Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has begun early-stage development of its own artificial intelligence inference chips. The company aims to reduce its dependence on hardware from external suppliers like Nvidia and Huawei. This strategy follows a broader industry trend of AI firms designing custom silicon to optimize performance and lower costs.
U.S. export controls currently restrict China's access to advanced semiconductors, driving a national push for technological self-sufficiency. DeepSeek previously gained industry attention for building high-performance AI models using less advanced processors. The startup recently adapted its models for Huawei’s Ascend chips, marking an initial shift toward domestic hardware.