Intel's Former CEO Leads Charge to Revive Moore's Law with $150M Government Boost

Pat Gelsinger, a former Intel executive, has been working closely with a semiconductor startup called xLight, which recently announced a preliminary deal with the U.S. Commerce Department for up to $150 million in funding. As a result, the government is set to become a significant shareholder in the company. This development has sparked concerns about the Trump administration's increasing involvement in strategically important companies, with some questioning the role of free enterprise in the industry. Gelsinger, who spent 35 years at Intel before being ousted last year, has been actively involved with xLight, one of 10 startups in his portfolio at venture firm Playground Global. The company's technology focuses on developing advanced semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes that could potentially help revive Moore's Law, a decades-old principle that has driven the rapid advancement of computing power and miniaturization. xLight's innovative approach aims to overcome the challenges posed by the physical limits of traditional semiconductor manufacturing, which have made it increasingly difficult to achieve further reductions in size and cost. The xLight deal has raised eyebrows in Silicon Valley, where the concept of free enterprise has long been a cornerstone of the industry. California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed his concerns at a recent speaking event, stating, "What the hell happened to free enterprise?" The trend of government equity stakes in strategically important companies has left many in the industry uneasy, as it seems to blur the lines between public and private sectors. Gelsinger's involvement with xLight is seen as a testament to his continued commitment to the semiconductor industry, despite his departure from Intel. As a general partner at Playground Global, he has been working closely with startups to develop innovative technologies that can help drive growth and competitiveness in the industry. xLight's technology has the potential to make a significant impact on the industry, and Gelsinger's involvement has helped bring attention to the company's efforts. The xLight deal is also seen as a significant development in the ongoing efforts to save Moore's Law, which has been facing challenges due to the physical limits of traditional semiconductor manufacturing. The company's innovative approach to developing advanced semiconductor materials and manufacturing processes could potentially help overcome these challenges and pave the way for further advancements in computing power and miniaturization. As the xLight deal moves forward, it remains to be seen how the government's involvement will impact the company's operations and growth prospects. The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming months, and it will be interesting to see how the company's technology is developed and commercialized. With Gelsinger's continued involvement and the government's significant investment, xLight is poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of the semiconductor industry.