Jensen Huang Calls Trust TSMC’s Core Technology, Confirms He Turned Down CEO Role

TSMC is Nvidia’s most critical AI chip manufacturing partner. The companies have worked together for about 30 years and conducted tens of billions—and even more than $100 billion—of business without signing a formal contract. Huang said that beyond its advanced processes and packaging, TSMC is especially difficult to replace because it coordinates demand from hundreds of customers worldwide, delivers on time and has built trust through decades of honoring its commitments. That trust also underpins the rapid expansion of the AI supply chain.

In a nearly 2.5-hour interview on episode 494 of the Lex Fridman Podcast on March 23, 2026, Huang personally confirmed for the first time that Morris Chang had invited him in 2013 to become TSMC’s CEO. He declined because he already saw Nvidia’s long-term impact and his own responsibilities there. Huang also said CUDA has millions of developers and that its installed base is Nvidia’s biggest moat. On succession, he advocated continuously passing on knowledge instead of setting a predetermined plan.