ByteDance Turns to Domestic AI Chips, Iluvatar Emerging as Potential Supplier

Staff Report | PNN

Chinese tech giant ByteDance is increasing collaboration with domestic chipmakers to reduce reliance on foreign artificial intelligence technology.

According to sources, the company is in talks with Shanghai-based chipmaker Iluvatar CoreX regarding AI chip purchases.

If finalized, Iluvatar CoreX would become ByteDance’s third major domestic GPU supplier.

Reports also suggest ByteDance is considering Kunlunxin chips developed by Baidu, which are already used by several major companies.

Experts say Chinese firms are shifting toward domestic AI chips due to US export restrictions and technological limitations.

Industry data shows domestic chipmakers have gained significant share in China’s AI accelerator server market.

If the deal proceeds, Iluvatar CoreX could supply tens of thousands of inference chips to ByteDance this year.

The move is seen as part of China’s broader strategy to strengthen self-reliance in AI technology.