Samsung and SK Hynix Partner with OpenAI to Power Next-Generation AI Project
Seoul — In a landmark collaboration set to advance the global artificial intelligence landscape, South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix have signed letters of intent to supply high-performance memory chips for OpenAI’s ambitious Stargate project.
The agreement was announced following a high-level meeting in Seoul between OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung, and the chairmen of Samsung and SK Hynix.
The partnership marks a major milestone in the growth of AI infrastructure, as Samsung and SK Hynix, global leaders in memory technology, join forces with OpenAI to meet surging demand for cutting-edge AI computing.
The Stargate project, a $500 billion initiative led by OpenAI in collaboration with partners including SoftBank and Oracle, aims to ensure the United States and its partners maintain a leadership position in artificial intelligence development while creating opportunities for global technology collaboration.
South Korea’s presidential office highlighted that OpenAI’s chip demand for Stargate is expected to reach 900,000 wafers per month, and sourcing much of that from Samsung and SK Hynix will provide South Korean companies with an early foothold in the world’s largest AI infrastructure project.
The collaboration is expected to deliver significant growth opportunities for the domestic semiconductor industry, while reinforcing South Korea’s role as a key player in next-generation AI technology.
Samsung and SK Hynix together hold approximately 70% of the global Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM) market and nearly 80% of the High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) market.
HBM technology, first introduced in 2013, stacks chips vertically to save space and reduce power consumption, making it ideal for processing the massive volumes of data required for complex AI applications like Stargate. This strategic collaboration demonstrates how innovation in chip technology can accelerate AI development on a global scale.
The partnership also reflects the rapidly growing South Korean demand for AI services. OpenAI recently established its first office in Seoul, recognizing the country as the second-largest market for ChatGPT subscriptions after the United States.
By collaborating with top domestic chipmakers, OpenAI is ensuring robust, reliable infrastructure to support the needs of AI users worldwide.
Industry experts see the collaboration as a win-win for both OpenAI and South Korea. OpenAI gains access to high-quality memory solutions capable of supporting its most advanced AI models, while Samsung and SK Hynix secure a leading role in one of the most transformative AI initiatives globally.
The project underscores the potential of international partnerships in advancing technology, driving innovation, and creating economic opportunities.
This collaboration sets a positive precedent for the future of AI development, showing how cutting-edge technology, strategic partnerships, and global cooperation can come together to unlock the next generation of artificial intelligence. By combining OpenAI’s expertise with South Korea’s world-class semiconductor capabilities, the Stargate project is poised to power AI innovation for years to come.
