Rumor
PSMC and Shinko Electric to partner with SoftBank on AI memory development and manufacturing
Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 05:01 AM
Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC) is reportedly joining a Japanese government-backed initiative led by SoftBank to develop memory for next-generation AI and supercomputers. PSMC will collaborate with Shinko Electric Industries on trial production and manufacturing, aiming to complete a prototype by fiscal year 2027 and establish mass production capabilities by 2029.
Context
SoftBank Group is leading a strategic partnership with Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corp (PSMC) and Shinko Electric Industries to develop next-generation AI and supercomputer memory. The initiative focuses on creating energy-efficient alternatives to high-bandwidth memory (HBM) designed to reduce power consumption by 50%. By establishing a new subsidiary called Saimemory, the group aims to secure a domestic supply chain and reduce Japan's reliance on foreign chipmakers for the hardware powering its AI data center infrastructure.
The collaboration targets the completion of a functional prototype by fiscal year 2027, with full-scale mass production scheduled for fiscal year 2029. Total project investments are estimated at 10 billion yen, supported by SoftBank and national research partners. For investors, this signals SoftBank’s deepening vertical integration into the semiconductor stack, positioning the firm to manage the high energy costs and supply constraints of future generative AI workloads.
Related Companies
S
SoftBank Group
SFTBY
Intel
INTC