China imposes travel restrictions on top AI researchers and entrepreneurs, requiring government approval for foreign travel, amid a widening effort to retain AI talent and secure the sector as a national security priority, as the global AI race narrows with the U.S.
Meta employees are experiencing low morale due to impending layoffs, mandatory tracking software, shrinking pay, and forced transfers, creating a "miserable moment" for many.
Top AI researchers are leaving Big Tech companies like Meta and Google to launch startups, securing billions in funding. Former Google DeepMind researcher David Silver raised a record $1.1 billion seed round for Ineffable Intelligence, while former Meta AI chief Yann LeCun's AMI Labs raised $1 billion. In 2026, VCs have funneled $18.8 billion into AI startups founded since early 2025, on track to surpass the $27.9 billion raised last year.
