OpenAI is charting an ambitious course for its future AI endeavors, most notably through its participation in the 'Stargate' AI infrastructure project. A pivotal step in this global strategy is the formation of a significant strategic partnership with two of South Korea's technology behemoths: the Samsung Group and the SK Group.
This groundbreaking collaboration is centered on the supply of critical hardware components. Samsung and SK will be the key providers of high-capacity DRAM (Dynamic Random-Access Memory) chips required for OpenAI's advanced computing needs. The scale of this operation is immense, with a projected future demand reaching a staggering maximum of 900,000 wafers per month. This massive procurement underpins the sheer computational scale of the 'Stargate' project.
The importance of this partnership was highlighted by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman's visit to the South Korean Presidential Office. His discussions culminated in an agreement on the supply of memory for the 'Stargate' project and the establishment of data centers within South Korea. While the exact timeline remains flexible, the Presidential Office suggested a timeframe around 2029 for the full realization of these plans.
Beyond the hardware supply, this cooperation extends into broader AI development. OpenAI has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South Korean Ministry of Science and ICT for the development of next-generation AI data centers. Furthermore, the partnership also involves SK Telecom. On the flip side, both the Samsung and SK Groups are actively considering the internal adoption of ChatGPT for their corporate operations, showcasing a mutually beneficial exchange of technology and resources. This strategic alliance cements South Korea's role as a vital global hub for advanced AI infrastructure and memory technology.
