OpenAI taps Korean Chipmakers

OpenAI has partnered with Samsung and SK Hynix to secure DRAM wafers for its ambitious Stargate AI infrastructure project. The South Korean tech giants have signed letters of intent to supply high-bandwidth memory (HBM) semiconductors for OpenAI's hyperscale AI data centres. These data centres are slated for construction worldwide by 2029.

Under the agreements, Samsung and SK Hynix will provide a substantial portion of the HBMs used in OpenAI's custom AI accelerators. OpenAI is reportedly seeking volumes equivalent to 900,000 wafers per month, exceeding current global production capacity. Analysts estimate this commitment could generate over 100 trillion won (£58 billion) in demand for the Korean chipmakers over the next four years. In addition to chip supply, OpenAI will collaborate with Samsung and SK Hynix to build two data centres in South Korea.

Samsung's involvement extends beyond memory chips, with its IT services arm, Samsung SDS, providing data centre design and operational expertise. Samsung C&T and Samsung Heavy Industries are exploring floating offshore data centres. SK Telecom will also collaborate with OpenAI on a domestic data centre initiative branded “Stargate Korea”.