TLDR: At the ET World Leaders Forum 2025, Groq CEO Jonathan Ross asserted that raw compute power will be the fundamental driver for the future of artificial intelligence. He emphasized that control over this critical resource will dictate global technological leadership, framing the competition as a geopolitical ‘compute war’ rather than merely an economic one.
At the prestigious ET World Leaders Forum 2025, Jonathan Ross, the CEO of AI chip startup Groq, delivered a compelling address, declaring that raw compute power stands as the paramount force shaping the future trajectory of artificial intelligence. Ross underscored that the ability to command and control AI compute power will be the decisive factor in determining future global technological leadership, drawing a parallel between compute power and the strategic importance of oil in previous eras.
Ross articulated a vision where the burgeoning competition for AI dominance transcends traditional economic rivalries, evolving into a full-fledged geopolitical ‘compute war’. He posed a critical question: ‘how to control brains of artificial intelligence?’ highlighting the strategic imperative for nations to secure and manage this vital resource. His remarks came amidst extensive discussions at the forum on the global order, technology, and artificial intelligence, with AI disruptions taking a central role in the event’s agenda.
The ET World Leaders Forum 2025, themed ‘The Next Global Order: Power, Purpose & Partnership,’ brought together a diverse array of leaders, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to deliberate on critical global issues. The event featured panel discussions such as ‘AI Unleashed: The Next Great Innovation Race,’ where Ross was a key participant alongside other prominent figures in the AI landscape. India’s role in the evolving global tech landscape, particularly concerning AI, was also a significant point of discussion, with suggestions that the nation could produce the next generation of tech giants.
Also Read:
- China’s Strategic Drive for Global AI Leadership Intensifies
- AI Governance and Data Management: Key Strategies for 2025 Unveiled by Industry Leaders
Ross’s insights reinforce the growing understanding that the infrastructure underpinning AI, particularly the specialized hardware and raw processing capabilities, is becoming a strategic asset. His perspective suggests that countries and corporations that can effectively harness and scale compute power will hold a significant advantage in the race to innovate and lead in the AI-driven future.


