The Deep End #76
Anthropic has a spy AI, SpaceX city eyes deregulation
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Anthropic releases custom AI chatbot for classified spy work
Anthropic says it has released a new set of AI models tailored for U.S. national security customers. Compared to Anthropic’s consumer- and enterprise-focused models, the new custom Claude Gov models were designed to be applied to government operations like strategic planning, operational support, and intelligence analysis.
Anthropic has increasingly engaged U.S. government customers as it looks for dependable new sources of revenue. In November, the company teamed up with Palantir and AWS, the cloud computing division of Anthropic’s major partner and investor, Amazon, to sell Anthropic’s AI to defense customers.
Regulatory Radar
The Case for Turning Starbase Into a Special Economic Zone
Special Economic Zones can drive rapid innovation and growth. Overcoming regulatory barriers is key to unlocking their full potential. Starbase, Texas, could become the first spaceport city under this model. (via PirateWires, paywalled)
Tech Terrain
Future Mobility
Driverless Semi Trucks Are Here, With Little Regulation and Big Promises
Trend to watch: As the trucking industry struggles to recruit drivers, driverless trucks won’t need sleep, won’t speed and won’t get road rage. But experts and truck drivers say they are not a panacea.
Defense Tech
Defense tech unicorn Anduril powers up with $2.5B at $30.5B valuation
Why this matters: With this latest Anduril round alone totaling almost all of last year’s funding to the sector, expect this year to see a significant bump.
DIU launches Project G.I. to speed UAS development with $20M prize pool
Advanced Computing
Neuromorphic computing: the future of AI
Trend to watch: Neuromorphic computing, the next generation of AI, will be smaller, faster, and more efficient than the human brain.
Infleqtion raises $100M in funding for its atom-based quantum systems
Space
Voyager launches IPO with $1.6 billion valuation target
Why this matters: The Denver-based company has acquired multiple firms since its formation in October 2019. Its highest-profile project is Starlab, one of several commercial space station concepts seeking to succeed the International Space Station.
Space mobility company Impulse Space raises $300M in Series C funding
Energy
U.S. Uranium Firm Targets Foreign Fuel Dominance
Trend to watch: Centrus Energy is an American-owned, publicly traded enricher that wants to strengthen the U.S. nuclear fuel supply chain and create competition in the market.
Fusion energy company TAE Technologies raises $150M in funding