(Re)Share | #16 - Major space news + not awful UK tech policy
Interstellar missions | AI Policy | Rocket Launches | MatSci Lab Automation
All of the most interesting stuff I’ve read / heard over the last couple weeks. This is a slightly lighter issue than normal, but I’ve been knee deep in protein engineering research for some really exciting investment opportunties. Hopefully more on that to come.
Stuff worth sharing
Sort of visiting Thanos - The European Space Agency (ESA) recently launched an eight year space exploration to Jupiter. The mission: explore the gas giant’s three (of four) moons, confirm the existence of underground oceans and potentially identify hospitable future colonies. Equally cool, the voyage involves three Earth slingshots to build up the required momentum. My inner eight year old is freaking out.
If interested, this podcast by The Economist gives better depth.
MinistrAI of Opaque Tech Investment - The world is abuzz with AI and the UK is uncharacteristically on top of it. This week the government announced a £100 million Foundational Model Task Force to ensure that the country remains a leader in the global AI race. The plan is light on details and they have named the initiative a “task force” so my expectations are slightly muted, but overall a very promising development for the nation’s tech community.
(Re)opened borders - UK VC / Tech ecosystem pillar Founders Forum acquired TechNation and saved the agency from a previously uncertain death. This is notable and relieving development as TechNation has been the leading mechanism for talent-based visas for the UK - an absolutely critical function. Details are not super clear but basically everyone in tech / VC loves TechNation, so I think they’re in good hands.
To infinity and bey——-(end transmission) - SpaceX made massive / maybe stride in its intergalactic colonization dreams with the partially successful test launch of the Starship rocket. This is notable for two reasons: 1) the Starship is a revolutionary spacecraft (i.e. manned vehicle) that will leverage the same reusable engineering that has made SpaceX the leader it is. 2) the launch featured the Super Heavy booster, the largest and most powerful rocket engine ever fired. It also burst into flames about four minutes after launch….so a few bugs to work out.
White coats / pink slips - A San Francisco laboratory is taking wetlab automation and applying it to material science. The A-Lab marries AI and robotics to iterate potential material reactions and synthesize samples 100 times faster than humans could.
Robotic overlord / friendly neighbor - A group of researchers at Stanford developed a Sims inspired, autonomous community of AI agents and adorableness ensues. With no training or specific direction, the 25 citizens(?) of Smallville built routines, planned parties and arranged carpools. Fans of old school Zelda or 50’s-era Americana will be delighted.
Recyclops Returns - Even a one-eyed former environmental activist turned Earth day nemesis would be warmed by the recent news that Apple dropped. By 2025 the company’s announced that all products will use 100% recycled cobalt. In past issues we’ve discussed the massive environmental and sociological impact of rare Earth metal mining with cobalt being the primary element of concern. Of course the vast majority of the market’s driver is EVs, not iPhones, but an Apple-sized supply chain can make a really big impact.
Apple TV+ and chill - If you’re in need of a movie rec, I highly recommend Tetris. Great story, great music, Cold War era geopolitical tension. I have no notes.
Shameless Plug
Atomic Assembly - AI-powered engineered parts manufacturer (and angel investment) CloudNC announced that they’ll be supplying the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) with precision components for a fusion reactor.
Another reason to not use Tesco - Autonomous vehicle startup (and Fly portfolio) Wayve is on a tear. Last week they hosted Bill Gates and now they’re delivering Brits groceries.