AI is ‘no longer conceptual’ but UK still playing catch up as multi-billion pound pledges made at London Tech Week — TFN

• Semiconductor equipment maker ASML is starting operations in India to support the development of a chip fabrication plant by Tata Electronics in Dholera. • The company plans to initially hire between 20 and 30 engineering graduates to staff the new local presence.

• AI-based analytics engines are now being used to manage microgrids and inspect solar farms across Southeast Asia. • In Thailand, autonomous drones use electroluminescence images, which act like X-rays, to identify cracks and defects in solar panels after weather events.

• Campaigners are warning that proposed European Union digital amendments may prioritize the interests of private AI companies over the privacy rights of citizens. • One specific amendment allows the processing of personal data for the development of AI models if it serves a legitimate interest of the data controller or a third party.

• Major European AI companies are opposing calls from U.S. labs to slow the development of frontier AI, which refers to the most advanced and powerful AI models. • Prosus data shows a stark investment gap, with the United States capturing 77 percent of global AI venture investment in 2023 compared to Europe's 11 percent.

• Forbes reported on September 20, 2026, that robotic grippers are achieving high-definition touch and general dexterity through optical tactile sensing. • This technology combines computer vision with elastomer membranes, which are flexible, rubber-like materials, to sense physical contact.

• Asian share markets rose on Monday, September 21, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence data chips. • Oil prices declined as expectations that Saudi Arabia might increase supplies outweighed news of a Houthi attack on Riyadh.

• Asian share markets rose on Monday, September 21, driven by strong demand for artificial intelligence chips. • Oil prices declined following reports that more supply is leaving the Middle East than previously estimated despite the Gulf conflict.

• Asian stock markets mostly rose on Monday, September 21, driven by increased demand for microchip manufacturer shares. • South Korea’s technology-focused index gained 1.1% and the broad MSCI Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan increased by 0.3%.

• Asian stock markets rose on Tuesday as increased demand for artificial intelligence chips boosted technology shares. • South Korea's tech-heavy index gained 1.1%, while Japan's Nikkei futures rose 0.5% and the MSCI Asia-Pacific index outside Japan climbed 0.3%.

• Asian stock markets rose recently as technology shares led gains and oil prices declined. • Investors are currently monitoring upcoming interest rate decisions from global central banks.

• Singapore's electronic exports surged by 131.8% due to high investment in AI-related data centers. • Analysts expect demand for electronics and electrical products to drive the nation's export and manufacturing activity through the end of 2026.

• Semiconductor and AI supply chains faced intensifying competition and bottlenecks this week, including equipment shortages and packaging debates. • Chinese researchers outlined a path to produce sub-3nm GAA chips using DUV lithography, which avoids the need for EUV machines.