Chip designers and software giants tend to hog the spotlight in the artificial intelligence (AI) hyper-build. Yet beneath the surface of these household names, a robust ecosystem of less heralded companies is quietly laying the groundwork for AI's explosive growth. These are the "hidden gems" -- businesses with critical, often foundational, contributions that make the AI revolution possible.While many investors flock to the obvious players, shrewd eyes are turning toward those supplying the "picks and shove ...