In 1978, I was admitted to Harbin Institute of Technology

Chapter 322 Maybe Harbin Institute of Technology should just merge the entire Computer Science Research Institute into it.

"Working on the Loongson project?"

At this time, Mr. Huang was only in his early forties and his hair was not yet completely white. He was only engaged in the research and development of memory at the Institute of Computing Technology.

However, due to funding shortages, progress has been slow.

The young man Xie Wei immediately asked Huang Lingyi to take charge of the development of the "Loongson-1" project, which made Huang Lingyi look at Xie Wei with a questioning gaze for a long time.

This young man in front of me must be a fool!

“Yes! We’re developing our own general-purpose chips… Director Huang… I forgot to introduce myself, my name is Xie Wei…”

He originally wanted to call him Mr. Huang.

But Huang Lingyi was only 44 years old at the time, and she was not the "mother of Loongson" who would develop Loongson decades later. Xie Wei quickly changed his tune.

"You're Xie Wei?"

To Xie Wei's surprise, as soon as he said his name, Huang Lingyi looked astonished and said, "I didn't expect you to be so young."

"Forehead?"

It seems like you have quite a reputation in the entire computer field?

"The Institute of Computer Science is also conducting research in this area, and you would be better able to utilize your abilities if you joined the Institute of Computer Science..."

Xie Wei was stunned again.

Are you here to poach people?
Even Secretary Yang didn't mention that he should come to the Institute of Computing Technology, but the future mother of Loongson Technology in front of him wanted to poach him to the Institute of Computing Technology.

intolerable!
This is absolutely unacceptable!
"Director Huang, I'd like to come to the Institute of Computer Science... but the problem is, if I come here, will the Institute provide sufficient funding? Will it allow a young person like me to lead a project? Or will it provide all the necessary equipment without regard to cost?"

"..."

Now it was Huang Lingyi's turn to fall silent.

Xie Wei knew very well that her previous approach to contacting him was flawed. If it were Mr. Huang, who had become the "Mother of Loongson," she would have offered all the support she needed for chip development without hesitation.

It is true that the Institute of Computing Technology is currently short of funding for large-scale integrated circuits, but it will not be completely halted until 87, when Mr. Huang will join the newly established Microelectronics Center to work on CAD.

After that, until her retirement, she never worked on the large-scale integrated circuits that she had always longed for.

Also in 2001, the Chinese Academy of Sciences issued a call to action to build China's own chip, and Huang Lingyi, who had retired, joined the project and became the project leader of Loongson-1.

In its initial market operation, process flow, and cost, Loongson-1 was basically unable to compete with similar international chips.

"We have all of these. The university has already decided to allocate 8000 million yuan in special funds to develop this general-purpose processor... In addition, subsequent funding will continue to increase as technological breakthroughs are achieved... Research and development costs will be pursued at any cost!"

Xie Wei knew how to move the man before him who wanted to "prostrate himself on the ground to wipe away the shame on his motherland."

"Regardless of the cost?"

Huang Lingyi exclaimed in surprise, "You..."

At this moment, she simply couldn't imagine a young man talking about developing his own general-purpose chip regardless of cost.

They also questioned the credibility of Xie Wei's statements.

"The school has now developed a microcomputer..."

Xie Wei immediately launched into a detailed list of the school's current computer-related projects.

The more Huang Lingyi listened, the more her brows furrowed. Had Harbin Institute of Technology's computer technology really surpassed that of the Institute of Computer Science?
"Comrade Xie Wei, users are not just using chips, but also the motherboards, computers, operating systems, and a vast amount of application software built on top of those chips... And currently, under our conditions, even designing and manufacturing a high-speed PCB board or an RF module is extremely difficult..."

After listening to Xie Wei's grand plan, Huang Lingyi sighed and reminded Xie Wei.

Xie Wei's ambitions extend far beyond just creating a general-purpose chip!

"Yes! That's precisely why we need someone as experienced as you to lead the team. Furthermore, CPUs are only good at handling serial processing and logical operations in applications. To improve processing speed, we must focus on GPUs and integrate the functions of both CPUs and GPUs..."

"You've already started?"

Huang Lingyi exclaimed in surprise.

"Yes. Over the past two years, Harbin Institute of Technology has been continuously cultivating teams through various basic projects... As of now, the entire team has 674 people, but that's far from enough. Not just the design and development team, but also, to support design and research, we've been upgrading Shanghai Radio Factory No. 14 and Huafeng Electronics..."

"I go!"

Upon hearing Xie Wei's introduction, Huang Lingyi could no longer sit still.

The research conditions for large-scale integrated circuits at the Institute of Computing Technology are nowhere near those at Harbin Institute of Technology!

"Alright, please go pack your things first. Secretary Yang said that as long as you agree, you can come back with us first..."

After persuading Huang Lingyi, Xie Wei's second target was Ni Guangnan.

This former founding member of Lenovo's team was kicked out of Lenovo by Liu Shaoguo simply because he disagreed with Liu's ideology of wanting to buy foreign chips and wanted to develop his own domestic chips.

After leaving the factory, he continued to work on developing domestically produced chips, which led to the successful development of the Ark-1 processor in 2001. However, embarrassingly, after its successful development, the processor was found to have no users at all!
Xie Wei insisted on recruiting top talents from the Institute of Computing Technology because he knew that Ark 1 was successful, but ultimately failed in the market: the ecosystem!
Back then, in the Chinese computer market, domestically produced software and hardware were only used in specific fields and were too far removed from the market.

The market is dominated by foreign products.

Under such circumstances, in order for the market to use domestically produced chips, it is necessary to provide a variety of supporting hardware, operating systems, and software...

As a result, the original Ark 1 research team expanded rapidly in order to build an ecosystem. The team that was originally only responsible for designing the CPU expanded into a "luxury configuration" that included a design house hardware design team, an operating system adaptation team, a key software porting team, and so on, all the way to an end-user service team.

Until 06, the Ark III project had consumed 1538 million yuan of funding from the National 863 Program, but still no users were willing to buy it, the funding chain broke, and ultimately, the domestic software and hardware fell victim to the late spring chill of 06 in their first battle against foreign products.

From the very beginning of his work in computers, Xie Wei poured money into this technology and projects, clearly understanding that it wasn't just about developing a piece of hardware, but about building an ecosystem.

Otherwise, we will ultimately be unable to compete internationally.

At present, computer use is not very widespread internationally. Apart from the fact that foreign countries are more advanced in terms of supporting facilities and technology, the gap between us is not that big, and there is a great opportunity.

Xie Wei was well aware that the battle between the computer industry and international brands would last for at most another ten years.

He needs to let these bigwigs build their own ecosystems over the next ten years.

"Go to Harbin Institute of Technology to work on large-scale integrated circuits?"

Ni Guangnan also looked at Xie Wei with a puzzled expression.

Although he had heard of Xie Wei, he did not believe that Xie Wei could make decisions at Harbin Institute of Technology.

"Funding is plentiful! The school won't interfere; the only requirement is continuous performance improvement!"

So, the bigwig who was kicked out of Lenovo by Liu's betrayal and then blamed himself entirely for the failure of Ark decisively agreed to go to Harbin Institute of Technology.

Xie Wei ran alongside them the whole way.

No one refused.

"Secretary Yang, please sign."

When Xie Wei returned to Secretary Yang's office, he brought with him documents regarding changes in personnel relations.

"Didn't you say you were borrowing? Is it appropriate to just transfer people directly?"

Secretary Yang barely suppressed the urge to punch someone.

"Anyway, that's how it is. Once the person is borrowed, it's hard for them to come back. I think Director Yu has already introduced the school's project situation and plans to you... Rather than arguing with other leaders later, it's better to transfer the organizational affiliation now."

"Good! Good! Good!"

At this moment, Secretary Yang was so angry with Xie Wei that the veins on his forehead were bulging. He barely suppressed the urge to pull out the drawer and draw his gun. "They're all willing?"

"Funding is sufficient, and costs are not a concern."

Xie Wei's words instantly filled Secretary Yang with a sense of powerlessness.

Without money, you can't stand up straight.

The Computer Research Institute boasts the most experienced personnel in computer-related software and hardware design and development nationwide, yet there's no guarantee of sufficient funding. "Why don't you Harbin Institute of Technology just take over the entire Computer Research Institute?"

"what?"

Secretary Yang's sudden remark left Xie Wei and Yu Guofeng both dumbfounded.

"Anyway, you need people over there, and even if you transfer these key personnel, it won't solve the problem of manpower shortage."

Secretary Yang is quite single right now.

"Director Yu, didn't you discuss the cooperation with Secretary Yang?"

Xie Wei asked Yu Guofeng in surprise.

"He said it."

Before Guo Feng could speak, Secretary Yang replied to Xie Wei, "The entire Institute of Computing Technology has an annual budget of less than 2000 million yuan, and you're asking for 8000 million yuan in special funding... We won't ask for more; 2000 million yuan a year will suffice. The Institute of Computing Technology will be separated from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and affiliated with Harbin Institute of Technology..."

"Garlic bird, garlic bird!"

Upon hearing this, Xie Wei was so frightened that he shook his head repeatedly.

Just kidding.

Xie Wei genuinely wanted to absorb the Institute of Computer Science, which boasted the most comprehensive range of computer-related technology projects in the country and the most experienced technical team nationwide.

The problem is that if we actually did that, the leaders of the Chinese Academy of Sciences would probably come knocking on our door.

"Secretary Yang, please don't scare him."

Yu Guofeng was both amused and exasperated. "We'll stick to what we agreed on before. We'll entrust part of our projects to the Institute of Computer Science for research. As for funding, as long as we accept the audit by the university's auditors and the university's funding chain doesn't break down, we'll provide full support!"

"You promised a minimum of 1000 million every year."

"The school official needs to stamp the contract."

Xie Wei stood there dumbfounded. When did Director Yu learn to make empty promises?
"Sigh~ Although the higher-ups know that computer technology is important, they haven't provided much funding. The Institute of Computer Science isn't having an easy time either."

After coming out, Yu Guofeng lit a cigarette.

His face was full of melancholy.

"All research institutions across the country are in the same boat; the country is poor, there's nothing we can do about it."

Xie Wei took a cigarette from Yu Guofeng's pocket and lit one for himself.

After he got busy, he found that his smoking habit was getting worse and worse. In order to control his cravings, he never carried cigarettes with him.

When Ni Guangnan's team was working on Ark 3, the total funding was only 1538 million yuan, and that was after the turn of the 21st century!
At that time, the 1538 million was not just invested in CPU research and development, but in the entire CPU industry chain!

It's not even as much as Harbin Institute of Technology is investing in computer technology projects now.

"That ten million..."

Yu Guofeng began to explain to Xie Wei.

"You, as the person in charge, can make the decision regarding the R&D funding. It's impossible for the university to handle all the industries, so it would be best to bring in institutions like the National University of Defense Technology and Northwestern Polytechnical University as well... Also, I'll head back tonight. I'll have President Li arrange for someone to buy train tickets for Huang Lingyi, Ni Guangnan, and others. Could you please go and travel with them?"

Xie Wei did not want to inquire about the cooperation plan that Yu Guofeng had discussed with the Institute of Computing Technology.

Harbin Institute of Technology is not short of ten million yuan in funding every year.

"What?"

Although the Y-11 can only carry 8 people, some of them can leave first.

"From now on, expert teams will absolutely not be allowed to travel in one plane when they go out."

Xie Wei looked serious.

Seeing Xie Wei suddenly become so serious, Yu Guofeng looked astonished and asked, "Why?"

"Although the chances of a plane crash are very small, they are not impossible... If a problem occurs, the entire expert team on board could be wiped out, and we cannot afford that loss! When I get back, I will discuss this with Principal Zhang and the others to make it a policy!"

As for it?
Seeing Xie Wei's serious expression, Yu Guofeng was momentarily speechless.

They didn't even make a joke about Xie Wei.

Xie Wei had originally planned to take Huang Lingyi and Ni Guangnan and others back on the Y-11. Just now, when he said he would also bring Northwestern Polytechnical University into the construction of the computer ecosystem, he suddenly remembered the matter of tricking Northwestern Polytechnical University into developing an early warning aircraft.

The air disaster that claimed the lives of more than 40 Chinese experts delayed the development of China's large-scale early warning aircraft for many years.

The vast majority of people recruited from the Institute of Computing Technology are future academicians!
Not to mention Harbin Institute of Technology, the entire country cannot afford such a loss.

"You're taking a plane, but they're taking the train? What were you thinking?"

Before Li Rui could ask Xie Wei about the outcome, Xie Wei made a request.

This left Principal Li completely dumbfounded.

"That's true. Why don't you just stop flying? Every time I fly, I'm always afraid it will crash..."

After hearing Xie Wei's reasoning, Li Rui looked at Xie Wei with concern.

"Don't worry, I'm fine. I had Factory 122 prepare parachutes for the Y-11. If anything goes wrong, I can just open the hatch and jump..."

And this thing?
Li Rui was about to question Xie Wei's ability to skydive when he realized that Xie Wei learned everything quickly and might have already tried it back in school.

"The computer team is almost complete now. If we follow your original plan, plus the current Project 10 and the core machine project, the financial pressure will be enormous. The funds from selling rocket launchers probably won't last much longer..."

Li Rui changed the subject.

Whether as the president of Harbin Institute of Technology or his current position as the deputy director of the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, he has to worry about the school's funding.

If the school's funding runs into problems, all projects will be severely hampered.

"Where should we find a candidate to head the school-enterprise cooperation office?"

Xie Wei asked Li Rui, "So far, the head of the school-enterprise cooperation office has not been in office. We need to ask the international market for funding, but we also need to ask the domestic market for funding."

Xie Wei had always suspected that Li Rui and others had no intention of assigning anyone to the position of head of the school-enterprise cooperation office, and were simply planning to have Xie Wei take on the role.

Xie Wei had always been clear about what those old guys were thinking.

"You don't need to make excuses. After we go back this time, our microcomputers will be launched on the market. Huafeng has already started preparations for production. When you have free time, try to visit the leaders of various research institutions..."

"..."

Li Rui was initially a little embarrassed, but upon hearing this, he was so angry that he rolled his eyes.

What the hell!
This kid is increasingly disregarding his position as leader?

He turned around and immediately assigned himself a sales job?
"Without users, we can't recoup our investment. The total investment in computer-related technology research and development at the university has exceeded 6000 million yuan, making it the largest expense for the entire university… and microcomputers are primarily used by research institutions and the university itself…"

Xie Wei also didn't want to rely on connections to sell products.

But there is no way.

In the 80s, microcomputers were something that ordinary people couldn't even come into contact with.

Not to mention ordinary people, even most universities rarely have this problem.

"By the way, don't just do it all by yourself, get Leader Long and the others to help out too..."

"You kid..."

It's a wonder Xie Wei dared to think so much; not only did he arrange things for himself, he even wanted Long Yaohua to help promote Harbin Institute of Technology's microcomputers.
Don't leaders have any pride?

(End of this chapter)