Huawei's He Tingbo, President of HiSilicon, has been named to TIME's fourth annual TIME100 AI list, which honors the most influential people in artificial intelligence. The recognition comes after He introduced a new paradigm for semiconductor advancement that could redefine how the industry measures progress beyond the limits of traditional scaling.
In May 2026, at the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems in Shanghai, He unveiled the “Tau (τ) Scaling Law.” This proposal suggests replacing the geometric shrinking of Moore's Law with a time-based scaling approach as the guiding principle for semiconductors and the electronic systems that rely on them. The law emphasizes temporal improvements in computational efficiency and capability, rather than just transistor density, offering a potential path forward as physical limits to miniaturization approach.
Under He's decade-long leadership, HiSilicon has built a competitive edge in AI computing, developing key technologies such as Ascend AI accelerators, Kunpeng server processors, and UnifiedBus-enabled SuperPoD systems. These innovations have positioned Huawei as a major player in AI infrastructure, particularly in China, where domestic chip development has become a strategic priority amid global supply chain restrictions.
The TIME100 AI list was compiled by TIME's editors and reporters, who examined key AI stories over the past year and consulted with expert sources and industry leaders. The result is a list of 100 leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who have a stake in the future of AI. He Tingbo's inclusion underscores her role in shaping the direction of AI hardware, especially in the context of China's push for technological self-reliance.
The announcement carries significant implications for the global semiconductor industry. If the Tau Scaling Law gains traction, it could shift research and development priorities away from purely lithographic advances toward architectural and temporal optimizations. This might level the playing field for companies that face challenges in accessing cutting-edge fabrication technologies, potentially altering the competitive dynamics between nations and corporations.
Moreover, He's recognition highlights the increasing importance of AI-specific hardware in the broader AI ecosystem. As AI models grow in complexity, the demand for specialized processors like Ascend and Kunpeng is likely to rise, making the work of engineers and executives like He critical to the field's advancement. Her placement on the TIME100 AI list not only honors her individual contributions but also signals the growing influence of Chinese tech leaders in shaping global AI standards.
For more details on He Tingbo's story, visit TIME's profile of He Tingbo. The full list of the 2026 TIME100 AI honorees is available at TIME100 AI full list.
