China's AI chipmaker Cambricon, through its autonomous driving chip subsidiary SingGo, has reportedly laid off nearly half of the software department employees, retaining only a core team. This significant reduction, occurring around July 2023, reflects the intense challenges within the semiconductor industry, particularly for Chinese AI chip developers facing operational hurdles and financial pressures despite the broader AI boom. The layoffs are part of a strategic adjustment as the company navigates a difficult market environment and strives to streamline its operations.