TIME has named He Tingbo, President of HiSilicon, Huawei's semiconductor division, to its fourth annual TIME100 AI list, which honors the 100 most influential people shaping artificial intelligence. The recognition comes after He Tingbo unveiled the "Tau (τ) Scaling Law" in May 2026 at the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems in Shanghai, a proposal that could fundamentally shift how the industry approaches computing power.
The Tau Scaling Law suggests that the guiding principle for semiconductors and electronic systems should be time-based scaling rather than the traditional geometric shrinking of Moore's Law. This concept aims to address the physical limits of miniaturization by focusing on how computing capabilities evolve over time, potentially enabling more efficient and powerful AI systems. The proposal has significant implications for the future of AI hardware, as it could lead to new design paradigms that prioritize temporal efficiency alongside spatial density.
Under He Tingbo's leadership over the past decade, HiSilicon has established a competitive edge in AI computing, developing products such as Ascend AI accelerators, Kunpeng server processors, and UnifiedBus-enabled SuperPoD systems. These innovations have positioned Huawei as a key player in the AI infrastructure market, competing with global giants. The Tau Scaling Law, if adopted, could influence not only Huawei's roadmap but also the broader semiconductor industry, potentially altering how companies approach chip design and AI deployment.
TIME's editors and reporters compiled the list by examining key AI stories over the past year and consulting with experts and industry leaders. The result highlights leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who are driving AI forward. He Tingbo's inclusion underscores her role in shaping the future of AI through hardware innovation.
The recognition comes at a time when the AI industry faces challenges related to computational costs and energy consumption. The Tau Scaling Law offers a potential path forward by emphasizing time-based improvements, which could lead to more sustainable and scalable AI systems. This aligns with broader industry trends toward efficiency and specialization in AI chips.
He Tingbo's work is particularly relevant as demand for AI computing power surges, driven by large language models and other data-intensive applications. Her approach could help address bottlenecks in processing speed and energy use, making AI more accessible and practical for various sectors. The full list of TIME100 AI honorees is available at TIME's website, and her individual profile can be read at her TIME100 AI story.
This honor not only recognizes He Tingbo's contributions but also signals the growing importance of semiconductor innovation in the AI landscape. As AI continues to permeate every industry, the principles behind the Tau Scaling Law could have far-reaching effects on how future AI systems are built and deployed.
