TechCapsules

NLM Photonics, LIGENTEC SA, and Spark Photonics fabricated the first silicon nitride organic hybrid (NOH) modulators on a commercial photonics platform, integrating NLM’s Selerion™ electro‑optic glass onto low‑loss silicon nitride wafers. The proof‑of‑concept demonstrates active, low‑loss modulation from visible to near‑infrared wavelengths, enabling applications such as photonic qubit routing, quantum key distribution, and laser control in trapped‑atom systems. The milestone follows NLM’s recent investment round, securing supply‑chain and multi‑foundry manufacturing support for scaling the technology. [...]

The article outlines five major forces that move stock markets beyond interest rates. Corporate earnings are highlighted as the strongest driver of individual stock prices, with investors scrutinizing revenue growth, profit margins, guidance and future estimates against market expectations. Economic data—including inflation, employment, wages and manufacturing output—shape expectations about business conditions, influencing cost pressures and consumer spending. Commodity prices, especially oil, affect inflation expectations and corporate margins, with recent oil levels above $108 per barrel pressuring sectors [...]

SK hynix announced the creation of SK hynix Ventures, a corporate venture‑capital brand based in Silicon Valley, to invest across the broader AI ecosystem. The new arm will target AI infrastructure such as computing hardware, data‑center technology, system software and optical interconnects, expanding beyond the company’s historic focus on semiconductors and future‑tech startups. Since 2015, SK hynix’s venture activities have generated returns exceeding twice the capital deployed, according to senior executives who highlighted ecosystem collaboration as a competitive edge. [...]

At RoboBusiness 2026 in Santa Clara on Oct. 20‑21, F‑Prime Capital partners Sanjay Aggarwal and Betsy Mulé will present the firm’s annual State of Robotics Investments report. The study, based on 162 transactions tracked by The Robot Report, shows the sector raised $4.87 billion in August 2026 alone, highlighting where capital is flowing and which technology categories and end‑markets attract the most interest. Attendees will receive a data‑driven overview of current funding trends and actionable guidance for building and [...]

Evercore lifted Apple’s price target to $380, citing stronger-than‑expected upgrade demand for the iPhone 18 Pro series and the Apple Watch Series 12. The firm’s survey shows 32% of respondents plan to buy the iPhone 18 Pro Max, up from 29% for the previous model, and 67% cite aging devices as the main upgrade driver. Higher‑storage models remain popular, boosting Apple’s premium pricing. The firm also notes modest interest in the new foldable iPhone Duo, with 14% expecting to purchase it. [...]

Analysts warned that renewed scrutiny of artificial intelligence could pose a risk to the U.S. stock market, even as AI continues to drive robust earnings and investor optimism. This year, the Dow has risen nearly 8%, the S&P 500 11%, and the Nasdaq 13%, while AI‑focused firms such as Nvidia and AMD posted gains of 18% and 155% respectively. Heavy capital inflows into data centers and advanced chips have spurred what market observers describe as “hundreds of [...]

Family offices, which collectively managed about $5.5 trillion in 2024, are rapidly shifting toward direct AI investments after a lull in deal activity. Advisors say the allure of “3‑times‑in‑three‑months” returns outweighs longer‑term bets such as green energy, prompting many offices to bypass traditional venture‑capital funds and buy existing shares or negotiate single‑company deals. This trend reflects a new, risk‑tolerant generation of offices that prefer the secondary market’s perceived de‑risking, where companies already have revenue and customer traction. UBS’s [...]

Investors are warned that the biggest error in the AI boom is assuming every AI‑linked stock is inherently valuable. The article notes that major tech firms such as Microsoft, Alphabet, Amazon and Meta are projected to spend about $760 billion on AI‑related capital expenditures by 2026, underscoring the sector’s scale. However, this concentration of spending raises concerns for millions of Americans whose retirement accounts and index funds appear diversified yet may be heavily weighted toward a handful of [...]