Alibaba’s research arm, DAMO Academy, is doubling down on RISC-V with the launch of two fresh processors designed to push the open, flexible chip architecture deeper into the worlds of AI computing and edge devices. The company has unveiled the XuanTie C950, positioned as its flagship RISC-V CPU for high-performance workloads, alongside the XuanTie C925, a more energy-efficient option aimed at power-sensitive environments.
Together, the new XuanTie C950 and C925 signal a clear message: RISC-V isn’t just for experimental hardware or low-power gadgets anymore. Alibaba is targeting broader real-world adoption by offering a pair of processors that cover two of today’s hottest needs—serious compute for AI-driven tasks and efficient performance for embedded and edge applications.
The XuanTie C950 is presented as the lead model in this new lineup, built to support demanding scenarios where performance matters most. That includes AI-related computing workloads, where modern systems often require strong CPU capabilities to handle everything from data preparation to orchestration alongside dedicated accelerators.
On the other side is the XuanTie C925, focused on energy efficiency—an increasingly crucial requirement for edge computing, embedded systems, and devices that must balance performance with battery life or thermal limits. This is the space where RISC-V has been growing quickly, and Alibaba’s move strengthens its ability to compete with more established processor ecosystems.
By introducing both a high-performance flagship and an efficient companion chip, DAMO Academy is making a strategic play to expand RISC-V’s footprint across more product categories. For developers, manufacturers, and organizations watching the RISC-V ecosystem mature, these new XuanTie processors underline a continuing industry shift toward open instruction set architectures that can be tailored for AI, edge computing, and beyond.
