Top US Graduates Flock to Chinese AI Startups Amid Global Talent Shortage

There has been a notable shift in the job market for AI startups in China, with graduates from prestigious US institutions such as Harvard University and Stanford University increasingly applying for positions. This change is significant as it contrasts with previous years when it was challenging for Chinese startups to attract top talent, even from local universities. Victor Huang, co-founder and chairman of Manycore Tech, a spatial software startup based in Hangzhou, highlighted this transformation, noting that the situation has dramatically improved in recent months. Manycore Tech, along with other startups like DeepSeek, has been recognized as one of the "Six Dragons" of Hangzhou, a designation that has elevated their profiles and made it easier to attract candidates.

The surge in interest from top-tier graduates is partly due to the global shortage of AI talent, which is becoming a bottleneck as industries and enterprises accelerate their adoption of artificial intelligence. The demand for expertise in areas like machine learning and robotics is outstripping supply, making it crucial for startups to attract the best talent. Manycore Tech, which helps users design interior space, is planning to add nearly 100 engineers specializing in the latest AI technologies to keep pace with rapid advancements in the field.

Many of the applicants are likely Chinese students who, given the increasingly uncertain US immigration situation, are choosing to work at home instead of Silicon Valley. This trend includes seasoned engineers who have given up jobs at Silicon Valley companies for positions back in China. Huang himself has a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and previously worked for Nvidia in the US. The designation as one of the "Six Dragons" has also helped Manycore Tech in attracting potential customers, who are more willing to try their solutions.

Despite geopolitical tensions presenting difficulties for Chinese companies marketing products abroad, Manycore Tech is keen to grow its global presence. The company has filed for a Hong Kong initial public offering, indicating its ambition to expand beyond domestic markets. The influx of top talent from US institutions reflects a growing trend of highly skilled professionals returning to China, driven by both personal and professional considerations. This trend is likely to continue as the demand for AI expertise grows and more startups in China gain recognition on the global stage.