IBM says it has built the first sub-1nm chip technology — 2026-06-25

## Short Segments Brussels is tightening its grip on tech giants, moving to classify Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act. This decision could reshape the cloud landscape in Europe, as neither service meets the DMA’s quantitative thresholds, yet Brussels is pushing for their inclusion. Coming up, we'll explore the EU's strategic pivot in joining the US-led Pax Silica chip pact, and China's innovative approach to powering data centers with green energy. Brussels aims to designate AWS and Azure as gatekeepers under the Digital Markets Act. The European Commission has taken a preliminary stance that Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure should be classified as gatekeepers, despite not meeting the DMA’s quantitative thresholds. This move signals a shift in regulatory strategy, focusing on the influence these cloud services wield as gateways between businesses and consumers. By potentially imposing stricter rules, the EU seeks to ensure a level playing field in the tech industry. If finalized, this designation could lead to significant operational changes for AWS and Azure, impacting how they manage data and interact with competitors. The decision underscores the EU's commitment to curbing Big Tech's power, even if it means bending its own rules. The EU joins the US-led Pax Silica chip pact, countering China's AI ambitions. The European Union has decided to join Pax Silica, a US-led initiative aimed at securing AI chip supply chains and imposing export controls against China. This move comes shortly after the EU's push for tech sovereignty, highlighting a strategic pivot in its approach to global tech alliances. By aligning with the US, the EU aims to strengthen its position in the AI chip market while addressing concerns over dependency on foreign suppliers. This decision could reshape the geopolitical landscape of tech supply chains, as Europe balances its sovereignty goals with international cooperation. The timing of this alignment suggests a recalibration of priorities in response to global tech dynamics. China's data centers are now directly powered by green energy, bypassing the public grid. In a significant shift towards sustainable energy, China is encouraging its data centers to connect directly to renewable energy sources. In Ningxia, dedicated power lines now run from solar panels straight to data centers, bypassing the coal-heavy public grid. This initiative is part of China's broader strategy to reduce carbon emissions while meeting the growing demand for computing power. By integrating renewable energy directly into data center operations, China aims to set a precedent for sustainable tech infrastructure. This approach not only supports environmental goals but also enhances energy efficiency, potentially serving as a model for other nations looking to balance tech growth with sustainability. ## Feature Story IBM unveils the world's first sub-1nm chip technology, marking a breakthrough in semiconductor design. IBM has announced a major advancement in semiconductor technology with the development of the first sub-1 nanometer chip, utilizing a revolutionary 0.7nm transistor architecture. This achievement, built on IBM's new nanostack design, represents a significant leap forward in chip miniaturization and performance. The new architecture allows for nearly 100 billion transistors to be packed onto a chip the size of a fingernail, doubling the density of IBM's previous state-of-the-art technology. This breakthrough could pave the way for faster, more energy-efficient computing, crucial for advancing AI and data center capabilities. The implications of this development are profound, as the semiconductor industry has long been constrained by the physical limits of traditional chip scaling. IBM's innovation could redefine these boundaries, enabling continued adherence to Moore's Law, which predicts the doubling of transistors on a chip approximately every two years. This advancement not only enhances computational power but also reduces energy consumption, addressing growing concerns over the environmental impact of data centers and AI processing. Looking ahead, IBM's sub-1nm technology could influence the competitive landscape of the semiconductor industry, prompting other companies to accelerate their own research and development efforts. As the demand for more powerful and efficient chips continues to rise, particularly in AI and cloud computing, IBM's breakthrough positions it as a leader in the next generation of semiconductor technology. The industry will be watching closely to see how this innovation is adopted and integrated into commercial applications, potentially setting new standards for chip performance and efficiency.