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Samsung, SK Group, and OpenAI have unveiled a series of strategic partnerships that are part of OpenAI’s Stargate initiative, which aims to improve the global AI infrastructure, specifically targeting developments in South Korea. The announcement followed a significant meeting involving key figures, including South Korean President Lee Jae-myung, Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Jay Y. Lee, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, held at the Presidential Office in Seoul.
The new collaborations are set to boost the production of advanced memory chips, which are crucial for the next generation of AI technology, while also expanding data center capacities in Korea. This positions both Samsung and SK as essential players in the global AI infrastructure landscape, supporting South Korea’s ambition to rank among the top three nations in AI development.
As part of this initiative, Samsung and SK hynix plan to increase their output of advanced memory chips, targeting a monthly production goal of 900,000 DRAM wafer starts. This ramp-up is considered vital for supplying the necessary power to OpenAI’s sophisticated AI models.
Additionally, OpenAI has entered into several agreements aimed at exploring the establishment of next-generation AI data centers in Korea. Among these is a Memorandum of Understanding with the Korean Ministry of Science and ICT, which focuses on identifying possibilities for building AI data centers beyond the densely populated Seoul Metropolitan Area. This effort is intended to contribute to balanced regional economic growth and job creation across the nation.
Other agreements include collaboration with SK Telecom to evaluate the creation of an AI data center and a partnership with various Samsung subsidiaries, including Samsung C&T, Samsung Heavy Industries, and Samsung SDS, to assess options for increasing data center capacity in the country.
Both Samsung and SK are also exploring the integration of ChatGPT Enterprise and API functionalities into their operations to enhance workflows and drive new innovations.
Commenting on the partnerships, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman expressed enthusiasm about Korea’s potential to emerge as a global AI leader, noting its rich pool of tech talent, robust infrastructure, strong support from the government, and a dynamic AI ecosystem. He stated, “We’re excited to work with Samsung Electronics, SK hynix, and the Ministry of Science and ICT through our global Stargate initiative to support Korea’s AI ambitions.”
Samsung’s Jay Y. Lee emphasized the importance of collaboration in advancing the future of AI, stating, “The world is at a pivotal moment with the advent of AI, and the industry must collaborate to effectively chart the future.”
Chey Tae-won from SK Group articulated the significance of the Stargate partnership as an important step toward substantial technological innovation, highlighting SK’s role in delivering synergies across various aspects of AI development, from memory semiconductors to networks. He remarked, “As primary partners, SK and OpenAI will jointly drive global AI infrastructure innovation through expanding collaboration spanning infrastructure, model development, applications, and breakthrough research on next-generation AI computing solutions.”
Further details regarding these collaborations are expected to emerge as the initiatives progress.
