Brazil launches AI supercomputer push, splits projects between Chinese

Brazil's government announced on Thursday investments of about 2.3 billion reais ($444.2 million) to bolster its artificial intelligence ecosystem, splitting projects between U.S. and Chinese companies in a move that underscores its effort to navigate relations with both powers.



Just over half the total, 1.3 billion reais, will fund a supercomputing infrastructure project in Rio de Janeiro developed in partnership with China's Huawei Technologies and iFlytek.



President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's government said the infrastructure will be used primarily to develop large language models for general and sector-specific applications.



Separately, about 1 billion reais will be allocated through a tender for a supercomputer that Brazil expects to rank among the world's 10 most powerful AI processing machines.



The machine will be installed in the northeastern state of Rio Grande do Norte, chosen for its energy potential. Lula attended an announcement ceremony in the state on Thursday.