Tech-The Economic Times 
ET AI Hackathon: Innovation begins with a challenge
The Economic Times invites seasoned professionals to partake in an AI Hackathon, a national initiative designed to tackle genuine enterprise challenges using artificial intelligence. Contestants will engage in various rounds, demonstrating their technical prowess and innovative problem-solving skills. The most promising teams will showcase their AI-driven solutions at a grand finale in August 2026, where winners may secure prizes and exciting career opportunities with Accenture.
Semiconductor powerhouse Taiwan is the world's largest producer of advanced chips used in AI applications. Prosecutors this year investigated the suspected illegal export of servers equipped with Nvidia chips subject to US export controls.
Sonova unveils new AI-powered hearing-aid platform to support growth targets
The Swiss company was the first one to roll out a hearing aid that used real-time AI to separate speech from background noise in 2024.
CoinDCX expands SIP offering with daily investments and XIRR tracking from Rs 100
CoinDCX has introduced Daily SIP, enabling investors to start crypto investments for as little as Rs 100. This innovative feature promotes a steady approach to accumulating assets over time. With the introduction of the XIRR metric, users can now monitor their annualized returns easily. This enhancement is designed to make long-term crypto investing accessible, offering users increased flexibility and clarity to support disciplined investment strategies.
Third Wave Coffee raises Rs 408 crore in funding round led by WestBridge Capital
The round, comprising a mix of primary and secondary capital, also saw participation from existing investor Creaegis and angel investors, the speciality coffee chain said on Monday. The company did not disclose its valuation or the split between the primary capital and secondary share sales.
In photos: Humanoid robots sprint, play soccer and set records at Beijing games
More than 2,000 humanoid robots run, play table tennis and soccer, and are setting records at the ongoing World Humanoid Robot Games in Beijing, highlighting China’s rapid advances in robotics amid a tech race with the United States.
India's semiconductor market seen reaching $155 billion by CY31, share of global consumption to rise to 9%: Report
India's semiconductor market is projected to reach USD 155 billion by CY31, implying a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20 per cent and taking the country's share of global semiconductor consumption to roughly 9 per cent by 2031, according to a report by Kotak Mahindra Mutual Fund.
New Zealand to introduce bill banning social media for children under 16
The bill would require social media platforms to take reasonable steps to verify users' ages, including by utilising existing account information, facial technology and digital identity documents.
From Australia to Europe, countries move to curb children's social media access
Below is a summary of what countries and companies are doing to regulate access to social media amid mounting concerns over the impact of social media on children's health and safety.
Workers in China worry over being replaced as they adapt to the growing impact of AI on jobs
Rapid adoption of AI in many fields, from computer programmers to script writing and physical tasks, is pushing people out of their jobs or leaving them afraid that it might. China is at the vanguard of AI adoption as government policies encourage people and businesses to use AI applications and robotics in all aspects of life, so people like Fei are figuring out how to adapt.
Nvidia discusses Perplexity investment at $30 billion-plus valuation
Nvidia is discussing investing in Perplexity as part of an equity round that would value the AI startup at more than $30 billion, the Information reported on Sunday citing people with knowledge of the discussion.
SoftBank plans $6.29 billion corporate bond issuance amid AI fundraising boom
The issuance is SoftBank's largest ever and nearly twice the size of its previous record - a 600 billion yen offering issued in April 2025.
AI startup Hugging Face exploring sale valuing it at $13 billion
The New York-based company, which hosts open-source large language models and datasets, has been working with a bank to gauge bidders' interest, the report said.
Alibaba stock slumps in Hong Kong after $10.2 billion share placement to fund AI
Alibaba said on Sunday its HK$80 billion ($10.21 billion) share placement finalised at HK$112.70 apiece - an 8.4% discount to its Friday close - is aimed at funding AI-related development, as it redoubles AI bets amid competition and simmering Sino-U.S. tech rivalry.
VCs chase deeptech; AI takeaways from ET's WLF
Happy Monday! Specialist VC funds are expanding beyond their traditional sectors to invest more in deeptech. This and more in today’s ETtech Morning Dispatch.