Utilidata has raised $60 million to explore the potential of AI chips in enhancing grid intelligence. Collaborating with Nvidia and utility partners like Portland General Electric and Duquesne Light, the projects aim to gather detailed grid data, particularly regarding distributed energy resources like rooftop solar and EV chargers. These efforts focus on optimizing grid operations through virtual power plants and distributed energy resource management systems, leveraging real-time data and communication.

Silicon photonics startup nEye Systems raised $58M in funding led by CapitalG, with participation from Microsoft, Micron, Nvidia, and others. The Emeryville-based company is developing optical networking chips for AI data centers, promising faster, more efficient, and cost-effective data transfers. nEye's technology aims to overcome bandwidth and energy limitations of current electrical interconnects. Prototypes are ready, with production samples expected next year. Total funding exceeds $72M.