Nvidia's accelerator program no longer accepts Crypto Assets startups.

Source: Cointelegraph Original text: “Nvidia’s Accelerator Program No Longer Accepts Cryptocurrency Startups”

Nvidia’s accelerator program seems to be bypassing digital asset startups—its help page clearly lists cryptocurrency-related companies as ineligible to join the tech giant’s global founders network.

According to the official website of the plan, cryptocurrency companies are excluded from the “NVIDIA Startup Program” along with four other types of business entities: consulting and outsourcing development firms, cloud service providers, dealers and distributors, as well as publicly listed companies.

This move indicates that Nvidia has changed its policy towards cryptocurrency startups in its accelerator program. For example, in 2018, the company accepted Ubex—a startup that combines blockchain and AI for digital advertising—into its accelerator program.

An Nvidia spokesperson declined to comment on the eligibility policy. The Inception project is designed for companies at all stages of funding that have been established for no more than 10 years.

Nvidia is known for its semiconductors, which play a crucial role in powering microchips for data centers. This processing capability also makes Nvidia’s hardware very popular among cryptocurrency miners, and the company has previously explored product application scenarios related to cryptocurrency.

Nvidia and the US-China AI Race

Nvidia is one of the highest-valued companies in the world and a key player in the global AI competition.

The company launched the H20 chip in 2024, aimed at complying with the U.S. export restrictions imposed by the Biden administration, which are intended to limit China’s access to advanced AI hardware.

Although the performance of the H20 chip is not as powerful as Nvidia’s top chips, it may still drive significant AI advancements in China. In response, the Trump administration has strengthened export controls, requiring special license approvals for transactions involving the export of H20 to China, a move that could impact Nvidia’s sales.

According to a report by the BBC, China accounted for 13% of Nvidia’s sales in 2024. The company expects a revenue loss of $5.5 billion due to U.S. export restrictions.

Related news: Former SEC Chairman presides over the Southern District Court of New York, sternly rebuking a $12 million cryptocurrency fraud case.