China starts list of government-approved AI hardware suppliers: Cambricon and Huawei are in, Nvidia is not
ā” Quick Hits
- China is prioritizing domestic AI hardware suppliers.
- The move aims to accelerate the deployment of local technology.
- Nvidia is not included on the initial list of approved vendors.
China has initiated a program to create a list of government-approved AI hardware suppliers, signaling a push to bolster its domestic semiconductor industry. This "Information Technology Innovation List" aims to accelerate the adoption of local hardware within government entities and state-backed projects.
The initial list reportedly includes companies like Cambricon and Huawei, major players in China's AI chip development. Noticeably absent from the list is Nvidia, a dominant force in the global AI hardware market. This decision highlights China's strategic focus on self-reliance in critical technologies.
The question remains whether China's semiconductor industry can fully meet the growing demands of its rapidly expanding AI sector. While companies like Cambricon and Huawei have made significant strides, they still face challenges in competing with established international giants in terms of performance and overall ecosystem support.