increases offer more choices. These factors combine to improve affordability. However, first-time buyers still struggle most with down payments. Current Home Price Trends National home prices remain nearly flat year over year. Parcl Labs tracks daily U.S. home prices and reports this stability.

Meta Platforms announced on Tuesday that it acquired Manus, a Singapore-based developer of general-purpose AI agents. This move highlights Meta's ongoing massive investments in artificial intelligence. The acquisition aims to speed up AI innovation for businesses. It also integrates advanced automation into Meta's consumer and enterprise products, including its Meta AI assistant. Manus, originally founded in China, relocated to Singapore. The company launched its first general AI agent earlier this year.

Elon Musk spotlights humanoid robots this year. He positions them as key to Tesla's valuation, potentially reaching tens of trillions of dollars. However, Tesla has not yet sold its flagship Optimus robot. Instead, Chinese companies likely will lead. They plan to ramp up production in 2026. Beijing centers this technology in its strategic plans. Andreas Brauchle, a partner at consultancy Horváth, shared insights with…

Octopus Energy, a prominent British renewable energy startup, announces a major move. The company plans to spin out its AI technology unit, Kraken Technologies. This step sets the stage for a potential public listing. Moreover, it highlights the rapid growth in the renewable sector. The Groundbreaking Funding Round Octopus Energy recently secured $1 billion in its first standalone funding round. This investment values the business at $8.65 billion.

Investors face a dynamic market landscape today. Key developments span commodities, automotive stocks, tech acquisitions, geopolitical tensions, and political debates. This article highlights the top five stories. Understanding these events helps traders navigate the final week of the year effectively. Silver's Wild Ride Continues Silver captured headlines with its extreme volatility. The precious metal surged to record highs earlier this year.

SoftBank has finalized its massive $40 billion investment in OpenAI. Sources revealed this news to CNBC’s David Faber. The Japanese conglomerate sent the final $22 billion to $22.5 billion last week. Individuals familiar with the transaction shared these details. They requested anonymity to discuss the sensitive deal. Previously, SoftBank invested $7.5 billion directly in the ChatGPT creator. The company also syndicated $11 billion with co-investors.

Apple faces immense pressure as it approaches its 50th anniversary in 2026. The company missed its promise to launch an AI-enhanced Siri in March. Now, Apple pledges to deliver this upgrade in the new year. The stakes remain enormous. Apple's earlier AI failure intensified scrutiny on its iPhone innovations. Another delay could solidify perceptions that Apple lags behind rivals like Google and OpenAI.

The artificial intelligence boom sparks intense debates across the tech world. Experts question if it forms a massive bubble ready to burst. Yet, one innovative robot steps into the conversation. KOID, a sleek humanoid from Unitree, shares its perspective on CNBC. This appearance highlights the growing role of robotics in shaping future discussions. Meet KOID: Unitree's Advanced Humanoid Unitree manufactures KOID in China.

California Democratic Representative Ro Khanna faces backlash from Silicon Valley elites. He supports a wealth tax proposal. Donors criticize his stance. However, Khanna offers a solution. He plans to combat government fraud. This move aims to build public trust. Khanna represents Silicon Valley in Congress. Over the weekend, tech industry allies attacked him. They oppose his endorsement of a billionaire tax.

China has called on the Netherlands to quickly correct its errors regarding chipmaker Nexperia. This demand aims to restore stability in the global semiconductor industry. The ongoing dispute highlights tensions over technology transfer and national security. Background of the Nexperia Takeover In September, the Dutch government activated a Cold War-era law. This action allowed it to gain effective control over Nexperia.