芯片新贵，集体转向

Core Viewpoint - The AI chip market is shifting focus from training to inference, as companies find it increasingly difficult to compete in the training space dominated by Nvidia and others [1][20]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - Nvidia continues to lead the training chip market, while companies like Graphcore, Intel Gaudi, and SambaNova are pivoting towards the more accessible inference market [1][20]. - The training market requires significant capital and resources, making it challenging for new entrants to survive [1][20]. - The shift towards inference is seen as a strategic move to find more scalable and practical applications in AI [1][20]. Group 2: Graphcore's Transition - Graphcore, once a strong competitor to Nvidia, is now focusing on inference as a means of survival after facing challenges in the training market [6][4]. - The company has optimized its Poplar SDK for efficient inference tasks and is targeting sectors like finance and healthcare [6][4]. - Graphcore's previous partnerships, such as with Microsoft, have ended, prompting a need to adapt to the changing market landscape [6][5]. Group 3: Intel Gaudi's Strategy - Intel's Gaudi series, initially aimed at training, is now being integrated into a new AI acceleration product line that emphasizes both training and inference [10][11]. - Gaudi 3 is marketed for its cost-effectiveness and performance in inference tasks, particularly for large language models [10][11]. - Intel is merging its Habana and GPU departments to streamline its AI chip strategy, indicating a shift in focus towards inference [10][11]. Group 4: Groq's Focus on Inference - Groq, originally targeting the training market, has pivoted to provide inference-as-a-service, emphasizing low latency and high throughput [15][12]. - The company has developed an AI inference engine platform that integrates with existing AI ecosystems, aiming to attract industries sensitive to latency [15][12]. - Groq's transition highlights the growing importance of speed and efficiency in the inference market [15][12]. Group 5: SambaNova's Shift - SambaNova has transitioned from a focus on training to offering inference-as-a-service, allowing users to access AI capabilities without complex hardware [19][16]. - The company is targeting sectors with strict compliance needs, such as government and finance, providing tailored AI solutions [19][16]. - This strategic pivot reflects the broader trend of AI chip companies adapting to market demands for efficient inference solutions [19][16]. Group 6: Inference Market Characteristics - Inference tasks are less resource-intensive than training, allowing companies with limited capabilities to compete effectively [21][20]. - The shift to inference is characterized by a focus on cost, deployment, and maintainability, moving away from the previous emphasis on raw computational power [23][20]. - The competitive landscape is evolving, with smaller teams and startups finding opportunities in the inference space [23][20].