Hi Synapticians!

Today’s lineup is packed with breakthroughs, bold bets, and billion-dollar ambitions. First up, Microsoft has pulled off a major flex in quantum computing with its new processor, Majorana 1. By leveraging topological qubits—a notoriously elusive but highly stable form of quantum information—they’ve taken a step closer to achieving large-scale quantum computing. The promise? A future where today’s most computationally impossible problems—like revolutionizing AI, inventing new materials, or simulating complex molecules—suddenly become solvable. Microsoft claims that within years, they’ll have a fault-tolerant quantum prototype. No pressure.

Meanwhile, Google is pushing the boundaries of AI-driven discovery with its AI co-scientist, designed to assist biomedical researchers in generating hypotheses. It doesn’t exactly think like a human scientist, but it plays a high-stakes guessing game trained on vast amounts of data. The results? Some surprisingly valuable insights, including fresh ideas for leukemia treatments. While it's not replacing human expertise anytime soon, it’s yet another sign that AI will be a necessary lab partner in the future of science.

And the AI coding war continues, with Codeium reportedly raising funds at a staggering $2.85 billion valuation—just six months after its last round. Unlike some competitors, Codeium has carved out its space by focusing on enterprise customers, and with $40 million in annual recurring revenue, investors are clearly impressed. With its new Windsurf Editor pushing autonomous coding capabilities, it’s fighting for dominance in a market where giants like GitHub Copilot and Anysphere are also vying for leadership.

Finally, for those who think big, Karman+ is securing funding to mine asteroids. Yes, really. With the goal of extracting water and fuel to reduce the costs of space missions, they claim they’ll accomplish in a $10 million mission what typically costs over $1 billion. If they pull it off, this could be the start of a new space economy, where space-based resources power deep-space exploration. Their first launch is set for 2027. Sci-fi is coming sooner than expected.

Strap in, there’s a lot to unpack. Let’s dive in.

Top AI news

1. Microsoft unveils Majorana 1, the first topological quantum processor
Microsoft has unveiled Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum processor leveraging topological qubits. Using a groundbreaking material called topoconductors, this innovation enhances qubit stability and error correction, crucial for practical quantum computing. Their measurement-based approach simplifies quantum error correction, making large-scale computation feasible. Supported by the DARPA US2QC program, Microsoft aims to develop a fault-tolerant quantum prototype within years. With a roadmap leading to million-qubit quantum computers, this breakthrough could transform industries like materials science, chemistry, and artificial intelligence.

2. Google’s AI co-scientist: A breakthrough or just a chatbot?
Google's AI co-scientist, built on Gemini 2.0, assists biomedical researchers by generating hypotheses based on existing data. It uses interconnected models that challenge each other to refine outputs. While it doesn’t create new knowledge, it has suggested viable research directions, such as drug repurposing for leukemia. Scientists rated its proposals as more impactful than other AI models. However, it lacks true scientific reasoning and remains a tool rather than a replacement for human expertise. Google is inviting researchers to test the system through its Trusted Tester program.

3. AI coding startup Codeium nears $3B valuation in new funding
Codeium, an AI-powered coding assistant startup, is in talks to raise funding at a $2.85 billion valuation, just six months after its last round at $1.25 billion. The funding is led by Kleiner Perkins. Codeium has reached $40 million in annual recurring revenue, making its valuation 70 times ARR. Unlike competitors, it focuses on enterprise clients, securing major customers like Anduril, Zillow, and Dell. Its Windsurf Editor introduces autonomous coding capabilities. The AI coding space is highly competitive, with rivals like GitHub Copilot and Anysphere also vying for market dominance.

Bonus. Karman+ raises $20M to mine asteroids autonomously
Karman+ has raised $20 million to build autonomous spacecraft capable of mining asteroids. The goal is to extract water and other resources to refuel satellites and space tugs, significantly reducing mission costs. While asteroid missions typically cost over $1 billion, Karman+ aims to achieve this for just $10 million per mission. The company, led by Teun van den Dries, plans its first launch in 2027. If successful, this could mark the beginning of a new space economy, leveraging asteroid resources to support long-term space operations.

Meme of the Day

Theme of the Week

AI Automation with no codes - The paper
In today's rapidly evolving technological landscape, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a cornerstone for innovation across various industries. Companies are increasingly investing in AI to enhance efficiency, automate processes, and gain a competitive edge. However, developing AI products is not without challenges. Unlike traditional software, AI systems often behave unpredictably due to their probabilistic nature, meaning their outputs can vary even with the same inputs. This unpredictability can lead to uncertainties about the product's value, user acceptance, and overall feasibility. Moreover, creating AI models typically requires specialized knowledge, making it difficult for individuals without a background in AI to contribute to the development process.

Stay Connected

Feel free to contact us with any feedback or suggestions—we’d love to hear from you !