A year after being pushed out of Intel, Pat Gelsinger is still deeply involved in the semiconductor industry, albeit in a different capacity. Now a general partner at venture firm Playground Global, he is working closely with 10 startups. One particular portfolio company, xLight, has garnered a significant amount of his attention. Last Monday, xLight announced a preliminary deal for up to $150 million from the U.S. Commerce Department, with the government poised to become a substantial shareholder in the company.
This development marks a significant achievement for Gelsinger, who had spent 35 years at Intel before his departure. The xLight deal also sheds light on a trend that is causing unease in Silicon Valley – the Trump administration’s involvement in strategically important companies by taking equity stakes.
Governor Gavin Newsom of California recently voiced concerns about this trend, questioning the impact on the principles of free enterprise that Silicon Valley has long prided itself on. However, Gelsinger, who serves as xLight’s executive chairman, remains focused on the startup’s mission to address the semiconductor industry’s key bottleneck: lithography.
xLight is developing massive “free electron lasers” powered by particle accelerators, aiming to revolutionize chip manufacturing by etching microscopic patterns onto silicon wafers. Gelsinger believes that this technology has the potential to propel the industry forward, aligning with the principles of Moore’s Law, which dictates that computing power should double every two years.
The deal with the U.S. Commerce Department represents the first Chips and Science Act award under Trump’s second term, providing funding for early-stage companies with promising technologies. While the agreement is currently at the letter of intent stage, Gelsinger remains optimistic about its potential impact.
xLight’s ambitious plans involve building large-scale machines that would generate extreme ultraviolet light with wavelengths as precise as 2 nanometers. By treating light as a utility and building it outside semiconductor fabrication plants, xLight aims to overcome existing limitations in lithography technology, potentially leading to significant advancements in chip manufacturing.
Nicholas Kelez, the CEO of xLight, brings a unique background to the semiconductor world, having led quantum computer development efforts and worked on X-ray science facilities at national labs. Kelez highlighted the timing of xLight’s approach, noting that advancements in lithography technology have created an opportune moment for innovation.
The company aims to produce its first silicon wafers by 2028 and have a commercial system online by 2029. While xLight is not currently in direct competition with industry giants like ASML, the competitive landscape is evolving rapidly, with other startups entering the semiconductor manufacturing space.
Overall, xLight’s innovative approach to lithography technology, combined with Gelsinger’s experience and expertise, positions the company as a key player in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry. As conversations with major chipmakers progress and technology development advances, xLight is poised to make a significant impact in the semiconductor market. As xLight continues to make strides in the semiconductor industry, the potential partnership with Substrate could bring even more opportunities for growth. With Substrate focused on developing a full-stack lithography scanner that would require a free electron laser, xLight’s expertise in this area aligns perfectly with their needs.
The relationship between xLight and the Trump administration adds a unique twist to the story, as Gelsinger has been proactive in advocating for the company’s potential impact on bringing chip manufacturing back to the U.S. Despite some criticism of the administration’s involvement, Gelsinger remains steadfast in his belief that such partnerships are essential for national competitiveness.
Drawing parallels to energy policy, Gelsinger emphasizes the importance of strategic investments in industries critical to the nation’s economic capacity. By pointing out the disparity in nuclear reactor construction between the U.S. and China, he underscores the need for proactive measures to maintain a competitive edge.
With support from investors like Playground Global, xLight has secured $40 million in funding and is gearing up for another fundraising round in January. Unlike other tech startups that require massive amounts of capital, xLight’s more manageable path to success sets it apart in the industry.
The company’s plans to build its first machine at the New York CREATE site signal a promising future, pending finalization of the agreement. For Gelsinger, xLight represents more than just a portfolio investment – it’s a chance to solidify his legacy in the semiconductor sector and showcase his ability to navigate complex industry dynamics.
When asked about balancing principles with politics, Gelsinger maintains a technocratic view of corporate leadership, focusing on fulfilling business objectives and serving stakeholders above all else. With $150 million in funding from the Trump administration, he remains confident that taxpayers will benefit from the investment.
Despite his demanding schedule overseeing multiple startups, Gelsinger is enthusiastic about the opportunity to influence a wide range of technologies. Transitioning from his role at Intel to venture capitalism has allowed him to explore new challenges and make a meaningful impact in the tech industry.
As Gelsinger jokes about reclaiming his weekends, it’s clear that his passion for innovation and drive to succeed will continue to push him towards new ventures. With xLight at the forefront of semiconductor technology, the future looks bright for both Gelsinger and the company he champions. The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. With platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, we are constantly connected to a virtual world of likes, comments, and shares. While social media has its benefits, such as staying connected with friends and family, it also has a dark side that can negatively impact mental health.
One of the biggest issues with social media is the pressure to present a perfect image online. People often only share the highlights of their lives, showcasing their best moments and achievements. This can lead others to compare their own lives to these curated online personas, which can result in feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem. Research has shown that constantly comparing oneself to others on social media can contribute to symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Another harmful aspect of social media is cyberbullying. With the anonymity that the internet provides, people can easily engage in hurtful behavior without facing any consequences. Cyberbullying can take many forms, from cruel comments to spreading rumors or sharing embarrassing photos. Victims of cyberbullying can experience severe emotional distress and may develop mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts.
Moreover, the constant exposure to unrealistic beauty standards and lifestyles on social media can contribute to body image issues and eating disorders. The prevalence of edited and filtered photos can create an unrealistic perception of beauty, leading individuals to feel dissatisfied with their own appearance. This can lead to a negative body image and a distorted view of themselves.
Social media can also have a detrimental impact on sleep quality and overall well-being. The blue light emitted by screens can disrupt the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle, leading to insomnia and sleep disturbances. Additionally, the constant notifications and alerts from social media can be overwhelming and lead to feelings of stress and burnout.
Despite these negative effects, it is important to recognize that social media can also have positive impacts on mental health. It can be a valuable tool for connecting with others, seeking support, and raising awareness about mental health issues. It can also provide a platform for self-expression and creativity, allowing individuals to share their thoughts, feelings, and experiences with a wider audience.
To mitigate the negative impact of social media on mental health, it is important to practice mindfulness and self-care. Setting boundaries around social media use, taking breaks from screens, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being, such as exercise and spending time in nature, can help maintain a healthy balance. It is also important to remember that what we see on social media is often a curated version of reality and not a true representation of someone’s life.
In conclusion, social media can have a significant impact on mental health, both positive and negative. It is essential to be mindful of how we engage with social media and to prioritize our mental well-being above all else. By taking steps to protect ourselves from the potential harms of social media, we can enjoy the benefits of staying connected in a digital world while maintaining a healthy mind.
