Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is on a mission to bring AI capabilities to nations across the globe, advocating for its transformative potential at every stop along the way.
In an era where skepticism about artificial intelligence is rising, Huang remains one of its most vocal champions, envisioning AI as a pivotal force reshaping society. Speaking with WIRED senior writer Lauren Goode at The Big Interview event in San Francisco on Tuesday, Huang described AI as “a reset of computing as we know it over the last 60 years.” He emphasized, “The power of AI is so extraordinary, you can’t compete against it. You’re either riding this wave or missing it entirely.”
Building Global Consensus
Huang’s challenge now lies in convincing governments to embrace his vision. While most speakers at the event were physically present, Huang joined remotely from Thailand, a country where he spent part of his childhood. Earlier that day, he met with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to discuss creating “world-class AI infrastructure” in the nation.
This meeting is part of a broader global campaign Huang has pursued throughout the year. He’s urging nations to carve out their own AI futures by developing independent infrastructure, managing their national data, and establishing proprietary AI systems—all powered by Nvidia chips.
The strategy appears to be paying off. Thailand joins a growing roster of at least 10 countries, as tracked by Sherwood News, that have partnered with Nvidia on AI infrastructure projects. Huang shared during the interview that he has recently visited Denmark, Japan, Indonesia, and India, where governments have committed to building national AI systems using Nvidia’s technology.
AI and Geopolitical Fragmentation
Huang’s success reflects both a recognition of AI’s potential and the increasing fragmentation of the internet, where digital flows of data and chips are being constrained by national borders. AI, like other cutting-edge technologies, is becoming a focal point of these divisions.
The rivalry between the U.S. and China, two dominant tech powers, places Nvidia at the heart of these tensions. Earlier this week, the Biden administration announced stricter export controls on chip technology to China, including high-bandwidth memory (HBM) used in AI chips. Nvidia’s H20 chips, designed to comply with previous restrictions, reportedly stopped being sold to Chinese firms in September in anticipation of the new rules.
When asked about these developments, Huang avoided specifics but reassured the audience that “interactions with the administration have been great,” drawing laughter from the San Francisco crowd.
Navigating Political Crossroads
Huang is also reaching out to U.S. leadership amidst these turbulent times. He expressed optimism about working with the incoming Trump administration, stating, “I congratulated President Trump and wished him success. We’re committed to doing everything we can to support the administration.”
However, Trump’s proposed tariffs—25% on imports from Mexico and Canada, and 10% on imports from China—could impact Nvidia’s operations, including a new chip factory in Mexico. Despite these challenges, Huang remains steadfast in promoting AI as the cornerstone of societal transformation, hoping to garner bipartisan support for its development.
Sovereign AI: A Global Pitch
Beyond the U.S. and China, Nvidia is tapping into a growing sentiment among other nations that feel sidelined in the AI revolution. Many governments are concerned about relying too heavily on tech giants from these two superpowers, fearing a loss of autonomy over their future.
Huang’s concept of “sovereign AI” appeals to these concerns, emphasizing that nations must safeguard their data—seen as a critical resource. “Countries are recognizing the unparalleled power of AI and its importance to their national interests,” he explained. “They understand that their data encapsulates their society’s knowledge, culture, common sense, and aspirations.”
By framing AI as both a technological necessity and a matter of national pride, Huang is successfully positioning Nvidia at the forefront of a new global infrastructure revolution.