China’s Alibaba and Baidu have started using internally designed chips to train their AI models, partly replacing those made by Nvidia, The Information reported on Thursday, citing four people with direct knowledge of the matter. Alibaba has been using own chips for smaller AI models since early this year, while Baidu is experimenting with training new versions of its Ernie AI model using its Kunlun P800 chip, the report said. Alibaba and Baidu did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for comment. The move is a significant shift in China’s tech and AI landscape, where companies largely rely on Nvidia’s powerful processors for AI development. Increasing U.S. export restrictions on supply of advanced AI chips to China have led Chinese companies to ramp up their own arsenal of AI chips, with growing pressure from Beijing on companies to use home-grown technology. Neither Alibaba nor Baidu has fully abandoned Nvidia, the report said, with both companies use Nvidia’s chips to develop their most cutting-edge models.

Full story : Chinese tech giants Alibaba and Baidu are adopting self-designed chips to train their AI models.