NVIDIA to Lead $20 Million Funding Round for Indian AI Startup Simplismart, Valuation to Reach $100 Million
May 18, according to reports, NVIDIA is in talks to lead a new funding round for Indian generative AI startup Simplismart, with the total investment expected to reach $20 million, valuing the company at around $100 million. If this valuation is confirmed, it would mean a significant surge in Simplismart’s valuation in a short period. Previously, the company raised $7 million in October 2024 at a valuation of around $25 million, with existing shareholder Accel expected to continue investing in this round, and at least one new investor expected to join.
Hengsheng Electronics Partners with Alibaba Cloud on AI Full-Stack Cooperation
According to Hengsheng Electronics, on May 15, the company signed an agreement with Alibaba Cloud to cooperate on AI full-stack technology, including large model technology, computing power services, and industry intelligent applications, aiming to accelerate the adoption of AI technology in the financial industry and other sectors.
Anthropic to Brief Financial Stability Board on AI Model Mythos’ Discovery of Network Defense Vulnerabilities
May 18, according to reports, Anthropic has agreed to brief the Financial Stability Board (FSB) on its AI model Mythos, focusing on the vulnerabilities in global financial system network defense identified by Mythos. The FSB is currently drafting a report on robust practices for applying AI in the financial system, which is expected to be released next month for public comment.
Tencent’s AI Design Platform Ardot Enters Public Testing
May 18, according to Tencent Cloud, Tencent’s self-developed AI design platform Ardot has officially entered public testing. Ardot’s WeChat mini-program is also expected to launch soon.
Musk: Plans to Conduct First Neuralink Implant Surgery for Treating Blindness This Year
According to reports, Elon Musk stated on May 18 that Neuralink’s technology can help some blind people regain their vision, and plans to conduct the first Neuralink implant surgery for treating blindness this year.
Ministry of Commerce: Urgently Planning to Release “AI + Consumption” Policy System
May 18, according to the Shanghai Securities News, Ministry of Commerce Vice Minister Sheng Qiuping stated at a press conference that the Ministry of Commerce will implement consumption policies with greater force and more effective measures, and will release a series of new initiatives focusing on goods consumption, service consumption, and offline consumption. In conjunction with urban renewal, the Ministry will focus on promoting smart home consumption, encouraging the promotion of package deals and customized services. Recently, the state released the “Artificial Intelligence Terminal Intelligentization Grading” national standards, and the Ministry of Commerce is urgently planning to release the “AI + Consumption” policy system, aiming to expand high-quality consumption imports and promote international luxury goods, fashion brands, and domestic products.
Baidu Q1 Revenue Reaches 32.1 Billion, AI Business Revenue Accounts for 52%
May 18, Baidu released its Q1 2026 financial report, showing a quarterly revenue of 32.1 billion yuan, with Baidu’s general business revenue reaching 26 billion yuan, up 2% year-over-year, exceeding market expectations. AI business revenue reached 13.6 billion yuan, accounting for 52% of Baidu’s general business revenue, marking consecutive quarters of growth.
Jingdong 618: First-Time Full-Scene, Full-Industry Integration of AI
May 18, according to reports, this year’s Jingdong 618 shopping festival will start on May 30, featuring the first full-scene, full-industry integration of AI, including an AI-powered shopping live broadcast. JoyInside’s AI-powered home products will also make their debut.
WITA Becomes First Embodied Intelligent Interaction Model to Complete Large Model Filing
May 18, according to the latest announcement from the Shanghai Municipal Cyberspace Administration, WITA has become the first embodied intelligent interaction model to complete large model filing, marking a new stage in China’s embodied intelligence industry, transitioning from “technology verification” to “compliant commercialization”.
