Impact Vector: Technology — 2026-04-27

## Short Segments Welcome to Impact Vector, where we dive into the latest shifts in technology and innovation. Today, we'll explore a major investment in AI, a nostalgic return for gaming enthusiasts, and later, a groundbreaking deal to power data centers from space. First up, Sequoia and Nvidia back AlphaGo creator David Silver's new venture, Ineffable Intelligence, at a $5.1 billion valuation. David Silver, renowned for his work on AlphaGo and other AI breakthroughs at Google DeepMind, has launched a new startup, Ineffable Intelligence, which has already secured a $1.1 billion seed round. This funding round, co-led by Sequoia Capital and Lightspeed Venture Partners, marks the largest seed round ever raised by a European startup. Despite having no product or revenue yet, Silver's track record has attracted significant investor confidence. The London-based company is focused on advancing AI research, though specific details about its projects remain under wraps. This development highlights the ongoing appetite for AI innovation and the willingness of investors to back experienced leaders in the field. As AI continues to evolve, the industry will be watching closely to see how Ineffable Intelligence contributes to the next wave of technological advancements. Next, the sequel to the iconic emulator ZSNES is called Super ZSNES, of course. After two decades, the developers of the beloved Super Nintendo emulator ZSNES have returned with a new release, Super ZSNES. This updated version has been rewritten from scratch, featuring a GPU-powered "Super Enhancement Engine" that offers high-resolution playback, widescreen support, and improved audio accuracy. These enhancements aim to modernize the classic gaming experience while maintaining the nostalgic charm of the original SNES games. Super ZSNES also includes features like fast forward/rewind save states and a higher-resolution version of the original user interface. For purists, the extra features can be turned off to preserve the traditional gameplay experience. With the resurgence of retro gaming, Super ZSNES provides a fresh way for enthusiasts to enjoy classic titles on modern displays, bridging the gap between old-school nostalgia and contemporary technology. ## Feature Story Meta signs a deal to beam solar energy from space to its AI data centers. In a pioneering move, Meta has signed an agreement with Overview Energy to harness solar power from space to meet the growing energy demands of its AI data centers. This innovative approach involves using satellites in geosynchronous orbit to collect sunlight continuously and beam it as near-infrared light to existing ground-based solar installations. The ground installations then convert this light into electricity, effectively extending solar farm output through the night without requiring new land or infrastructure. Meta's data centers consumed over 18,000 gigawatt-hours of electricity in 2024, equivalent to powering more than 1.7 million American homes for a year. With the rapid expansion of AI technologies, the company's energy needs are projected to increase significantly. The agreement with Overview Energy provides Meta with early access to up to 1 gigawatt of power capacity from the space-based solar system, which is expected to undergo its first orbital test in 2028, with a commercial rollout planned by 2030. This deal represents a strategic pivot to orbital infrastructure, addressing the challenges of power procurement for large tech companies as they expand their AI capabilities. By securing a clean and continuous energy source, Meta aims to support its AI infrastructure sustainably, reducing reliance on terrestrial power grids that are already under strain. The move also aligns with Meta's broader commitment to renewable energy, as evidenced by its previous deals to source solar and wind power for its operations. As the demand for AI-driven services continues to grow, the success of this space-based solar initiative could set a precedent for other tech giants seeking sustainable energy solutions. Observers will be watching closely to see how this ambitious project unfolds and its potential impact on the future of energy procurement in the tech industry.