June 2 – SoftBank Group (SFTBY) and Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) are partnering to launch a new memory chip company called Saimemory, aimed at developing next-generation DRAM for artificial intelligence data centers in Japan.
The venture will focus on stacked DRAM technology, which is expected to enhance AI computing performance while reducing energy consumption. A prototype is targeted within two years, with commercial rollout anticipated in the latter half of the decade.
SoftBank will invest 3 billion yen in the 10 billion yen project. Additional backing may come from Japan’s Riken research institute and chip substrate maker Shinko Electric Industries. Intel will contribute engineering support and industry know-how, while patents from the University of Tokyo and other institutions will help accelerate development.
Saimemory will handle design and intellectual property, while outsourcing production, in a move that may support Japan’s efforts to regain a foothold in the global chip race.
The companies say the chips are being designed to meet the rising demand for energy-efficient AI systems across Japanese data centers.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/intel-softbank-form-venture-ai-155820033.html
