WSJ Tech News Briefing TNB Tech Minute: AI Startup Mercor Valued at $10 Billion
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Oct 27, 2025 Katie Pizzolatto, Vice President at IBM Quantum Platform, shares her insights on the future of quantum computing and its unexpected applications in drug development and materials science. The discussion highlights the exciting potential this technology holds for various industries. The podcast also covers Mercor's leap to a $10 billion valuation, Novartis's strategic acquisition of Avidity Biosciences for muscular dystrophy treatments, and critiques of Microsoft by Australia's consumer watchdog regarding AI pricing practices.
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Quantum's Unknown Future
- Katie Pizzolatto reflects on the unknown applications of quantum computing compared to the dawn of classical computing.
- She highlights expected gains in drug development, materials discovery, and optimization across industries.
Mercore's Rapid Revaluation
- Mercore's valuation jumped to $10 billion after pivoting to train large AI models, showing rapid market re-rating.
- The firm scaled hiring to supply the lucrative workforce needed to improve top AI models.
Novartis Expands Into Neuromuscular Drugs
- Novartis agreed to buy Avidity Biosciences for $12 billion to bolster its neuromuscular drug pipeline.
- The deal targets experimental therapies for muscular dystrophy, a multi-billion-dollar market.