By Efosa Udinmwen
Publication Date: 2026-02-06 21:15:00
- Intel is returning to GPUs to challenge Nvidia’s market leadership directly
- The company plans to produce GPUs internally for tighter manufacturing control
- Eric Demers joins Intel from Qualcomm as a key technical figure in GPU development
Intel chief executive Lip-Bu Tan has publicly confirmed internal work on graphics hardware remains active, directly addressing questions about whether the company intends to stay involved in that segment.
Speaking during the recent Cisco AI Summit, Tan said upcoming products will be built internally and that Intel’s manufacturing arm will also support production at scale.
When asked if Intel is going to build GPUs, Tan said, “I just hired the chief GPU architect, and he’s very good. I’m very delighted he joined me, and it takes some persuasion.”
Hiring decisions point to renewed technical focus
Tan’s comments makes clear Intel is deliberately expanding beyond its traditional CPU focus to challenge Nvidia in the GPU market.
The company does not intend to rely solely on external suppliers for these chips, and it wants tighter control over development and manufacturing.
As part of its efforts to produce GPUs, Intel recently hired Eric Demers, recruited from Qualcomm after more than a decade there.
While Demers is a central technical figure in the renewed graphics effort, broader oversight reportedly lies with data center executive Kevork Kechichian, who joined during a restructuring.
