Home / Technology / Intel CEO: We're Building GPUs to Challenge Nvidia
Intel CEO: We're Building GPUs to Challenge Nvidia
4 Feb
Summary
- Intel CEO announced plans to build GPUs, challenging Nvidia.
- A former Qualcomm executive was hired to lead the GPU effort.
- Intel is targeting data centers with its new GPU development.
Intel is making a significant push into the graphics processing unit (GPU) market, a move that directly challenges industry leader Nvidia. CEO Lip-Bu Tan announced the company has hired a chief GPU architect, Eric Demmers, formerly of Qualcomm, to lead this strategic effort.
The new GPU initiative will specifically target the data center sector. Tan indicated that Demmers will report to Intel's data center chip chief, Kevork Kechichian, and that Intel is actively collaborating with customers to define product needs.
Intel's foundry business, Intel Foundry, is also seeing substantial customer interest, particularly in its 14A manufacturing technology. Tan expressed surprise at Huawei's ability to hire numerous top chip designers, despite U.S. restrictions on essential software tools, noting the competitive landscape.
Tan highlighted that these designers are using "poor man's ways" to achieve their goals, indicating a rapidly closing gap. He cautioned that competitors are not far behind and could potentially surpass Intel if the company is not vigilant. Volume manufacturing for Intel's foundry is anticipated to ramp up later in 2026.
