Baidu plans to list its semiconductor design unit, Kunlunxin, in Hong Kong. Analysts view this move as intensifying the challenge to Nvidia's dominance in China's AI chip market.
The initiative aligns with strong investor demand for AI hardware companies. It also supports Beijing’s goal of technological self-reliance amid ongoing US tech sanctions.
Kunlunxin confidentially filed for the IPO in January.
The separate listing aims to showcase the unit's intrinsic value. It seeks to attract a focused investor base and open new financing channels for growth.
The plan mirrors a similar initiative by competitor Alibaba. This highlights a trend among China's tech giants to publicly float domestic chip operations to capture AI sector growth.