Huawei's He Tingbo Named to TIME100 AI List for Pioneering Tau Scaling Law

Huawei's semiconductor chief, He Tingbo, has been named to TIME's fourth annual TIME100 AI list, an honor that highlights her influential work in artificial intelligence. The list, published by TIME, recognizes the 100 most influential people in AI, and He Tingbo's inclusion is a testament to her leadership at HiSilicon, Huawei's semiconductor division.

In May 2026, He Tingbo introduced the "Tau (τ) Scaling Law" at the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems in Shanghai. This proposal suggests a shift from the traditional geometric shrinking of transistors, as described by Moore's Law, to a time-based scaling approach for semiconductors and electronic systems. This could have profound implications for the industry, as it might offer a new pathway for continued performance improvements even as physical limits of miniaturization are approached.

Under He Tingbo's decade-long leadership, HiSilicon has developed a competitive edge in AI computing, including the Ascend AI accelerators, Kunpeng server processors, and UnifiedBus-enabled SuperPoD systems. These technologies are critical for AI workloads, and their advancement is central to Huawei's strategy in the AI era.

The TIME100 AI list is compiled by TIME's editors and reporters, who examine key AI stories from the past year and consult experts and industry leaders. The resulting list features leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who are shaping the future of AI. He Tingbo's inclusion places her among the most influential figures in the field.

For more details on He Tingbo's story, visit TIME100 AI: He Tingbo. The full list is available at TIME100 AI full list.

The recognition of He Tingbo is significant not only for Huawei but for the broader tech industry, as it signals the growing importance of AI-specific hardware and the need for innovative scaling laws to sustain progress. Her work could influence how future semiconductor technologies are developed, potentially impacting everything from data centers to edge devices.

As AI continues to permeate various sectors, the role of specialized hardware becomes increasingly critical. He Tingbo's contributions are at the forefront of this trend, and her recognition by TIME underscores the strategic importance of AI computing infrastructure in the global technology landscape.