OpenAI Discusses Advanced Semiconductor Factory Establishment with US Congress

OpenAI, the developer of the generative artificial intelligence (AI) Chat GPT, reportedly discussed the establishment of advanced semiconductor factories with the U.S. Congress, according to the Washington Post (WP) on the 24th (local time).

According to WP, Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, discussed with the U.S. Congress where and how to establish advanced semiconductor manufacturing plants, known as "fabs."

Sam Altman OpenAI CEO
Photo by Yonhap News

Advanced semiconductors are essential for training generative AI like Chat GPT. Altman told WP that AI will change the global economic landscape, and increasing the supply of advanced semiconductors will strengthen the competitiveness of the United States.

Sources say Altman plans to raise tens of billions to trillions of dollars from global investors to secure the costs needed for factory construction. Another source reported that OpenAI is weighing options between building a new factory and collaborating with existing semiconductor manufacturers like TSMC.

WP reported that Altman has pointed out that the global production of advanced semiconductors has not kept pace with the speed of AI development. Currently, advanced semiconductors used for AI training are monopolized by Nvidia's graphics processing units (GPUs). Altman is reportedly considering direct production, anticipating a sharp increase in demand for advanced semiconductors.

Earlier, major foreign media reported that Altman met with investors from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to discuss funding for establishing a semiconductor company for AI purposes.

Meanwhile, Altman is scheduled to visit Korea on the 26th and is expected to hold private meetings with SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and Samsung Electronics President Kyung Kye-hyun.