Episode 20: The Future of AI Supercomputing Clusters with Dylan Patel

This episode explores the future of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for the semiconductor industry, particularly focusing on the geopolitical competition between the US and China. Against the backdrop of the CHIPS Act and its potential impact on US semiconductor production, the conversation delves into the challenges of building a secure domestic supply chain. More significantly, the discussion highlights the crucial role of energy costs and power infrastructure in determining the economic viability of establishing large-scale fabrication plants in the US, contrasting this with the high power costs in Taiwan. As the discussion pivoted to export controls, the guest analyzes their effectiveness in slowing down China's technological advancements, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations on equipment rather than solely on chips. For instance, the analysis of DeepSeek's advancements serves as a case study illustrating China's potential to catch up in AI model development, but also the importance of focusing on restricting the deployment of AI models rather than just their training. In conclusion, the interview concludes with a prediction that the US will likely win the AGI race due to its more innovative and decentralized ecosystem, but that the competition with China will be closer than many anticipate.