Huawei is reportedly involved in a “secret” effort to fund research to circumvent U.S. bans on equipment. Bloomberg reported that research prizes backed by Huawei are awarded through the Optica Foundation, including Harvard University, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Southern California as past winners.
According to a Huawei spokesperson, “Huawei’s contribution to the Optica Foundation is openly declared on the Foundation’s website, any suggestion of secrecy is absurd. Huawei is proud to be one of many technology companies from around the world supporting the Foundation’s important work.”
However, Bloomberg reported that the foundation isn’t required to designate Huawei as the funding source or program sponsor of its prize competition under a confidentiality clause. This practice is “not unusual,” according to Optica CEO Elizabeth Rogan. She also stated Huawei’s donation won the approval of the foundation’s board and that outside legal counsel reviewed it.
The foundation’s 2023 annual report lists Huawei in the “highest-level donors” category for companies or entities that have given more than $1 million. Other listed companies include Google, Corning, and Meta Platforms ($200,000+), and Intel ($100,000).
Rogan added, “We are taking a holistic review of our policies to identify ways to increase transparency as the foundation continues to support young researchers in our community.”
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