Nvidia commits $1.5B to Amkor to expand US chip packaging — 2026-07-24

## Short Segments Oracle secures a major Pentagon software deal, Dassault invests heavily in AI, and EV batteries outperform expectations. Later, we'll explore Nvidia's $1.5 billion commitment to Amkor for U.S. chip packaging expansion. Oracle lands a significant Pentagon software contract worth up to $7 billion. Oracle has clinched a substantial contract with the U.S. Department of War, potentially worth $6.99 billion over a decade. This deal consolidates the military's scattered Oracle licenses into a single framework, aiming to streamline software procurement and reduce redundant spending. The contract, negotiated by the Department of the Navy, includes a $3.31 billion base value for the first five years, with an option to nearly double the amount. This move is part of the Pentagon's broader strategy to optimize software costs and improve efficiency across its branches. Oracle's stock saw a 3% rise in extended trading following the announcement. This contract not only strengthens Oracle's position in the defense sector but also highlights the Pentagon's ongoing efforts to modernize its software infrastructure. Dassault Systèmes invests $2 billion in AI to counter market challenges. Facing a challenging year, Dassault Systèmes is investing up to $2 billion in artificial intelligence, focusing on its life sciences division. The French software giant, known for its 3D design software, aims to bolster its AI capabilities amid concerns that new AI technologies could undermine its core business. This investment includes the acquisition of U.S.-based ArisGlobal, a life sciences software company, to enhance its AI offerings. Despite a 25% drop in shares this year and a recent leadership change, Dassault remains committed to its full-year outlook. The company's strategic pivot towards AI reflects its efforts to adapt to evolving market demands and maintain its competitive edge in the software industry. EV batteries are lasting longer than initially predicted, easing consumer concerns. New data reveals that modern electric vehicle batteries are outperforming initial expectations, potentially lasting up to 40% longer than predicted. This finding addresses one of the primary concerns for potential EV buyers: battery longevity. Real-world driving conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic, appear to benefit battery life more than laboratory simulations suggested. This development could encourage more consumers to consider electric vehicles, as the fear of costly battery replacements diminishes. The extended lifespan of EV batteries not only enhances consumer confidence but also supports the broader adoption of electric vehicles as a sustainable transportation option. The EU charges TikTok with failing to protect children's privacy under the Digital Services Act. The European Commission has issued preliminary findings that TikTok violated the Digital Services Act by not adequately protecting minors' privacy. Investigators found that TikTok's default settings allowed adults to view minors' accounts, posing risks of cyberbullying and unwanted contact. This investigation, ongoing since 2024, highlights the EU's commitment to enforcing digital privacy standards. TikTok faces potential fines if it fails to address these privacy concerns. This case underscores the increasing regulatory scrutiny on social media platforms to safeguard user privacy, particularly for vulnerable groups like children. Genesis AI is in talks to raise $500 million, aiming to enhance its robotics capabilities. Genesis AI, a startup focused on developing foundation models for robotics, is reportedly in discussions to raise approximately $500 million. This funding round could value the company at around $3 billion, marking a significant milestone for a business that emerged from stealth just last year. The potential investment reflects the growing interest in software solutions that enhance the functionality of robots, rather than the hardware itself. If successful, this funding would position Genesis AI as a key player in the robotics industry, driving innovation in AI-powered automation. SoftBank considers acquiring Swiss robotics startup Gravis, expanding its automation portfolio. SoftBank is reportedly evaluating a deal to acquire Gravis Robotics, a Swiss startup specializing in autonomy kits for construction equipment. This potential acquisition aligns with SoftBank's strategy to expand its robotics portfolio, extending its reach from factory automation to construction sites. Gravis Robotics, an ETH Zurich spinout, develops technology that enables excavators and diggers to operate autonomously. While the deal is not yet confirmed, it highlights SoftBank's continued investment in AI-driven robotics solutions, aiming to capitalize on the growing demand for automation across various industries. ## Feature Story Nvidia commits $1.5 billion to Amkor for U.S. chip packaging expansion, strengthening AI infrastructure. Nvidia has announced a $1.5 billion prepayment to Amkor Technology to expand advanced semiconductor packaging and testing capabilities in the United States. This strategic move aims to bolster Nvidia's supply chain for data-center chips, crucial for AI and accelerated computing platforms. The agreement, revealed on July 23, has already boosted Amkor's shares by 12% in after-hours trading. By investing in U.S.-based packaging facilities, Nvidia is addressing the growing demand for AI infrastructure and reducing reliance on overseas production. This partnership with Amkor, a leader in semiconductor packaging, aligns with Nvidia's long-term goals to enhance its technological capabilities and maintain a competitive edge in the AI hardware market. The semiconductor packaging process, often overlooked, is a critical step in chip manufacturing. It involves assembling finished silicon with memory and interconnects, ensuring the chips function effectively in various applications. As AI technologies advance, the need for sophisticated packaging solutions becomes more pronounced. Nvidia's investment in Amkor's Arizona facilities reflects a broader industry trend towards localizing chip production to mitigate supply chain disruptions and geopolitical risks. This move also supports the U.S. government's initiatives to strengthen domestic semiconductor manufacturing, aligning with national security and economic priorities. Looking ahead, Nvidia's commitment to expanding U.S. chip packaging capabilities could set a precedent for other tech giants to follow. As the demand for AI-driven solutions continues to rise, the importance of a robust and resilient supply chain becomes paramount. This partnership not only enhances Nvidia's production capacity but also reinforces its position as a leader in the AI hardware sector. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how this investment impacts Nvidia's market performance and influences the broader semiconductor industry. As the landscape evolves, the focus will remain on innovation, collaboration, and strategic investments to drive the next wave of technological advancements.