- NVIDIA is set to announce major AI collaborations with Samsung and Hyundai, focusing on semiconductors, mobility, and robotics.
- The partnerships, involving top executives from all three companies, are being finalized during the APEC CEO Summit in Seoul.
- The deals build on existing relationships and aim to accelerate development of AI-powered vehicles, smart factories, and advanced memory chips.
NVIDIA Corp. is preparing to unveil significant artificial intelligence partnerships with Samsung Electronics Co. and Hyundai Motor Group, according to people familiar with the matter, as the chipmaker expands its Asian alliances amid soaring demand for AI technology.
The developments are unfolding during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Seoul, where NVIDIA Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, Samsung Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong, and Hyundai Executive Chair Chung Euisun are meeting to discuss these strategic alliances. The timing suggests announcements could come as early as this week, though negotiations remain ongoing, the people said.
For NVIDIA, which recently surpassed $100 billion in quarterly revenue, the partnerships represent a strategic deepening of relationships in critical technology sectors. The collaboration with Samsung centers on advanced semiconductors, particularly high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips essential for AI processors. Samsung recently qualified its 12-layer HBM3E memory for NVIDIA's GPUs, marking a significant milestone in their supplier relationship amid intense competition with SK Hynix and Micron.
"The qualification of Samsung's HBM was a crucial step," said one executive briefed on the discussions, who asked not to be identified because the talks are private. "It opens the door for much broader cooperation beyond simple supplier arrangements."
The Hyundai partnership, which began in January 2025, is expanding to focus on software-defined vehicles, robotics, and generative AI integration. Hyundai's ownership of Boston Dynamics positions the collaboration to potentially revolutionize robotics development, while NVIDIA's AI platforms could accelerate Hyundai's autonomous vehicle ambitions.
Efforts to integrate NVIDIA's technology across Hyundai's manufacturing and product lines have accelerated in recent months, according to people familiar with the company's plans. Hyundai has been strategically integrating AI across its automotive and mobility businesses, viewing the technology as critical to maintaining competitive advantage in an increasingly software-driven industry.
Spokespeople for NVIDIA, Samsung, and Hyundai declined to comment on specific partnership details when reached Tuesday. However, a Hyundai representative noted that "AI collaboration remains a strategic priority" for the company.
The partnerships align with South Korea's government-led efforts to cement its status as an AI and semiconductor powerhouse. They also strengthen U.S.-Korea tech ties at a time of global supply chain realignment spurred by tensions with China and U.S. export controls on advanced chips.
Industry analysts see the potential deals as part of a broader consolidation among technology leaders seeking to dominate the AI ecosystem. "What we're witnessing is the formation of AI super-groups," said a technology analyst who covers all three companies. "No single company can master all aspects of AI development, so strategic partnerships like these become essential."
Short-term implications could include the rollout of new AI-powered Hyundai vehicles and robots as early as 2026, while Samsung's HBM is likely to see increased adoption in NVIDIA chipsets used globally. The collaborations may eventually set new standards for AI-powered manufacturing and mobility, potentially impacting competitors across the United States, China, and Europe.
Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the timeline for potential product rollouts. While some developments could emerge by 2026, specific timelines remain undetermined.