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Daily · Monday, January 19, 2026

Diamond semiconductors gain traction while AI chip funding surges

Today’s big news: diamond semiconductors are stepping into the spotlight as companies like Diamond Quanta push for accessibility comparable to silicon. Meanwhile, the semiconductor funding landscape is heating up, with $3 billion raised in Q4 2025, primarily for AI chip advancements. Keep an eye on Micron's acquisition of Powerchip, which signals aggressive moves in memory manufacturing.

Key Stories

The Quest to Make Diamond as Available as Silicon

Summary

Diamond Quanta is advancing diamond-on-silicon technology to rival silicon semiconductors.

Why this matters

• Diamond semiconductors could revolutionize power efficiency in automotive and data center applications.
• Increased accessibility may drive innovation and competition in semiconductor materials.
• This shift could reshape supply chains and sourcing strategies for semiconductor manufacturers.

Startup Funding: Q4 2025

Summary

The semiconductor sector saw a significant funding boost, with $3 billion raised in Q4 2025.

Why this matters

• A focus on AI chips indicates a robust demand for advanced computing solutions.
• Larger funding rounds suggest investor confidence in the semiconductor industry's growth potential.
• This trend may accelerate the development of innovative technologies and applications.

Micron to buy Powerchip fab

Summary

Micron Technology plans to acquire Powerchip's P5 fabrication site in Taiwan.

Why this matters

• This acquisition enhances Micron's manufacturing capabilities in a critical region for semiconductor production.
• It reflects the ongoing consolidation trend in the semiconductor industry.
• Strengthening production capacity could improve Micron's competitive edge in memory markets.

AI’s insatiable appetite for memory

Summary

The demand for efficient memory solutions is surging due to challenges in AI training.

Why this matters

• The need for improved memory technology highlights gaps in current semiconductor offerings.
• Companies that innovate in memory solutions may capture significant market share.
• This trend underscores the importance of memory performance in AI applications.

COTS module makes safety-certifiable computing more accessible

Summary

Curtiss-Wright and Green Hills Software have launched a new COTS processing module for avionics systems.

Why this matters

• This module enhances safety-critical computing, expanding its accessibility in the automotive sector.
• It represents a significant step towards integrating advanced computing in safety-sensitive applications.
• The collaboration showcases the potential for innovation in avionics and automotive technologies.

Editor's Picks

CES 2026: How Do AMD and Nvidia Physical AI Stories Stack Up?

Summary

AMD and Nvidia's CES announcements reveal competitive dynamics in the AI chip market.

Why this matters

• The rivalry between these two giants could shape the future of AI technology and applications.
• Understanding their strategies provides insights into market trends and consumer preferences.
• Innovations in physical AI could lead to breakthroughs in performance and efficiency.

Snow Lake extends option agreement for Mound Lake Gallium Project

Summary

Snow Lake Resources has extended its agreement for the Mound Lake Gallium Project, vital for semiconductor materials.

Why this matters

• Gallium is critical for semiconductor manufacturing, and securing supply is essential for future production.
• This move indicates growing interest in sustainable sourcing of semiconductor materials.
• It highlights the importance of raw material availability in the semiconductor supply chain.