{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"India Tech Report","title":"Amitabh Kant wants an Indian DARPA, Tata seeks Malaysian chip plant, Neuralink advances, and an NZ deep tech fund","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":281,"description":"\nNeuroscience neural engineering isometric composition with computer engineers at work and brain model 3d vector illustration (Image by Macrovector on Freepik)\nTata Electronics eyes Malaysia chip fab acquisition to boost semiconductor expertise\nTata Electronics is in talks to acquire a semiconductor fabrication or OSAT plant in Malaysia, engaging with companies like X-Fab, DNeX, and Globetronics, Economic Times reports. The move aims to strengthen Tata’s knowledge and talent base before launching semiconductor assembly and packaging operations in India.\nMalaysia’s mature ecosystem, skilled workforce, and government incentives make it a preferred destination. Acquiring a Malaysian facility would help Tata gain manufacturing expertise, de-risk supply chains, and complement its major investments in semiconductor fabs and OSAT units in Gujarat and Assam.\n\nListen to the episode\nMusk’s Neuralink raises $650 million as brain implant trials expand globally\nElon Musk’s Neuralink has secured $650 million in new funding as it begins clinical trials of its brain-computer interface implant in three countries, Reuters reports.\nThe device, already used by five patients with severe paralysis to control digital and physical devices by thought alone, aims to restore mobility, speech, and vision.\nThe US FDA recently granted “breakthrough” status to Neuralink’s speech and vision restoration devices, expediting their development. The funding will help expand patient access and further innovation, with Neuralink now valued at around $9 billion.\nOutset Ventures raises $25 million to back New Zealand deep techs\nIn New Zealand, Outset Ventures, the Auckland-based backer of startups such as Rocket Lab, has closed a $25 million fund to invest in deep tech startups focused on hard science and engineering breakthroughs, TechCrunch reports.\nThe fund targets sectors like energy generation, storage, and infrastructure, supporting companies such as nuclear fusion startup OpenStar and offshore...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/klwtZi6_OVxR1RQx-EUqBBLq9JNmkk2p0xt3ov7-eeg/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9kYjRi/MTNkNDVhMTVlOThm/MDM4ZmVlYjFmZGNl/OGFiNy5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}