NIO's Shenji Chip Seeks External Partnerships; M97 Delivers Over 700 TOPS, to Supply Leapmotor and Geely

NIO's chip subsidiary, Shengji Technology, is actively expanding its external customer base. The M97 chip, co-developed with Axera AI, has successfully completed tape-out and is scheduled for launch in Q3 of this year, delivering over 700 TOPS of computing power—surpassing the performance of Horizon Robotics’ Journey J6P (560 TOPS). Both companies are currently engaging with leading automakers such as Leapmotor and Geely to advance collaboration. The chip will be shipped through their joint venture, Chongqing Chuangyuan Zhihang. Additionally, the two parties are planning a lower-end chip codenamed 9031e, targeting Horizon’s J6M (128 TOPS). In 2025, NIO spun off its chip business into Anhui Shengji Technology Co., Ltd., which has since secured over RMB 2.2 billion in its Series A funding round, achieving a post-money valuation nearing RMB 10 billion. Investors include Hefei municipal state-owned capital and multiple industrial investors.