Brazil launches AI supercomputer push while balancing US and Chinese tech

Brazil is launching a substantial initiative to bolster its artificial intelligence ecosystem, committing around 2.3 billion reais (approximately $444.2 million) in investments. This strategic move involves balancing technological partnerships between the United States and China, reflecting Brazil's effort to navigate its relationships with both global superpowers.

A key component of this investment is a 1.3 billion reais ($251 million) supercomputing infrastructure project in Rio de Janeiro. This project is being developed in collaboration with Chinese technology firms Huawei Technologies and iFlytek. The infrastructure will be primarily utilized for developing large language models applicable to both general and sector-specific needs.

In parallel, approximately 1 billion reais ($193.1 million) will be allocated through a tender process for another supercomputer. Brazil anticipates this machine will rank among the world's 10 most powerful AI processing systems. The chosen location for this supercomputer is the northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte, selected for its energy potential. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva attended an announcement ceremony in the state on Thursday.

Government officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, indicated that U.S. chipmaker Nvidia is expected to win the tender for the second supercomputer. Science and Technology Minister Luciana Santos had previously told the Folha de S Paulo newspaper that she anticipated Nvidia would be the supplier. The administration stated its strategy is to avoid dependence on any single company, technology, or country, emphasizing that these investments aim to strengthen national sovereignty over data. The supercomputer is expected to be operational by the end of next year, while the cooperation agreement with Chinese companies is set to begin in July 2027.

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The strategy is not to depend on a single company, technology or country.