New Softbank-Supported Memory Chip will compete on the market that is already being dominated by Samsung and SK Hynix
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Softbank and Intel Allegedly they work together to develop a new type AI-oriented memory with a high bandwidth that they hope will compete with HBM products produced by South Korean tech giants Samsung and SK Hynix.
A report of Nikkei Asiaclaims that the pair strives to make stacked dram chips with a new wiring structure that lowers the power consumption by half compared to current HBM chips.
The initiative will be led by a new company called Saimemory, with a prototype that is expected within two years, and commercialization that is aimed before 2030.
Too little too late?
Despite the technical ambition, the timeline is a serious challenge. Samsung and SK Hynix are already various product generations ahead and comfortably dominate the global HBM market. By the time Saimemory brings its alternative to the market, the existing players have probably expanded their lead.
A Softbank director told Nikkei Asia That if the project is successful, “we want priority for the offer”, which reflects how the efforts remains at the early stage.
The memory is intended for use in AI data centers, where energy consumption and high transit are growing care. Softbank hopes that the new chips will support large-scale AI training more efficiently and at lower costs.
Stronger domestic supply chains can also reduce the dependence on Japan of Korean suppliers.
Nikkei Asia Comments Japan once held more than 70% of the global dram market, but ran out as the South Korean and Taiwanese players rose. Elpida, the last Dram manufacturer of Japan, went bankrupt in 2012 and was taken over by Micron, Who is looking for a larger part of the $ 100 billion HBM cake.
Softbank is the largest investor in Saimemory, with an interest of 3 billion yen in the 10 billion Yen project. Intel contributes technology, while the University of Tokyo and other Japanese academic institutions offer patents. Government support is also considered.
Although this is a promising company, both Softbank and Intel have a lot on their plates at the moment. Intel manages its foundry expansion, pushes AI chips and tries to reclaim the CPU market share. SoftBank is Focused on the growing arm and expanding his AI investment portfolio.
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