Amitabh Kant wants an Indian DARPA, Tata seeks Malaysian chip plant, Neuralink advances, and an NZ deep tech fund

Neuroscience neural engineering isometric composition with computer engineers at work and brain model 3d vector illustration (Image by Macrovector on Freepik)Tata Electronics eyes Malaysia chip fab acquisition to boost semiconductor expertiseTata Electronics is in talks to acquire a semiconductor fabrication or OSAT plant in Malaysia, engaging with companies like X-Fab, DNeX, and Globetronics, Economic Times reports. The move aims to strengthen Tata’s knowledge and talent base before launching semiconductor assembly and packaging operations in India.Malaysia’s mature ecosystem, skilled workforce, and government incentives make it a preferred destination. Acquiring a Malaysian facility would help Tata gain manufacturing expertise, de-risk supply chains, and complement its major investments in semiconductor fabs and OSAT units in Gujarat and Assam.Listen to the episodeMusk’s Neuralink raises $650 million as brain implant trials expand globallyElon Musk’s Neuralink has secured $650 million in new funding as it begins clinical trials of its brain-computer interface implant in three countries, Reuters reports.The device, already used by five patients with severe paralysis to control digital and physical devices by thought alone, aims to restore mobility, speech, and vision.The US FDA recently granted “breakthrough” status to Neuralink’s speech and vision restoration devices, expediting their development. The funding will help expand patient access and further innovation, with Neuralink now valued at around $9 billion.Outset Ventures raises $25 million to back New Zealand deep techsIn New Zealand, Outset Ventures, the Auckland-based backer of startups such as Rocket Lab, has closed a $25 million fund to invest in deep tech startups focused on hard science and engineering breakthroughs, TechCrunch reports.The fund targets sectors like energy generation, storage, and infrastructure, supporting companies such as nuclear fusion startup OpenStar and offshore wind storage firm EnergyBank. Outset aims to leverage New Zealand’s capital efficiency and technical talent to scale globally, despite challenges in attracting international investment. The move comes amid a rebound in New Zealand’s venture investment ecosystem.Amitabh Kant urges catalytic public procurement to drive India’s innovation ecosystemIn a Hindustan Times opinion piece, Amitabh Kant, G20 Sherpa at the Government of India, highlights the critical role of catalytic public procurement in transforming India’s innovation landscape. He argues that, like the US government’s DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), the Indian government should act as a key buyer of new technologies, using outcome-based tenders and phased grants with buy-back commitments to spur innovation and reduce adoption risk.Such proactive procurement can bridge the gap between patents and real-world solutions, accelerate advances in areas like AI and semiconductors, and help India become a global leader in frontier technologies, Mr. Kant writes.