Will Huawei’s new Ascend 910C chip challenge Nvidia’s dominance in AI hardware market?

Huawei Technologies is gearing up to launch its latest artificial intelligence (AI) chip, the Ascend 910C, in a strategic move aimed at challenging Nvidia’s stronghold in the AI hardware market. 

This development comes at a time when the US is tightening restrictions on advanced technology exports to China, underscoring Huawei’s ambition to strengthen China’s domestic AI capabilities. 

The release of this chip could mark a significant shift in the global AI landscape, especially as Chinese companies seek alternatives to US-made technology.

Chinese firms begin testing Ascend 910C chip

Huawei’s Ascend 910C processor has already caught the attention of some of China’s largest tech players. 

Internet giants like ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, Baidu, and the state-owned telecommunications giant China Mobile are among the first to test the new chip. 

These companies are exploring its potential to enhance their AI operations, a critical area as they navigate the challenges posed by US export restrictions on advanced AI hardware.

According to a report by the Wall Street Journal, early discussions between Huawei and potential clients indicate robust interest in the Ascend 910C. 

Sources suggest that orders for the chip could exceed 70,000 units, with an estimated total value of around $2 billion. 

This demand highlights the growing interest in Huawei’s AI capabilities and reflects a broader trend of Chinese companies seeking to mitigate the impact of US technology restrictions.

Huawei’s Ascend 910C vs. Nvidia’s H100: who will win?

Huawei has positioned the Ascend 910C as a direct competitor to Nvidia’s H100, a leading AI chip that has become a cornerstone of AI applications worldwide. 

By introducing the Ascend 910C, Huawei aims to carve out a significant share of the AI chip market, which Nvidia has traditionally dominated. 

The company plans to begin shipping the chip as early as October, signaling its readiness to compete at the highest levels of AI technology.

This development is part of a broader strategy by Huawei to enhance China’s self-sufficiency in advanced technologies. 

The company’s efforts are particularly crucial given the ongoing US export controls that have targeted key sectors, including AI and supercomputing. 

These restrictions have significantly impacted US companies like Nvidia and Lam Research, limiting their ability to supply the Chinese market.

The launch of the Ascend 910C chip is more than just a technological advancement for Huawei; it represents a broader shift in the global AI competition. 

As China seeks to reduce its dependence on foreign technology, Huawei’s success with this chip could be a pivotal moment in the country’s quest for technological self-reliance.

The growing interest in Huawei’s AI chip among Chinese companies also underscores the increasing domestic demand for cutting-edge technology that can function independently of US-made components. 

This trend could have long-term implications for the global tech industry, as other nations and companies reassess their reliance on US technology and explore alternative solutions.