Demis Hassabis, the Google DeepMind co-founder and CEO known as the creator of AlphaGo, has met in quick succession with leaders of major South Korean conglomerates as he seeks closer cooperation on AI semiconductors. The string of visits by global tech chiefs is fueling views that South Korea is emerging as a key hub in the global AI supply chain.
According to industry officials on April 28, Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong held a closed-door meeting with Hassabis that afternoon at Samsung’s Seocho office in Seoul. They were reported to have discussed semiconductor cooperation for next-generation AI chip design and ways to expand on-device AI using Google’s Gemini.
SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won also met with Hassabis to discuss cooperation on building AI infrastructure, reports said. Earlier the same day, Hyundai Motor Group Chairman Chung Euisun and LG Group Chairman Koo Kwang-mo also held meetings. The talks were said to have explored collaboration between Google and Korean companies across semiconductors, mobile, telecommunications and robotics.
DeepMind is focused on developing artificial general intelligence, or AGI. Google has already moved to place its Gemini model on Samsung smartphones to push on-device AI, and it is applying intelligent life solutions to LG Electronics’ home appliances to broaden user experiences. It is also working with Hyundai Motor Group’s Boston Dynamics to improve AI performance for the next-generation humanoid robot Atlas.
Last month, AMD CEO Lisa Su made her first official visit to South Korea since taking the job and met with Samsung Electronics DX division head Roh Tae-moon, among others, to discuss expanding cooperation across the AI mobile and PC ecosystem, including smartphones, PCs and tablets. From AMD’s perspective, Samsung’s advanced manufacturing processes and memory solutions are critical as it seeks to challenge Nvidia’s dominance.
In October last year, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited South Korea to reaffirm partnerships with local companies. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman also visited and explored cooperation with South Korea’s semiconductor ecosystem to produce an “OpenAI-dedicated chip.”
Industry experts say Korean companies are moving beyond being chip suppliers to becoming key partners in shaping global AI standards.
Ahn Ki-hyun, executive director of the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association, said, “As the global competition for AI leadership intensifies, AI business has reached a point where it is impossible without the memory and foundry technologies of Korean companies such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix.” He added, “Beyond a simple supply relationship, a ‘one-team’ system is strengthening, with partners thinking together from the design stage.”
* This article has been translated by AI.
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