Rumor
Intel and SAIMEMORY collaborate on Z-Angle Memory for AI
Thursday, January 29, 2026 at 05:02 AM
Intel has announced a collaboration with SAIMEMORY to develop Z-Angle Memory (ZAM), a new memory technology designed for AI applications.
Context
Intel has partnered with SoftBank subsidiary SAIMEMORY to develop Z-Angle Memory (ZAM), a vertically-stacked DRAM architecture designed to challenge High Bandwidth Memory (HBM) standards. Unveiled at Intel Connection Japan 2026, ZAM utilizes a diagonal interconnect topology to overcome thermal and density limits in AI data centers. This move marks Intel’s strategic return to the advanced memory market for the first time in decades.
The technology aims to deliver 2x to 3x higher capacity than existing HBM while cutting power consumption by 50% and production costs by up to 60%. Leveraging Intel’s Next Generation DRAM Bonding research, the project is backed by an initial ¥3 billion investment from SoftBank and includes partners like Fujitsu and Powerchip Semiconductor.
Operational work began in early 2026, with prototypes scheduled for 2027 and mass production by 2029. This positions Intel as a pivotal architect in the AI supply chain, offering a high-performance alternative to dominant Korean memory providers while revitalizing Japan’s semiconductor sector.
Related Companies
SK Hynix
000660
S
SoftBank Group
SFTBY
Intel
INTC