Samsung, OpenAI, Softbank chiefs convene in Seoul to discuss AI partnership
ChatGPT Creator OpenAI's CEO Sam Altman, who is currently visiting Korea, is set to hold a meeting with Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong and Softbank Group CEO Masayoshi Son on Tuesday to share industry insights and technological collaboration, possibly including development of the world's first AI-specific device.
According to industry sources, the three-way meeting has been organized upon Altman's Seoul visit, coming after almost a year, to attend "Builder Lab," Open AI's technology forum with local developers.
Collaboration on Cutting-Edge AI Technology
The three leaders are expected to discuss potential collaboration on cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology, possibly including producing an AI-specific device, given Samsung's expertise in both computing hardware and semiconductors, according to speculations in Korea. Altman previously revealed that his company is planning to develop such an AI-specific hardware and that they "hope to do it in partnership," in an interview last month.
Speaking to Nikkei Asia on Jan. 27, Altman said, "it feels to me like AI is a big enough shift in how we can interact with computers that there ought to be a new kind of hardware," adding that it would take several years to unveil a prototype. He also said OpenAI is working on developing its own semiconductors.
Expertise in AI Applications
Samsung, the world's leading smartphone and semiconductor supplier, produces cutting-edge products deemed crucial in advanced AI applications, including High Bandwidth Memory, enterprise SSD chips, and GDDR7.
OpenAI and Softbank Group may also ask Samsung to invest in their $500-billion Stargate venture project. Together with Oracle, the two companies announced their joint project for the large-scale development of AI infrastructure on US soil, a day after the inauguration of US President Donald Trump. During his trip to Japan last month, Altman had asked Japanese firms to participate in Stargate.
Softbank is planning to invest over $15 billion directly in Stargate, as well as $15-25 billion in OpenAI.
Industry Engagements
Altman is officially visiting Korea for the third time, with his latest trip being in January 2024. At the time, he visited Samsung's production facility in Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi Province. For Lee, it is his first public activity after an appellate court cleared him of all charges related to a contentious merger between Samsung affiliates on Monday.
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