📉 Harvard in the Crosshairs: What’s at Stake for Startups
Arun Sagar
May 23, 2025
Happy Friday 👋 Hope you’re doing good. Did you know that President Trump's move to block Harvard from enrolling international students isn’t just an academic crackdown. It could choke off a vital source of innovation in the U.S. economy. Immigrant founders have built nearly half of America’s billion-dollar startups, many of them launching their journey through top-tier institutions like Harvard. These include Stripe, CloudFlare, and Writer, all cofounded by international students who might never have been admitted under the new rules. It is like a ripple hitting the core of U.S. Innovation.
Harvard is more than just a school; it’s a global talent magnet and a cornerstone of the American startup pipeline. Curtailing its ability to host international students sends a chilling message not only to other universities but also to the broader ecosystem that fuels entrepreneurship. If the U.S. wants to stay ahead of global competitors like China, it needs to attract, not repel, the best minds. This policy risks doing the opposite, and the long-term economic costs could be much higher than expected. Read More
TECH
AI like ChatGPT processes information like humans with a brain disorder, study finds
🤖 Large language models like ChatGPT and LLaMA wow us with their smooth, almost human conversations. But here is the catch: they can confidently share information that is simply wrong. A fascinating new study from the University of Tokyo uncovers that the way AI processes information might actually mirror patterns seen in human brain disorders like Wernicke’s aphasia. Using a physics-inspired method called energy landscape analysis, researchers found surprising similarities in how both AI and affected brains handle signals, often getting stuck in confusing or rigid loops that block clear communication.
This breakthrough changes how we think about AI’s mistakes and opens exciting possibilities. It explains why AI can sound convincing but sometimes miss the mark. It is not broken but wired in a way that echoes certain human cognitive challenges. Beyond improving AI, these insights might help doctors better understand and diagnose aphasia while inspiring engineers to design smarter, more trustworthy AI tools. The crossover between neuroscience and AI could be the key to breakthroughs in technology and brain health alike. Read More
BUSINESS
How Confirmation Bias Is Destroying Your Product and How to Stop It?
🧠Confirmation bias is one of the quietest but most destructive forces in product development. It shows up when teams form a hypothesis about what users want and then unconsciously filter all feedback through that belief. Suddenly, ambiguous comments sound like support, criticism is brushed aside, and decisions feel more validated than they really are. This false certainty often leads to months of effort building features no one truly asked for. If you’ve ever thought, “Our users will love this,” only to face crickets after launch, you’ve felt its impact.
The good news is, this pattern can be broken. Start by separating data collection from interpretation so that raw feedback is documented without bias. Actively seek out disconfirming evidence, observe behavior instead of relying on opinions, and make space for your team to pivot without punishment. Build a culture that values learning over being right, and talk to a wide range of users, not just your fans. Expertise is valuable, but only when paired with a willingness to be proven wrong. Great product teams don’t just test features, they test themselves. Read More
BUSINESS
Image: CNN
This Tokyo startup is turning discarded kimonos into stylish sneakers
đź‘ź In Tokyo, a creative startup is giving centuries-old kimonos a second life by turning them into stylish sneakers. Led by entrepreneur Shotaro Kawamura, Tokyo Kimono Shoes works with local artisans to upcycle discarded garments into everyday fashion with a purpose. A single kimono can be transformed into 20 unique pairs of handcrafted sneakers, made in a traditional factory in Asakusa. This effort is not only about reducing waste, but it is also about preserving cultural heritage and supporting fading artisanal industries.
Kawamura’s vision has expanded beyond shoes. His second brand, Kimono Reborn Tokyo, now offers T-shirts, tote bags, and hats made from kimonos that are too damaged to be resold. With Japan's vintage clothing market on the rise and global demand for sustainable fashion growing fast, these reimagined garments are finding new fans around the world. From airport shops to future plans for kimono-themed interiors, the message is clear. Old fabrics still have value, and with a little creativity, they can become something even better. Read More
💼 Aliph Capital, the Gulf’s first woman-founded private equity firm, has made a bold entrance with a $200 million debut fund. Backed by major players like ADQ, Jada, and Saudi Venture Capital, the Abu Dhabi-based firm is betting on the Gulf’s booming sectors, from healthcare to high-end consumer goods. Founder Huda Al Lawati is already making moves, expanding The Petshop’s reach and revamping Sanipex Group to fuel future growth. With a sharp focus on digital transformation and scaling regional champions, Aliph is reshaping what private equity looks like in the Middle East. Read More
🏗️ Microsoft is taking a major step to cut data center emissions by partnering with Sublime Systems, a startup creating low-carbon cement using a clean electrochemical process. The tech giant will use Sublime’s materials where possible and apply a new type of environmental certificate to claim emissions reductions. The goal is to reduce more than 622,000 metric tons of carbon and boost demand for sustainable building materials. With its first commercial facility underway in Massachusetts, Sublime is aiming to modernize U.S. cement production and support a cleaner construction future. Read More
🧠⚡ Anthropic has launched Claude Opus 4 and Sonnet 4, its most advanced AI models, now available on Amazon Bedrock. Opus 4 handles complex, high-context tasks like refactoring large codebases and planning cross-functional operations, while Sonnet 4 is optimized for efficient, high-volume workloads such as code reviews and bug fixes. Both models feature hybrid reasoning for either quick interactions or deep analysis. With strong performance, enterprise-grade security, and wide regional availability, these models are ideal for building scalable, intelligent applications. Read More
GOOD TO KNOW
On This Day: China formally annexed Tibet as an autonomous region on this day in 1951, giving rise to a Tibetan independence movement, led by the Dalai Lama, winner of the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize, that continued into the early 21st century.
Fun Riddle: What art movement does Salvador DalĂ belong to?
QUOTE
LEISURE READS
Trump says a 25% tariff 'must be paid by Apple' on iPhones not made in the U.S. - Read
Here’s What Happens If You Visit a Website and Leave Without Accepting or Rejecting Cookies - Read
How to Launch a One-Person Business with AI: No Team, No Problem - Read
'Superwood' that's 50% stronger than steel is coming this year - Read
ANSWER TO RIDDLE
Question: What art movement does Salvador DalĂ belong to?
Answer: Surrealism 🎨
Have a great day đź‘‹ Bye!
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