Latest news with #DARPA
New Indian Express
16 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Rare earth magnets: Supply link from mine to magnet
Rare earth magnets are the invisible force behind the world's transition to electric vehicles, renewable energy, and cutting-edge defence systems. At the heart of these technologies lies a small but indispensable component: the neodymium-iron-boron permanent magnet. Without it, electric motors stall, wind turbines falter, and advanced missile systems lose precision. India, despite its sizeable rare earth reserves, has no domestic capacity to produce these critical magnets. We have to address this strategic blindspot that could cripple the country's ambitions in EVs, renewables, and defence unless addressed immediately. Why the markets won't solve this The rare earth supply chain is notoriously capital-intensive and high-risk. Developing a mine-to-magnet project can take 5-10 years, with massive upfront costs and no guaranteed cash flows. Traditional project finance models do not work here as banks see too much risk and not enough precedent. Experience shows the market has been flooded to drive down prices and kill off competitors multiple times. No investor will risk capital in a sector where prices can fall below the cost of production overnight due to geopolitical manipulation. Under these conditions, mere funding support engineered through grants and tax concessions may be sub-optimal. Governments must support an enterprise with an assured offtake and price over its lifetime. In effect, the private sector takes on the technology and production risk, and the government takes on the complete market and revenue risks. In 2022-23, Apple signed a multi-year, $500-million procurement deal with a Nevada-based rare earth miner and processor. Crucially, the tech giant agreed to prepay $200 million to help the company establish a full-fledged domestic supply chain—from mine to magnet. This wasn't charity; it was strategic foresight. Apple, whose devices and production lines depend heavily on rare earth magnets, saw the writing on the wall: continued reliance on foreign supplies was a vulnerability. Soon after, the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) stepped in with an even more dramatic move. It committed to guarantee a price of $110/kg for neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, a key ingredient in rare earth magnets, at nearly double the prevailing global market price. Why? Because without such assurance, no company would risk building costly infrastructure in a price-volatile, externally-dominated market. India imports nearly all the 900 tonnes of magnets used annually despite holding the fifth-largest rare earth reserves in the world. Not a single commercial magnet factory exists in the country as of 2025. India's only meaningful processing activity is via IREL (India), which produces about 1,500 tonnes of NdPr oxide, most of which is used in R&D or exported.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
IonQ vs. Rigetti: Which Quantum Stock Has the Edge in 2025?
The quantum computing race is heating up, and two of the most followed pure-play names in the space—IonQ IONQ and Rigetti Computing RGTI—are competing not just on scientific milestones, but on commercial traction and investor confidence. Both companies are developing hardware-driven platforms with unique architectures. As the quantum sector inches closer to real-world utility, comparing IonQ and Rigetti offers valuable insight into which player may offer more upside in they take different technical paths—IonQ focuses on trapped-ion quantum processors while Rigetti uses superconducting qubits—both aim to scale toward fault-tolerant quantum computing. They also share a commonality in working with government partners such as DARPA and emphasizing next-gen quantum networking. With recent updates from both firms, including acquisitions, new partnerships, and updated roadmaps, it's an opportune moment to evaluate which company is better positioned for growth in the near dive deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which one is a better investment now. The Case for IonQ Stock IonQ, founded in 2015, stands out in the quantum computing race with its focus on trapped-ion technology—offering higher qubit fidelity and lower error rates. Unlike rivals chasing raw qubit counts, IonQ emphasizes 'algorithmic qubits' (AQ), a more meaningful metric of computational usefulness. The company's 2025 goal is to reach AQ 64, a milestone that would significantly advance practical quantum is also expanding into quantum networking. Its acquisitions of ID Quantique and Lightsynq strengthen its position in secure communications and quantum repeaters—essential components of a future quantum internet. The recent purchase of Capella Space adds space-based capabilities, supporting IonQ's ambition to build a global quantum key distribution (QKD) network. This end-to-end platform strategy could set IonQ apart in both commercial and defense IonQ remains well-funded, with $697 million in cash and investments as of first-quarter 2025. This capital cushion supports its aggressive R&D and acquisitions, though it comes with rising losses. Operating expenses surged as IonQ grew its engineering force and integrated new assets, leading to an adjusted EBITDA loss of $35.8 million, wider than last year's $27 million. Management now expects a 35% higher full-year EBITDA loss than initially forecast as it accelerates these losses, IonQ's liquidity enables continued investment in technology leadership. Net losses narrowed slightly year over year due to a warrant-related gain, but profitability remains distant. To justify its valuation, IonQ must sustain technical progress and commercial competitive landscape is intense—tech giants like International Business Machines Corporation IBM, Alphabet's GOOGL Google, and Amazon AMZN are all pushing quantum R&D. IonQ's success hinges on proving that its trapped-ion systems can scale effectively. Hitting the AQ 64 target could solidify its edge and validate its approach amid heavyweight rivals. The Case for Rigetti Stock Founded in 2013, Rigetti Computing is advancing superconducting quantum computing with a focus on scalable architecture. Its core innovation lies in a modular 'chiplet' design, allowing multiple smaller chips to be linked together instead of relying on a single monolithic processor. This strategy addresses the increasing difficulty of scaling quantum chips. Rigetti is currently developing a four-chip module, aiming for a 36-qubit system by mid-2025 and over 100 qubits by 2025-end, with target gate fidelities above 99%.Rigetti believes this multi-chip approach is the most feasible path to building large-scale quantum computers. It also argues that other superconducting systems relying on single-chip expansion have faced limitations, and that ion-trap or photonics-based systems lag in terms of qubit count. If Rigetti's modular system delivers high performance at scale, it could become a leading platform despite current gaps in size and company is gaining institutional validation. It was selected for DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative—alongside IBM and HP—positioning it as a credible player in next-generation quantum efforts. In a major commercial win, Rigetti secured a $35 million investment from Quanta Computer, which acquired shares at $11.59 apiece. This partnership could support high-volume manufacturing, a potential future advantage if Rigetti achieves demand-scale Rigetti is still in early innings. As of first-quarter 2025, it had $237.7 million in cash, bolstered by Quanta's investment. However, its revenue remains modest—just $1.47 million in the first quarter, down 52% year over year—and primarily stems from research heavy losses and uncertain revenue growth, Rigetti's engineering roadmap and industrial alliances provide a possible runway for upside. However, competition in superconducting quantum is intense. Rigetti competes not only with IBM (which has a 433-qubit chip already, albeit with lower fidelity than Rigetti aspires to) and Google, but also with a host of startups and research labs. Unlike IonQ, which has a unique ion-based approach largely to itself in the public markets, Rigetti must differentiate itself among many working on superconducting this stage, Rigetti's strengths are its innovative engineering and strategic alliances, while its weaknesses are the scant revenue and unproven scalability. Share Price Performance of IONQ and RGTI Stocks IonQ stock surged 442.8% over the past year amid growing interest in the quantum computing sector. Even after some volatility in 2025, IonQ shares are still up 54.2% over the past three months. Meanwhile, RGTI stock has surged 1,116.4% over the past year and 75.5% over the past three months. 3-Month Share Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Valuation of IONQ & RGTI Stocks Having a market capitalization of around $12.3 billion, IonQ stock has been volatile, reflecting the high expectations built into its valuation. IonQ's forward 12-month price/sales (P/S) ratio is 98.14. The stock's lofty price-to-sales ratio reflects enormous optimism for future growth, leaving little margin for a market cap near $5 billion, Rigetti's stock reflects investor excitement but also vulnerability. RGTI's forward 12-month P/S ratio is 236.36, much higher than IONQ's. Any sign of delays in the chiplet program or failure to hit the mid-year 36-qubit milestone could shake confidence. IONQ & RGTI Estimate Revision Trend For IONQ, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 loss per share has widened over the past 30 days to 60 cents, as you can see below, depicting analysts' concern. Yet, the estimated figure indicates a much narrower loss than the year-ago reported loss of $1.56 per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues implies year-over-year growth of 97.3%. For IONQ Stock Image Source: Zacks Investment Research For RGTI stock, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 loss per share of 5 cents has remained unchanged over the past 30 days, as you can see below, limiting the upside potential of the stock. The estimated figure indicates improvement from the year-ago loss level of 36 cents per share. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2025 revenues implies a year-over-year decline of 18.6%. For RGTI Stock Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Conclusion: Which Quantum Stock Has the Edge? Both IonQ and Rigetti are developing potentially game-changing technology, and both stocks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), indicating a balanced risk/reward in the near term. However, when closely comparing the two, IonQ appears to have the edge as an investment in 2025. IonQ boasts a stronger foundation – it is generating significantly more revenue, achieving real commercial deals, and commands a much larger cash reserve to fund its ambitions. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks strategy of coupling quantum computing with quantum networking (via acquisitions and partnerships) also expands its total addressable market and could yield nearer-term revenue streams (for example, selling quantum communication hardware or services) in addition to computing. By contrast, Rigetti is currently focused almost entirely on the long-term prize of a bigger, better quantum processor – an exciting pursuit, but one that may not pay off until further down the road, if at all. Its dependency on delayed government funding and a limited revenue base makes it a more speculative investment at this Rigetti's share price has been extraordinarily volatile, rising dramatically in anticipation of its milestones. IonQ's relative maturity in revenue generation and its broader vision for quantum tech give it a more favorable risk-reward profile at present. IonQ's healthy balance sheet, aggressive execution on both terrestrial and space-based quantum networking and increasing revenues provide a cushion and confidence to investors that the business is trending in the right direction. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) : Free Stock Analysis Report Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) : Free Stock Analysis Report IonQ, Inc. (IONQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Rigetti Computing, Inc. (RGTI) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
Forbes
3 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
How To Quickly Improve Your Ability To Predict The Future
A few individuals have a heightened ability to forecast what will happen next. What traits do they ... More share? (Photo by) The need to predict is omnipresent. Every time you buy a stock, choose a partner, pick a president, or bet your brother-in-law that the 49ers will finally win it all, you're making a decision based on a prediction. And yet, despite all the big data, algorithms, learning models, and AI assistants, we're still not very good at predicting the future. But, turns out, there are a few techniques that will help you get better fast. The human desire to improve our ability to predict the future isn't new. Nostradamus was one of the original prognosticators to receive acclaim. Yet, on further reflection, his writings are so open to interpretation that they could be describing either the fall of Rome or the next global pandemic. In recent decades, predicting the future of everything has become a growth industry, especially in politics. Cable news needs experts who sound cocksure about everything, even if their accuracy is less than dart-throwing chimps. As long as the ratings are good, bring on the blather. A few individuals have a heightened ability to forecast what will happen next. What traits do they share? University of Pennsylvania professor Philip Tetlock has spent decades trying to answer this question: Spoiler alert: It's not fame, credentials, or wearing a bowtie on TV. Determined to find out what does make someone a good predictor, Tetlock launched a bold experiment. With funding from DARPA, he hosted forecasting tournaments known as the Good Judgment Project. Tens of thousands of ordinary people—teachers, engineers, pharmacists, and even a Canadian underwater hockey coach—competed to see who could best predict the outcomes of real-world events: Will the president of Tunisia go into exile next month? Will the price of gold exceed $3500 by the end of Q3? Tetlock identified a small percentage—about 2 percent—who consistently made remarkably accurate predictions. He dubbed them 'superforecasters.' They weren't clairvoyant. They didn't have access to classified information. But they do have certain traits in common: What You Think Versus How You Think Tetlock puts it this way: 'What you think is much less important than how you think.' Superforecasters don't get attached to their opinions. They revisit assumptions. They seek out dissent. One participant even wrote code to curate news articles from across ideological spectrums so he wouldn't fall into an echo chamber. They also tracked and scored their predictions over time, treating it not as a parlor trick, but as a craft. If you want to improve your ability to anticipate the future—and let's be honest, who doesn't—Here are a few suggestions: 1. Start with the base rate. Ask yourself: What usually happens in situations like this? Don't be seduced by the drama of outliers. Begin with the average. 2. Break it down. Instead of 'Will AI take my job?' ask: 'What tasks in my role are automatable?' Then assign probabilities to each. 3. Toggle perspectives. Use both the inside view (your specific context) and the outside view (what's happened in similar situations). 4. Stay flexible. Your assumptions are not sacred scrolls. Update them when new information arrives. Bonus points if you can admit you were wrong without needing therapy. 5. Use numbers, not vibes. Avoid vague terms like 'probably.' Go with: 'I'm 70% confident.' It sharpens your thinking—and makes you easier to argue with at dinner parties. 6. Keep a prediction journal. Write down your forecasts and your reasoning. Revisit. Learn. Repeat. (Optional: give yourself gold stars.) 7. Seek disconfirmation. Don't just look for information that proves you right. Hunt down what might prove you wrong. It's called 'growing.' 8. Diversify your info diet. Read widely. Follow smart people you disagree with. Cross-pollinate. Avoid becoming the human version of a YouTube algorithm. In the end, getting better at prediction won't make you omniscient, but it will make you wiser, calmer, and a better decision-maker. And maybe, just maybe, the next time someone at work says, 'Nobody could have seen this coming,' you'll be able to smile and say, 'Actually… I kind of did.'
Time of India
4 days ago
- Science
- Time of India
Germany turns live cockroaches into spies with AI-powered backpacks
Image: Reuters In a move straight out of a science fiction novel, Germany is pioneering the use of live cockroaches as covert surveillance tools. A tech startup called SWARM Biotactics , based in Kassel, is developing AI-powered "backpacks" that are mounted on real cockroaches, effectively turning them into biologically integrated spy agents. These miniature devices are equipped with sensors, cameras, and neural stimulators, allowing remote control and autonomous swarming in tight or inaccessible environments, according to Reuters. Backed by over €13 million in funding, this innovation is set to redefine the future of surveillance and battlefield intelligence. From lab to battlefield: How the spy cockroach works SWARM Biotactics' technology involves fitting Madagascar hissing cockroaches with ultra-lightweight, AI-enabled backpacks. These include: Tiny cameras for real-time reconnaissance Environmental sensors to detect gas, radiation, or heat Neural stimulators that send signals to the insect's nervous system to direct movement Wireless communication modules for operator control or swarm-level coordination This tech allows the bugs to slip through rubble, walls, or tight spaces where conventional drones fail—making them ideal for urban combat zones, hostage rescues, or disaster response, according to Reuters. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas in Dubai | Search Ads Get Info Undo Why cockroaches? A perfect spy in the shadows Cockroaches are small, durable, and capable of navigating cramped, complex terrain—traits that make them the perfect living platform for micro-surveillance. Unlike mechanical robots, they require no energy to move and can survive in extreme conditions, all while carrying payloads of up to 3 grams. Their movements can be guided using low-voltage impulses to the antenna or cerci, making them semi-autonomous with human override. Combined with AI, these biological machines are designed to act individually or as a swarm to map, monitor, or infiltrate hard-to-reach areas. Funded for the future: Germany's defense-tech push SWARM Biotactics recently secured €13 million in funding, including €10 million in a seed round aimed at transitioning this bio-robotic tech from laboratory research to field deployment. According to Reuters, the initiative aligns with Germany's broader effort to integrate cutting-edge startups into its defense innovation ecosystem, much like the U.S. DARPA model. This startup is also collaborating with security agencies and research institutions to develop protocols for field operations, ethical deployment, and swarm integration in live missions. While the primary use is for military surveillance and reconnaissance, the company also sees applications in disaster relief, such as locating survivors in collapsed buildings or chemical hazard detection in industrial zones. These AI-equipped insects could soon become part of firefighting, urban planning, and search-and-rescue operations. A new era of surveillance is crawling closer Germany's cockroach-cyborg initiative signals a new frontier in espionage and robotics—one that merges biology with artificial intelligence. While still in its early stages, the technology has already captured the attention of defense strategists worldwide. As development progresses, these living surveillance agents might soon redefine how wars are fought and crises are managed—one silent scurry at a time. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
TechCrunch
22-07-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
National security meets next-gen tech at Disrupt 2025 AI Defense panel
TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 is where breakthrough ideas meet the real-world challenges that define the future — and with over 10,000 startup and VC leaders converging, there's no better place to have the hard conversations. One of the most urgent? How artificial intelligence is reshaping national defense, security, and critical infrastructure in real time. Enter AI Defense, a can't-miss panel discussion taking place on one of the two AI Stages, where leaders from government, venture, and the armed services will explore the high-stakes collision of innovation and national security. Why this conversation matters now With AI evolving at a blistering pace, the stakes for defense innovation have never been higher. From autonomous systems and decision intelligence to cybersecurity and battlefield readiness, the U.S. defense and intelligence communities are racing to build smarter, more adaptive technologies — without compromising ethics, oversight, or safety. This panel explores the delicate balance between intelligence and control, the role of startups in defense innovation, and the multi-billion-dollar opportunities emerging at the intersection of national security and AI. If your startup touches defense, government, cybersecurity, or AI infrastructure, this is a conversation you can't afford to miss. Where defense, intelligence, and innovation converge Onstage, you'll hear from Dr. Kathleen Fisher, Director of the Information Innovation Office at DARPA, who is leading the charge on tech that gives the U.S. and its allies an edge in the information wars of the 21st century. With a career that spans AT&T Labs and academia at Tufts University, Fisher blends research credibility with strategic vision, and she's shaping the next generation of defense-grade AI. Joining the panel is Sri Chandrasekar, Managing Partner at Point72 Ventures, and formerly a leader at In-Q-Tel, the CIA's strategic investment arm. Chandrasekar knows how to spot frontier tech that moves the needle, and he's built investment frameworks to support some of the intelligence community's toughest missions. Techcrunch event Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. Tech and VC heavyweights join the Disrupt 2025 agenda Netflix, ElevenLabs, Wayve, Sequoia Capital — just a few of the heavy hitters joining the Disrupt 2025 agenda. They're here to deliver the insights that fuel startup growth and sharpen your edge. Don't miss the 20th anniversary of TechCrunch Disrupt, and a chance to learn from the top voices in tech — grab your ticket now and save up to $675 before prices rise. San Francisco | REGISTER NOW Rounding out the panel is Justin Fanelli, Chief Technology Officer for the Department of the Navy. Fanelli lives at the intersection of cybersecurity, innovation, and adoption, driving digital transformation across one of the most complex organizations in government. From his DARPA Service Chiefs Fellowship to his nationally recognized work in defense health and command systems, Fanelli brings the boots-on-the-ground perspective to how defense is done in the age of AI. Catch it live at TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 This AI Defense panel takes place on the AI Stage. Exact session time coming soon — but don't wait to claim your pass. TechCrunch Disrupt 2025 runs October 27–29 at Moscone West in San Francisco. Join 10,000+ startup and VC leaders for three days of conversations and connections that define what's next. Grab your pass now before prices increase after July.
