Nvidia’s accelerator program seems to exclude crypto startups, as per the company’s guidelines. The program, called Inception, prohibits crypto-focused companies, along with consulting firms, cloud service providers, resellers, and public companies, from joining. This represents a shift in Nvidia’s approach towards crypto startups compared to previous years. Despite declining to comment on the eligibility criteria, Nvidia’s Inception Program targets companies under 10 years old at any funding stage. Nvidia is renowned for its semiconductors powering data center microchips and attracting crypto miners. The company has explored crypto-related applications for its products. Nvidia’s prominence in the global AI competition is evident through its introduction of the H20 chip to comply with US export restrictions imposed during the Biden administration to limit China’s access to advanced AI hardware. The H20 chips, while less potent than Nvidia’s top-tier chips, could still drive substantial AI progress in China. The Trump administration responded with stricter export controls, requiring special licenses for H20 exports to China, potentially affecting Nvidia’s sales. China accounted for 13% of Nvidia’s sales in 2024, with an anticipated $5.5 billion revenue impact due to US export restrictions. This development underscores Nvidia’s significance in the AI sector and its strategic positioning amidst geopolitical dynamics.