A giant factory for silicon battery materials | Expedia’s new ChatGPT integration

Climate tech startup Group 14 is going big with plans to produce advanced silicon battery material. Its factory in Moses Lake, Wash., will be the largest producer of an ingredient that makes conventional lithium ion batteries more powerful and faster charging. The 1 million-square-foot campus will produce enough material annually for at least 200,000 electric vehicles, or 20 gigawatts of battery power. Read more.

Has tech finally done away with the travel agent? Expedia’s integration of ChatGPT is worth watching not only for its impact on the travel industry but as a litmus test for the potential of AI to replace human advice. The new feature debuts as a beta today on Expedia’s iOS app. Read more.

An “Uncommon” approach to attracting new business. Greater Seattle Partners is rolling out a new ad campaign called “Uncommon Thinkers Welcome” in a bid to shine a spotlight on companies in the region and attract new ones. Watch the video and read more. 

Microsoft’s connection to huge art gifts:

• The Paul G. Allen Family Foundation gave $10 million to hundreds of arts and culture organizations across Washington state via grants administered by ArtsFund.

• Former Microsoft President Jon Shirley and his wife Kim are donating their significant private collection of Alexander Calder works, plus $10 million, to Seattle Art Museum.

Meet the GeekWire Awards CEO of the Year finalists. These five leaders are taking on a broad and important range of challenges: workplace equity; machine learning and AI creation; identification and tracking; immigration application processes; and fending off bots. Vote now!

Hot links:

• Twisting plot at Amazon Studios: A new report cites “confusion and frustration” inside the tech giant’s efforts to generate a hit TV series. (The Hollywood Reporter)

• It’s not just you: Apple’s Weather app is experiencing issues. (MacRumors)

• Take a bow: The Seattle Mariners are struggling out of the gate, but this photo from Monday night’s game against the Angels at least had us smiling. (Twitter)