Welcome back to 4IR. Here's today's lineup:
Google quantum computer creates "impossible" matter state - Physics textbooks need rewriting after 58-qubit breakthrough
EU Data Act goes live, forces Big Tech to share everything - Your device data belongs to you now, not Apple or Google
FTC investigates 7 AI giants over chatbot child safety - OpenAI, Meta, Google face probe into "companion" AIs targeting kids
OpenAI launches Grove mentorship for AI entrepreneurs - 5-week program at SF headquarters, applications close Sept 24
Manufacturing goes all-in: 82% say AI is critical - Nearly half report major ROI, but can't find workers who understand it
🔥 TOP STORY: Google breaks physics with quantum computer
The story: Google's quantum team achieved something physicists thought was impossible on September 12—they created a completely new state of matter using a 58-qubit quantum processor. Published in Nature, they made a "Floquet topologically ordered state" where particles literally transform into other particles. They could even watch it happening at the edges. The same day, DARPA selected Google for its Quantum Benchmarking Initiative to build fault-tolerant quantum computers by 2033. This isn't just faster computing—it's using computers to create matter that doesn't exist in nature.
What we know:
Created new matter state with 58 qubits
Published in Nature on September 12
Particles can "transmute" into different forms
First time anyone has imaged edge particle motions
DARPA chose Google for quantum initiative
Goal: practical quantum computers by 2033
Why it matters: We just crossed from using quantum computers for math to using them to create impossible physics. Everything changes now.
This is bigger than AI. Google just created matter that physicists said couldn't exist. Not "hard to make"—literally impossible according to our understanding of physics. Until yesterday. The Floquet state they created is like finding out you can make water flow uphill if you sing to it right. Particles changing into other particles? That's alchemy, except it's real and happening in a Google lab. DARPA jumping in means the military gets it—this is the Manhattan Project of computing. When these machines work at scale, every password breaks, every drug gets designed perfectly, and we start making materials that seem like magic.
🧠BREAKTHROUGH: OpenAI wants to train the next generation
The story: OpenAI announced Grove, an intensive mentorship program for AI entrepreneurs starting October 20. About 15 founders will spend 5 weeks at OpenAI's San Francisco headquarters, getting mentored by their technical leaders and early access to new tools. Applications close September 24. Meanwhile, Anthropic announced it's doubling its Washington DC staff and opening an office in 2026, with policy head Jack Clark saying they need to prepare lawmakers for AI's impact. OpenAI builds entrepreneurs while Anthropic builds political relationships.
What we know:
Grove program starts October 20
5 weeks at OpenAI SF headquarters
~15 participants selected
Applications close September 24
Anthropic doubling DC presence
New Anthropic office coming 2026
Why it matters: The AI giants are picking sides—OpenAI bets on startups, Anthropic bets on government. Both are right.
OpenAI just became Y Combinator for AI. Grove isn't charity—it's ecosystem control. Train the founders, give them early access, and every successful AI startup becomes part of OpenAI's empire. Smart as hell. Meanwhile, Anthropic is playing the long game in DC. They know regulation is coming and want to write it. Jack Clark isn't just "policy head"—he's Anthropic's ambassador to Congress. While OpenAI parties in SF, Anthropic is having coffee with senators. The companies that survive won't be the smartest—they'll be the most politically connected.
💰 MOONSHOT: EU Data Act nukes Big Tech's data monopoly
The story: The EU Data Act became law on September 12, and it's an atomic bomb for tech companies. Every connected device—phones, cars, fridges, everything—must now let users access and share their data. Products launching after September 2026 need data sharing built in from day one. Any "unfair" data contracts signed after today are void. This covers every company operating in Europe, even if they're based in Silicon Valley. Your iPhone's health data? You own it. Your Tesla's driving patterns? Yours to share with any competitor.
What we know:
Law took effect September 12, 2025
Covers all connected devices and services
Users can export data to competitors
Products after Sept 2026 need built-in sharing
"Unfair" contracts automatically void
Applies to all companies in EU market
Why it matters: The walls around Big Tech's data gardens just got demolished. Your data is finally yours.
This changes everything. Apple spent decades building a walled garden. Google's entire business is your data. Meta knows you better than your mom. Starting today in Europe, you own all of it. Not "request a copy" own—actually own, share, sell, whatever you want own. Imagine taking 10 years of iPhone health data and giving it to Samsung. Or moving your entire Google history to a startup that pays you for it. AI companies are panicking—their competitive advantage was proprietary data. Now any user can take their training data and give it to competitors. This is the biggest tech disruption since the internet.
📰 BATTLEGROUND: FTC declares war on AI chatbots targeting kids
The story: The FTC launched a massive investigation on September 12 into how AI chatbots affect children, targeting seven companies: OpenAI, Anthropic, Google, Meta, Snap, xAI, and Character.AI. They're using Section 6(b) authority—basically unlimited subpoena power—to examine data collection, emotional manipulation, and mental health impacts on minors. FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson called protecting kids online "a top priority for the Trump-Vance FTC." They want every document, every conversation log, every piece of data about how these AIs interact with children and teenagers.
What we know:
Seven major AI companies under investigation
Using Section 6(b) unlimited investigative power
Focus on data collection from minors
Examining emotional manipulation risks
Mental health impacts under scrutiny
Bipartisan support from Trump administration
Why it matters: The government just realized kids are forming deeper relationships with AI than with humans. Now they're terrified.
This is the investigation that changes everything. Kids aren't just using ChatGPT for homework—they're telling it their deepest secrets, their fears, their suicidal thoughts. Character.AI has teenagers creating AI boyfriends and girlfriends. The FTC will find conversations that make your skin crawl. Lonely kids saying "you're my only friend" to an algorithm. AIs trained to maximize engagement keeping depressed teens talking for hours. The 6(b) authority means they'll see EVERYTHING. No lawyer can block it, no PR can spin it. When Congress sees what the FTC finds, we'll have emergency AI regulations within months. Every company named is already lawyering up.
🚀 VELOCITY: Manufacturing bets everything on AI, can't find workers
The story: Xometry's report shows 82% of manufacturers now view AI as critical for growth—up from 70% last year. Nearly half (44%) report significant ROI from AI projects. But here's the problem: 68% can't find workers who understand AI. They're planning to spend big anyway—85% will invest over $100,000 in AI next year. Meanwhile, the robotics sector raised $6 billion in just seven months, with Amazon hitting 1 million robots deployed. Foxconn's AI nurse robot is cutting hospital workloads by 30%. Tesla says robots will be 80% of its value.
What we know:
82% of manufacturers: AI is critical (was 70%)
44% seeing significant ROI already
68% can't find qualified AI workers
85% investing $100K+ in 2026
Robotics raised $6B in 7 months
Amazon: 1 million robots deployed
Why it matters: Every factory in America is going AI-powered. The workers who understand it will name their price.
This is the real AI revolution—not chatbots, but factories. 82% of manufacturers betting on AI means your car, your phone, your shoes will all be made by algorithms. The 68% who can't find workers? That's opportunity. If you understand AI and manufacturing, you're golden. Companies are so desperate they're spending $100K+ even without the right people. The robotics boom makes sense—Foxconn's nurse robot does 30% of the work instantly. Amazon's million robots don't take sick days. Tesla pivoting to robots over cars tells you everything. Manual labor is ending. If your job involves moving things from A to B, you have 5 years max.
Note: Commentary sections are editorial interpretation, not factual claims