China Subsidizes AI Startups with Computing Vouchers to Counter US Export Curbs
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China providing computing vouchers worth $140k-$280k to AI startups to subsidize costs of training large language models, due to lack of access to Nvidia GPUs from US export rules.
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Vouchers address rising data center costs and Nvidia GPU scarcity caused by US tightening export rules, which led to stockpiling of GPUs by Chinese tech giants.
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Analysts believe vouchers will only partially solve the core issue of resource availability and scarcity.
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China aims to increase self-reliance by subsidizing groups using domestic chips and developing state-run data centers as alternatives.
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Efforts to reduce computing costs 40-50% for AI firms using government data centers, part of broader acceleration of AI adoption with oversight.