DeepSeek and Huawei Collaborate on AI Chip Designs, Plan 2026 Ascend Use
Sources say DeepSeek is working with Huawei on future AI chips and plans to use the Ascend 950DT for pre-training by late 2026.
Key points
- DeepSeek and Huawei are collaborating on the design of future AI chips.
- DeepSeek plans to start using the Ascend 950DT chip for pre-training tasks.
- The implementation of these chips is scheduled to begin as soon as the end of 2026.
DeepSeek is collaborating with Huawei Technologies to shape the design of future artificial intelligence chips, according to two people familiar with the matter cited by The Information. The partnership marks a significant development in the hardware strategy for the AI developer, linking its software needs directly with Huawei’s silicon roadmap.
The collaboration involves close cooperation between the two companies to define specifications for upcoming hardware. This joint effort aims to align chip capabilities with DeepSeek’s specific requirements for training large language models. The Information reported that these discussions are active and focused on future product generations rather than current inventory.
Strategic Hardware Alignment
The partnership extends beyond simple procurement, involving direct input into the engineering of the chips themselves. DeepSeek is working closely with Huawei to ensure the hardware meets the computational demands of its AI models. This level of integration suggests a long-term commitment to Huawei’s ecosystem for DeepSeek’s infrastructure needs.
According to the sources, the collaboration is focused on optimizing performance for pre-training workloads. These workloads require substantial computational power. By influencing the design, DeepSeek seeks to maximize efficiency and capability in its future deployments.
Implementation Timeline and Scope
DeepSeek plans to begin using the Ascend 950DT chip for pre-training operations as soon as the end of 2026. This timeline indicates that the hardware is still in development or early production phases. The Ascend 950DT represents the next generation of Huawei’s AI processors.
The specific mention of the Ascend 950DT highlights the targeted nature of this hardware adoption. Pre-training is the most computationally intensive phase of developing large language models. The decision to use this specific chip model underscores the strategic importance of the Huawei partnership for DeepSeek’s technical roadmap.
What should you do?
Security and technology professionals should monitor developments in AI hardware supply chains, particularly regarding Chinese vendors. Understanding the integration of specific chips like Huawei’s Ascend series can provide insights into potential supply chain dependencies. Tracking these partnerships helps organizations assess the broader landscape of AI infrastructure and vendor lock-in risks.
Professionals should also evaluate the security implications of using hardware from vendors with close government ties. While the current report focuses on design collaboration, the operational security of such systems remains a critical consideration. Staying informed about the release dates and specifications of these chips will help in planning future infrastructure audits and risk assessments.
Background: Large language models
Large language models are a specific type of neural network trained on text. Generative AI is the broader umbrella term for any system that creates new content, including images and code. Not all generative AI uses large language models, but most modern text generators do.
What to do and how to stay safe: DeepSeek
- Monitor official announcements from Huawei and DeepSeek regarding the release and specifications of the Ascend 950DT chip.
- Review current AI infrastructure dependencies to assess potential risks associated with single-vendor hardware strategies.
- Evaluate the security implications of using AI chips from vendors with close government ties in your organization's supply chain.
- Stay informed about regulatory developments affecting international AI hardware collaborations and trade restrictions.
Step-by-step guide: Prompt Injection Warning Signs: How to Spot AI Manipulation
General security guidance from the Threat Times newsroom. It is not confirmed advice from the organisations named in this story.
Frequently asked questions
When does DeepSeek plan to start using Huawei's Ascend 950DT chip?
DeepSeek plans to start using the Ascend 950DT for pre-training as soon as the end of 2026.
What is the nature of the collaboration between DeepSeek and Huawei?
The two companies are collaborating on the design of future AI chips, with DeepSeek working closely with Huawei to shape specifications.
Which specific Huawei chip is DeepSeek planning to use?
DeepSeek is planning to use the Ascend 950DT chip for its pre-training operations.
