In recent years, as generative AI has shifted from model training toward large-scale inference, an increasing number of AI model developers have turned their attention to underlying hardware.
Chinese AI startup DeepSeek has launched an in-house AI chip project focused on inference workloads, according to Reuters. The company aims to reduce inference costs through custom-designed processors while lowering its reliance on overseas suppliers such as NVIDIA.
Currently, DeepSeek has yet to comment publicly.
The report said the project remains in its early stages and is designed primarily for AI inference rather than model training. As generative AI adoption accelerates, inference has become one of the fastest-growing segments of the AI market.
Unlike training, which requires concentrated bursts of computing power, inference must continuously serve large volumes of user requests, making cost efficiency, power consumption and system reliability increasingly important.
Sources said DeepSeek began developing the chip about a year ago and has stepped up hiring in recent months. Rather than relying on public recruitment, the company has quietly recruited experienced chip engineers through targeted outreach. The team covers chip architecture, verification and software enablement.
DeepSeek is one of China’s fastest-growing foundation model companies that has gained traction with its open-source model DeepSeek-V3 and reasoning model R1. As demand for its services continues to rise, computing infrastructure has become one of the company’s largest operating expenses.
Compute-related costs may account for more than half of operating expenses for many AI companies, while the limited supply and high cost of advanced GPUs have encouraged more firms to pursue custom chip development.
Custom AI chips have become a strategic priority for many leading AI companies around the world. For DeepSeek, developing its own AI chips could help reduce long-term costs while improving deployment efficiency and reinforcing its competitive position.
However, chip development is a capital-intensive, long-term undertaking. The process from architecture design to tape-out and mass production typically takes well over a year, meaning DeepSeek’s efforts are unlikely to have an immediate impact on the competitive landscape of the AI chip market.
DeepSeek is also seeking its first round of external funding. Previous media reports said the company aims to raise about $7 billion at a valuation of between $52 billion and $59 billion. If the funding round is completed, investment in chip development and other AI infrastructure is expected to become a key priority.
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