Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-Yong was set to meet with SoftBank’s Masayoshi Son and OpenAI’s Sam Altman to discuss potential collaborations in the artificial intelligence (AI) sector. This meeting, taking place in Seoul, marks Lee's first major international engagement after having navigated legal challenges.
The discussions are expected to focus on several projects, particularly in AI semiconductors, AI televisions, and advanced AI chips. Notably, there are plans for collaboration on the "Stargate" project, an ambitious initiative backed by SoftBank and OpenAI aimed at establishing a next-generation AI company in the United States. This project involves an investment of $500 billion aimed at building physical and virtual infrastructure, including the construction of large-scale data centers.
SoftBank plans to invest over $15 billion in the Stargate project, with an additional direct investment of between $15 billion and $25 billion into OpenAI, potentially making SoftBank the largest shareholder of OpenAI. As part of this collaboration, Lee Jae-yong may be approached to join the Stargate initiative, emphasizing the need for major investments in the AI domain.
Samsung's focus on AI technology has been evident through its production of high-bandwidth memory (HBM), enterprise solid-state drives (eSSD), and GDDR7 memory for AI PCs. The company is also exploring an open partnership with OpenAI, aimed at integrating cutting-edge technologies into its products and services through collaborations with global AI firms.
Meanwhile, the partnership between Son and Altman highlights the urgency of the Stargate project, as they aim to secure significant funding and resources to compete in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. This strategic gathering not only reinforces Samsung's commitment to AI development but also positions it as a key player in the global technology ecosystem.
As the discussions unfold, the implications for Samsung's AI initiatives and its competitive stance in the industry could be substantial, potentially redefining its role in the world of advanced technology.
