NVIDIA is reportedly ramping up its efforts in custom chip (ASIC) manufacturing. The company is actively recruiting top Taiwanese engineers to staff a new R&D center focused on developing these specialized solutions.
ASIC Development at New Taiwan R&D Center
While NVIDIA currently develops open-architecture AI products, the company is also exploring customized solutions for clients. According to ChinaTimes, NVIDIA's planned R&D center in Taiwan will focus on ASIC development, leading the company to aggressively hire local talent. This is seen as a strategic move to prevent top engineers from joining competitors like MediaTek.
Driving Custom AI Chip Innovation
Companies like Google, Amazon, and Apple are all developing custom AI chips to reduce their reliance on NVIDIA and to tailor solutions to their specific needs. This trend is prompting NVIDIA to focus on the custom chip segment. With its strong reputation among Taiwan's ASIC manufacturers, NVIDIA is well-positioned for success in this area.
Beyond AI: Custom Chips for PCs
NVIDIA is also reportedly developing custom chips for the AI PC segment in collaboration with MediaTek. Additionally, NVIDIA already utilizes its Tegra SoC in the Nintendo Switch, demonstrating its expertise in this area. By expanding into the custom chip market, NVIDIA aims to solidify its position in the computing industry and potentially prevent companies from developing their own in-house solutions.
