TIME has named He Tingbo, President of HiSilicon, Huawei's semiconductor division, to its fourth annual TIME100 AI list, recognizing the 100 most influential individuals in artificial intelligence. The announcement, made on August 28, 2026, highlights her pivotal role in shaping the future of AI through semiconductor innovation.
In May 2026, at the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems in Shanghai, He Tingbo introduced the “Tau (τ) Scaling Law,” a groundbreaking proposal that suggests replacing the geometric shrinking of Moore's Law with time-based scaling as the guiding principle for semiconductors and the electronic systems they power. This shift could have far-reaching implications for the industry, as Moore's Law, which has driven exponential growth in computing power for decades, is approaching its physical limits. The Tau Scaling Law proposes a new paradigm that focuses on time as a key variable, potentially enabling continued performance improvements without relying solely on shrinking transistor sizes.
Under He Tingbo's leadership over the past decade, 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 advancements are integral to Huawei's broader strategy in AI infrastructure, positioning the company to meet the growing demands of AI workloads. The recognition by TIME underscores the significance of her contributions not only to Huawei but to the global semiconductor and AI industries.
The TIME100 AI list is compiled by TIME's editors and reporters, who analyze the key stories in AI over the past year and consult with expert sources and industry leaders for recommendations. The result is a list of 100 leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who are driving the future of AI. He Tingbo's inclusion is a testament to her influence and the importance of her work in shaping the next generation of computing.
For industry leaders, the implications of the Tau Scaling Law are substantial. If adopted, it could alter the trajectory of semiconductor development, affecting everything from data center design to edge computing. Companies that rely on AI capabilities may need to adapt to new hardware architectures that prioritize time-based scaling, potentially leading to more efficient and powerful systems. Moreover, this recognition highlights the growing role of Chinese companies in the global AI landscape, as Huawei continues to innovate despite geopolitical challenges.
He Tingbo's story is featured on TIME's website, and the full list is available at TIME100 AI. This recognition serves as a reminder of the critical intersection between semiconductors and AI, where breakthroughs can have profound effects on technological progress and economic competitiveness.
