In a significant move for China’s domestic semiconductor ecosystem, Grikin Advanced Material (688456.SH) has confirmed its role as the exclusive supplier of specialized heat-dissipation copper powder for Huawei’s Ascend 910 series AI chips. This partnership, disclosed on an investor interaction platform, highlights the deepening integration between China’s leading technology giants and state-affiliated materials scientists as they race to overcome Western supply chain constraints.
The high-performance copper powder was co-developed by the two companies to meet the rigorous thermal management demands of the Ascend 910 series. As AI training models become increasingly complex, the heat generated by processors has become a primary bottleneck for performance. Effective thermal interface materials are essential for maintaining the stability and longevity of high-end GPUs and NPUs, particularly those operating at the architectural limits of current domestic fabrication capabilities.
By securing a stable and exclusive supply of these critical materials, Huawei is effectively insulating one more layer of its production cycle from potential external shocks. The Ascend 910 series is widely regarded as China’s most viable alternative to NVIDIA’s high-end AI accelerators, which are currently restricted by US export controls. Ensuring that every component—down to the microscopic powders used in thermal management—is sourced locally is a cornerstone of Huawei’s survival strategy in the face of ongoing sanctions.
Grikin’s involvement also underscores the strategic importance of the 'National Team' in China's tech self-reliance drive. As a subsidiary of the state-owned GRINM Group, Grikin represents the bridge between institutional research and commercial application. This collaboration demonstrates how Beijing is leveraging established state-owned material science expertise to solve the 'chokepoint' problems hampering its private-sector champions.