# Startup Founders Urge Trump Not to Shut Off Chinese Open Weight AI How restricting access to China's AI technology could impact startups? - **Source:** [Hacker News](https://news.ycombinator.com) - **Published:** 2026-07-23 - **Topic:** [Entrepreneurship](https://brifing.si/c/entrepreneurship) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/46b313f0-fe48-4f90-bfd3-0d42f413e4eb ## Startups' Dependence on AI Technology Startups, especially those in the AI field, heavily rely on China's open weight AI technology. This technology plays a critical role in product development and innovation processes. ## Trump's Potential Decision The Trump administration is considering restricting access to China's open weight AI technology. This decision could seriously hinder the technological advancement of startups. ## Founders' Reaction Startup founders are opposing Trump's potential decision, calling for unrestricted access to technology. This situation poses a significant threat to the startup ecosystem. ## Importance of Technological Innovation Open weight AI technology plays a key role in enhancing startups' innovation and competitiveness. Restricting this technology could slow down innovation processes. ## Economic Impacts Restricting access to China's AI technology could negatively impact the economic growth of startups. This could lead to reduced investments and job losses. ## Call for the Future Startup founders are urging the Trump administration not to restrict access to technology. This call is crucial for the sustainability of the startup ecosystem. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.politico.com/news/2026/07/22/startup-founders-urge-trump-not-to-shut-off-chinese-open-weight-ai-01008992 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._