In this episode of Get the Check the hosts get political by diving into Trump’s new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), and then get technical by breaking down Microsoft’s new chip the Majorana 1, which is a huge break through for quantum computing. 

Maya, Anika, and Priya discuss the sweeping layoffs DOGE has instated at key agencies like the FAA and Department of Defense. They debate DOGE’s approach to government efficiency including the controversy around the agencies young engineers, and how to balance increasing efficiency without compromising the impact of programs like USAID. 

Next they cover Microsoft’s new chip the Majorana 1. The hosts talk about what quantum computing is good at in comparison to classical computing. They also break down the technical achievement of Microsoft creating a new state of matter and why that is important for quantum computing, as well as the differing approach competitors like Google are taking.

Finally they announce this week’s company that would NOT get their check…Humane AI. The hosts talk about why this company was sold to HP for less than their venture funding added up to.

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00:00 DOGE updates

37:20 Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip

1:00:02 HP acquires Humane