Xiaomi is setting the stage for a major shift in its tech journey. The company has committed 50 billion yuan (about $6.9 billion) over the next ten years to develop high-end smartphone chips—a move that marks a serious step up from its established range of smartphones to even exploring electric vehicles.
Founder Lei Jun has been very clear about the role of chip technology in the company’s growth. Posted on social media during Xiaomi’s 15th anniversary, he said, “Chips are the underlying pathway to pushing our tech boundaries, and we’re all in.” His words capture both the challenges and the excitement of this high-stakes venture.
Xiaomi’s journey into chip development kicked off in 2017 with the Surge S1. Although the project hit a few bumps along the way, Lei Jun sees these setbacks not as failures but as necessary learning curves on the road to innovation.
Bolstered by a team of more than 2,500 experts and supported by 13.5 billion yuan in research and development funds since 2021, this chip program isn’t just about keeping up—it’s about forging a path to greater self-reliance in semiconductor technology. This initiative aligns with broader national efforts to reduce dependency on imported tech.
As global competition in semiconductor development intensifies, with rivals like Huawei making headway and fresh contenders emerging to challenge giants like Qualcomm, Xiaomi is asking for patience and support. Lei Jun’s message is clear: trust in the process as the company steadily works towards realising its enduring chip dream.
