SK hynix, SK Telecom join forces with Penguin Solutions for AI data centers

From left: SK hynix President Kim Ju-seon, SK Telecom CEO Ryu Young-sang and Penguin Solutions CEO Mark Adams pose for a photo after signing a partnership agreement in Las Vegas on Thursday. (SK Telecom)

SK hynix and SK Telecom said Friday they have formed a strategic partnership with US artificial intelligence computing company Penguin Solutions to promote joint research and development and business of AI data center solutions.

The trilateral agreement, signed on the sidelines of CES 2025 in Las Vegas, focuses on jointly developing and commercializing innovative solutions for AI data centers while exploring new markets, according to two SK affiliates.

Penguin Solutions is a leading company specializing in AI data center solutions, which builds and manages customized data centers for companies that provide AI services.

Through the partnership, the three companies aim to spearhead the global expansion of AI data centers by exploring new markets and jointly developing and commercializing cutting-edge solutions.

They will first seek business opportunities in Japan, the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East markets to support their global expansion efforts. Additionally, they plan to complete a full-stack software suite necessary for the construction and operation of AI data centers, conduct server proof-of-concept testing and commercialize servers utilizing local AI startup Rebellions' NPU chips.

The collaboration will also focus on next-generation memory products specifically designed for data centers. SK hynix and Penguin Solutions will jointly develop next-generation data center memory technologies, further enhancing SK hynix's distintive high-bandwidth memory competitiveness.

“Innovation in memory semiconductor technology is essential for the efficient operation of AI data centers, particularly in improving power efficiency and thermal performance,” an SK hynix official said. “By collaborating with SK Telecom and Penguin Solutions, we aim to overcome the limitations of memory technology and lead the expansion of the global AI ecosystem.”

"Through this collaboration, the three companies aim to combine SK Group's diverse AI data center solutions, including semiconductors, energy, cooling and memory, to develop a Korean-style sovereign AI infrastructure business model based on proprietary technology. This agreement will serve as a cornerstone for realizing SK's vision of creating the world's most economical and efficient AI data center,” an SK Telecom official said.