Xu Zhenpeng

Xu Zhenpeng is a leading chipmaking engineer who recently left his position in the United States to work in China. Previously, he led a team at Atomic Semi, a California-based manufacturing start-up funded in part by OpenAI, where he focused on developing 3D printing techniques to improve chip production speed and cost. Xu's departure to join Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU) as a tenure-track assistant professor in January is newsworthy because he cited a perceived lack of freedom for researchers in the US as a key reason for his decision. This move is significant as it highlights potential shifts in the global landscape of technological research and development, particularly in the semiconductor industry, and raises questions about the attractiveness of the US for researchers compared to China.