TIME has named He Tingbo, President of HiSilicon, Huawei’s semiconductor division, to its 2026 TIME100 AI list, an annual recognition of the 100 most influential people in artificial intelligence. The announcement, made on August 28, 2026, highlights He’s role in shaping the future of AI computing through innovative semiconductor design.
The recognition comes after He’s presentation of the “Tau (τ) Scaling Law” in May 2026 at the IEEE International Symposium on Circuits and Systems in Shanghai. This proposal suggests replacing the geometric shrinking of Moore’s Law with a time-based scaling principle for semiconductors and the electronic systems built on them. While Moore’s Law has historically driven progress by doubling transistor density on a fixed schedule, Tau Scaling Law emphasizes temporal efficiency, potentially accelerating AI computation capabilities in ways that traditional scaling could not.
Under He’s leadership over the past decade, HiSilicon has built a competitive edge in AI computing, including the development of Ascend AI accelerators, Kunpeng server processors, and UnifiedBus-enabled SuperPoD systems. These technologies are integral to Huawei’s broader AI strategy, enabling high-performance computing for applications ranging from cloud services to edge devices. The Tau Scaling Law could further enhance these systems by optimizing how they scale over time, rather than just by size.
The TIME100 AI list is compiled by TIME’s editors and reporters, who examine key stories in AI over the past year and consult with expert sources and industry leaders. The result is a list of leaders, innovators, shapers, and thinkers who have a stake in the future of AI. He’s inclusion underscores her impact on the industry’s direction.
He’s recognition is significant not only for her individual achievements but also for the implications of the Tau Scaling Law. If adopted, it could shift the semiconductor industry’s focus from merely miniaturizing components to optimizing performance over time, potentially leading to more efficient AI systems. This could be particularly relevant as the demand for AI processing power grows, and traditional scaling faces physical and economic limits.
The full list of honorees can be viewed at TIME’s official list. He’s individual profile is available at TIME’s article on He Tingbo. The recognition places He among a select group of AI influencers, and her work at HiSilicon continues to be a focal point for advancements in AI hardware.
As AI continues to permeate various sectors, the principles proposed by He could influence how future chips are designed, potentially making AI more accessible and powerful. The Tau Scaling Law represents a bold departure from established norms, and its impact remains to be seen. Still, the acknowledgment by TIME signals that her ideas are gaining traction among experts and industry leaders.
