DeepSeek Expands Data Centre Operations in Inner Mongolia Ahead of V4 Model Launch
Quick Look
- Chinese AI startup DeepSeek is hiring for data center roles in Inner Mongolia, signaling an expansion of its computing infrastructure ahead of the V4 model release.
- This move raises questions about its sourcing of AI chips.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
DeepSeek is a Chinese AI startup that gained prominence with its R1 model. The company is now preparing to release its V4 model, prompting speculation about its hardware infrastructure and chip sourcing.
Chinese artificial intelligence start-up DeepSeek is ramping up recruitment in Inner Mongolia, signalling a potential expansion of its data centre footprint ahead of the much-anticipated release of its V4 model.
The Hangzhou-based company is recruiting for two new roles – server maintenance engineers and delivery managers to oversee data centre launches – in Ulanqab, in Inner Mongolia, according to recent job postings.
The move marks the first time DeepSeek has publicly advertised on-site roles tied directly to its computing infrastructure. Previous recruitment efforts were largely focused on software engineers and AI researchers in hubs such as Hangzhou and Beijing.
The hiring push comes ahead of the expected debut of its next-generation flagship model, V4, more than a year after the release of its R1 model propelled the company into the spotlight.
The upcoming launch has fuelled industry speculation over how DeepSeek is sourcing and deploying computing power and AI chips for the new model.
A report by US news outlet The Information last week said V4 would run on Huawei’s latest Ascend 950PR processor, while a separate report by Reuters last month suggested the model had been trained on Nvidia’s Blackwell chips, the US firm’s most advanced processors to date.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
DeepSeek will officially announce the V4 model release date within the next two months.
Likely · Within months
Further details on DeepSeek's chip sourcing strategy will emerge, potentially confirming or refuting current reports.
Likely · Within weeks
DeepSeek's data centre footprint in Inner Mongolia will expand beyond the initial roles advertised.
Possible · Within months
Open Questions
- What is the exact timeline for the V4 model release?
- What are the specific performance improvements of the V4 model compared to R1?
- What is DeepSeek's strategy for securing a consistent supply of advanced AI chips?
- Will DeepSeek's data centre expansion in Inner Mongolia be sufficient for the V4 model's demands?
