Chinese AI researchers are becoming increasingly pessimistic about catching up to the U.S. in artificial intelligence. They cite a significant chip shortage stemming from U.S. restrictions, which prevents them from accessing advanced hardware like Nvidia's latest products. This gap may be widening rather than closing, despite some progress in specific areas.

Nvidia has licensed AI-inference technology from the startup Groq, which specializes in chips designed for efficient AI processing. As part of the deal, Groq's CEO and some staff will join Nvidia, highlighting the increasing demand for advanced AI chips.

Nvidia is working on a new AI chip built on its Blackwell architecture, aimed at outperforming its current H20 model available in China. Although U.S. President Trump has hinted at the possibility of allowing the sale of more advanced chips to China, regulatory approval remains uncertain due to security concerns. Samples of the new chip are expected to be delivered to Chinese clients as early as next month.