Key Takeaways:
- NVIDIA signs major AI deals with South Korean tech giants.
- SK Hynix secures long-term role in NVIDIA’s AI chip supply.
- New partnerships will accelerate AI data center development.
NVIDIA signs AI deal partnerships with South Korean technology leaders on Monday, including SK Hynix, SK Telecom, Naver, and Doosan Group, to secure advanced memory supplies and accelerate the development of artificial intelligence infrastructure as global AI demand continues to surge.
NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang unveiled the agreements during a visit to South Korea, where he met with executives from several of the country’s largest corporations. Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.
NVIDIA locks in critical memory supply
A key agreement involves a multi-year technology partnership between NVIDIA and SK Hynix, one of the world’s largest memory chip manufacturers. The deal is designed to support the growing demand for advanced memory used in AI data centers and computing systems.
The partnership will focus on developing next-generation memory technologies for global AI infrastructure. NVIDIA said the agreement will help ensure a steady supply of critical components as the company expands into robotics, AI supercomputers, and personal computing.
“SK Hynix has been NVIDIA‘s largest memory partner. SK Hynix will continue to be NVIDIA’s largest memory partner,” Huang said after meeting SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won.
Huang said NVIDIA already purchases billions of dollars worth of memory chips annually from SK Hynix and expects that figure to increase significantly. He added that the agreement extends beyond two years and includes options for further renewal.
Ryu Young-ho, a senior analyst at NH Investment & Securities, said the deal highlights how memory chips are becoming increasingly customized for specific customers rather than remaining commodity products.
Partners expand South Korea’s AI infrastructure
Several additional agreements focus on expanding AI infrastructure in South Korea as NVIDIA signs AI deal partnerships with leading technology companies.
SK Telecom said it plans to build a gigawatt-scale AI cloud platform using NVIDIA technology. The first AI data center under the project is expected to begin operations in 2027.
NVIDIA also announced collaborations with internet company Naver and industrial conglomerate Doosan Group. Both companies will use NVIDIA technologies to support the construction and operation of AI data centers.
Doosan said its energy solutions could be integrated into NVIDIA’s data center platforms. The company also plans to utilize NVIDIA‘s physical AI technologies as it expands its robotics business.
Huang said NVIDIA is partnering with LG Group on electronics, mechanical systems, and artificial intelligence applications for humanoid robots. The companies are also working together on future data center architecture, including cooling systems, power delivery, and facility design.
These initiatives further highlight how NVIDIA signs AI deal agreements to strengthen AI infrastructure, data center development, and advanced technology adoption in South Korea.
Market volatility fails to dampen AI optimism
The announcements came as South Korean technology stocks faced heavy selling pressure following news that NVIDIA signs AI deal partnerships aimed at expanding AI infrastructure in the country.
South Korea’s benchmark Kospi index fell sharply on Monday after strong U.S. employment data increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could raise interest rates later this year. The broader decline triggered losses across global technology markets.
Shares of Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix initially dropped more than 10% before recovering some ground. Samsung later traded down 4.6%, while SK Hynix was down 0.6%.
Despite the market turbulence, Huang expressed confidence in the long-term outlook for artificial intelligence.
“Everybody should be very excited; they can now buy stock at a cheaper price,” Huang said. “The future of AI is very bright.”
South Korea remains a critical player in the global semiconductor industry, with SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics serving as the world’s two largest memory chip producers. The new partnerships underscore NVIDIA’s efforts to secure key suppliers and expand its influence as competition intensifies in the rapidly growing AI sector, as NVIDIA signs AI deal agreements to strengthen its position in the AI industry.
