Intel’s leadership announced a new push into graphics processing units (GPUs) on Tuesday, with CEO Lip-Bu Tan confirming that the company has begun work on GPU development and has appointed a chief GPU architect to oversee the program.
Delivering remarks at a Cisco Systems artificial intelligence conference in San Francisco, Tan said the hire had required persuasion and praised the new chief architect’s capabilities. "I just hired the chief GPU architect, and he’s very good. I’m very delighted he joined me, and it takes some persuasion," Tan said during the event. The comments placed Intel squarely into a market segment that the CEO acknowledged is currently dominated by Nvidia.
Tan outlined aspects of Intel’s manufacturing strategy alongside the product announcement. He said the company is "doubling down on glass as key material for chipmaking," signaling a targeted emphasis on that substrate within its production approach.
On process technology, Tan reported that Intel’s 18A node is performing well, adding that the company has seen inbound interest. He said there are "a couple customers knocking on his door now" as a result of the progress with 18A.
Beyond product and process updates, Tan expressed concern about broader U.S. competitiveness in artificial intelligence. He recounted conversations with knowledgeable sources who told him the U.S. is now behind China in open-source AI development. Tan said he was "shocked" to learn that Huawei has recruited top chip architects and observed that China’s tech sector has found what he described as a "poor man’s way" to advance in AI despite not having access to certain chipmaking tools.
Contextual notes
- The announcement combines product strategy (GPU development) with manufacturing priorities (glass material and the 18A process).
- Tan publicly linked the company’s process progress to emerging customer interest.
- The CEO voiced national competitiveness concerns, citing open-source AI development and talent movements.