CNBC
The White House last week launched the Tech Corps initiative to promote U.S. AI tools globally. A new part of the Peace Corps, the Tech Corps will recruit, train, and deploy tech-savvy volunteers, including engineers and STEM graduates, to countries participating in the American AI Exports Program to help them implement AI solutions. Tech Corps volunteers will commit to serving abroad for 12 to 27 months or participating in virtual service placements, with on-ground deployments expected to begin in the fall.
From "U.S. Launches Tech Corps to Help Export AI"
CNBC (02/22/26) Dylan Butts
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Politico Europe
At the recent AI summit in India, a global AI declaration garnered signatures from around 88 countries and regions, including the U.S., U.K., EU, and Russia, despite the lack of any binding measures on AI safety. The declaration acknowledged "the importance of security in AI systems" but included only voluntary or industry-led safety measures. Among other things, the declaration highlighted open-source AI and its contribution to the "scalability, replicability, and adaptability of AI systems across sectors."
From "Countries Steer Clear of Safety Commitment in Global AI Pledge"
Politico Europe (02/21/26) Pieter Haeck
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The Globe and Mail (Canada)
Canada plans a major investment—reportedly over C$100 million (U.S.$73 million)—in LawZero, a non-profit founded last year by ACM A.M. Turing Award laureate Yoshua Bengio to develop safer, more trustworthy artificial intelligence. AI Minister Evan Solomon said Ottawa has signed a letter of intent to support the organization as part of a broader strategy combining regulation, legislation, and technical solutions.
From "Canada Plans Major Investment in Bengio's Nonprofit"
The Globe and Mail (Canada) (02/19/26) Joe Castaldo
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The New York Times
Team Mirai (Team Future), a political party founded by tech professionals, won 11 seats in the lower house of Japan's Parliament earlier this month with a platform focused on using emerging technologies to make the government more efficient and responsive, and to address the nation's labor shortage. Team Mirai aims to develop advanced government databases, deploy government chatbots and self-driving buses, and promote AI development and deployment.
From "AI Evangelists on a Mission to Shake Up Japan"
The New York Times (02/22/26) Javier C. Hernández; Kiuko Notoya
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Reuters
ASML Holding researchers have developed a method to increase the power of the light source in its extreme ultraviolet lithograph (EUV) machines from 600 watts to 1,000 watts, which will boost the number of chips the machines can manufacture per hour and potentially lower costs. ASML's Teun van Gogh said the advancement will enable customers using its EUV machines to increase output from 220 to 330 silicon wafers per hour by 2030. The Dutch company is currently the only maker of EUV machines.
From "ASML Unveils EUV Light Source Advance"
Reuters (02/23/26) Stephen Nellis
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The Wall Street Journal
Apple is using its purchasing power and investments to help rebuild U.S. chip manufacturing as part of a broader effort to diversify its supply chain and reduce reliance on overseas production. Central to this effort is Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing’s Arizona fabrication plant, where Apple plans to buy more than 100 million chips this year. Apple also is investing in U.S. suppliers for wafers, packaging, materials, and limited assembly, driven by geopolitical risk, supply disruptions, and government pressure.
From "Inside Apple's Push to Build an All-American Chip"
The Wall Street Journal (02/23/26) Rolfe Winkler
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