Scimplify raises $25M to challenge China’s grip on critical materials with AI

Scimplify’s annualized revenue run rate has tripled to $200 million as it eyes U.S. expansion.

The Politics of Solar Energy Are Getting Weird, Mean, and a Little MAGA

A mysterious super PAC that doubles as a pro-solar-energy outfit is funding some of the most knives-out attack ads of the midterms season.

Breville Eye Q Toaster Review: Neat Sensors, but Less-Than-Perfect Toast

The Breville Eye Q uses optical sensors to measure the darkness of your toast. Cool tech, but the toasting quality needs improvement.

JackRabbit MG Cargo Bike Review (2026): Compact and Powerful

This compact, plucky ride is the cargo ebike for people who don’t want a cargo ebike. It’s even fun to ride.

My Friend Has No Soul

The second iteration of the viral Friend AI necklace is louder and less interesting.

Formlabs Has a 3D Printer for Normies

The Form Studio 1 is a $699 desktop-sized printer that fits on a desk and only stinks a little bit.

Cerebras CEO pushes back on AI doomsday warnings

Cerebras CEO Andrew Feldman has a message for AI leaders spreading doomsday warnings: Maybe stop talking? At TechCrunch Disrupt, he argued that the industry’s focus on AI’s risks is drowning out its potential benefits.

FBI arrests OpenAI employee accused of planting hidden recording device in conference room

It’s not clear exactly for what purpose the recording device was used, but FBI director Kash Patel said the scheme was to “capture sensitive communications about the company’s super intelligence technology.” 

Licube wants to be the fuel provider to the fusion power industry — see how at TechCrunch Disrupt

Fusion power plants will need a lot of lithium, and Licube is preparing to be a key supplier.

Niobia takes the guesswork out of some of tech’s most expensive mistakes

The San Francisco startup aims to help battery and chip manufacturers identify defects on production lines, reducing downtime and costly mistakes.