Nvidia locks down South Korean HBM memory, expands AI alliances

Nvidia announced a series of major deals with several South Korean conglomerates, including SK Hynix, SK Telecom, Naver, Doosan, LG Group et Hyundai Motorin order to secure its supplies of advanced memory and accelerate the global deployment of its artificial intelligence technologies.

Nvidia has entered into a multi-year technology partnership with SK Hynixthe world leader in HBM memory, to ensure access to increasing volumes of critical components for AI data centers.

Huang stressed that global demand far exceeds current capacities: “ SK Hynix has been and will remain our primary memory partner. We already purchase billions of dollars of products each year, and this volume will grow significantly. »

The partnership covers more than two years, with the possibility of extension.

Several South Korean companies will use the technologies Nvidia to build new AI data centers. SK Telecom plans a gigawatt-scale AI cloud, the first center of which will be operational in 2027. Naver will strengthen its AI infrastructures for its cloud services and language models. Doosan will integrate Nvidia technologies into its robots and energy solutions for data centers.

Huang also met with leaders of LG Group et Hyundai Motor. With LGdiscussions focus on electronics, mechanical systems, humanoid robotics and the architecture of future data centers, including cooling, power and design. With HyundaiNvidia plans to deepen collaborations in autonomous mobility, industrial robotics and AI-assisted manufacturing. Huang called the future AI data center a Hyundai à Saemangeum de vallée de l’IA.

Global demand for AI chips is exploding, and memory manufacturers are struggling to keep up. According to analyst Ryu Young-ho (NH Investment & Securities), these agreements confirm that memory is evolving from a commodity product to a highly personalized activity.