AI data center

Qualcomm is entering the AI data center chip market with its AI200 (2026) and AI250 (2027) solutions, targeting AI inference workloads. The AI200 emphasizes cost-effective memory for LLMs, while the AI250 aims for superior memory bandwidth. Qualcomm highlights TCO, liquid cooling, and confidential computing. A $2 billion deal with Saudi AI company Humain provides market validation. Qualcomm is also focusing on developer-friendly software. While facing competition from Nvidia and AMD, Qualcomm aims to offer a viable alternative in the growing AI market.

Nvidia’s substantial investment in OpenAI, potentially reaching $100 billion, focuses on AI supercomputing with the first deployment in late 2026. A key aspect is OpenAI’s strategy to lease Nvidia’s GPUs, optimizing capital expenditure and shifting financial burden. OpenAI aims to address compute scarcity, financed partly through Nvidia’s equity and Oracle’s balance sheets. Analysts highlight potential interdependencies and question the generation of tangible assets, while Altman emphasizes focusing on real demand and revenue from services.