Nvidia is seeking to build a research and development centre in Shanghai that would help the world’s leading maker of artificial intelligence processors stay competitive in China, where its sales have slumped due to tightening US export controls.
Chief executive Jensen Huang discussed the plan with Shanghai’s mayor Gong Zheng when they met in the Chinese city last month, according to two people with knowledge of the matter. Nvidia is leasing a new office space in Shanghai to accommodate existing employees as well as a potential expansion.
According to people with knowledge of the plans, the R&D centre would research the specific demands of Chinese customers and the complex technical requirements needed to satisfy Washington’s curbs.