Semiconductor giant AMD has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Ministry of Science and ICT (MSIT) to expand the nation’s AI computing capabilities and build open sovereign infrastructure.
The collaboration focuses on creating a flexible, multi-vendor computing environment. Under the plans, AMD CPUs and GPUs will operate alongside domestic neural processing units (NPUs) developed by Korean companies. This strategy aims to diversify technology access for domestic universities, research institutions, and technology firms, moving away from reliance on a single vendor.
As part of the initiative, AMD intends to set up an AI centre of excellence in South Korea. The facility will contribute to AMD’s global software programs while enabling closer research ties with local academic and industry partners. Additionally, both parties plan to explore a dedicated sovereign AI space where domestic developers can publish and access local AI models and datasets tailored for AMD platforms.
The scope of the partnership extends to research into physical AI and scientific computing, giving researchers access to hardware resources, open software, and specialised technical guidance. To manage the rollout, AMD and MSIT will form a Sovereign AI Collaboration Steering Committee, supported by specialised working groups.
“Through our partnership with MSIT, AMD is bringing together our full portfolio of high-performance computing, open software and global ecosystem partnerships to help Korea advance the future of AI infrastructure. Together, we are contributing to the talent, the technical collaboration and the open foundation that will accelerate AI innovation and economic growth across Korea,” said Dr. Lisa Su, chair and CEO, AMD.
“Korea is building the foundations to become a global leader in the AI era, drawing on our strengths in semiconductors, advanced research and technology innovation,” said Kyunghoon Bae, Minister of Science and ICT and Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea. “Our strategic partnership with AMD will help expand access to advanced computing, strengthen the development of world-class AI talent and foster an open ecosystem in which Korean companies, universities and researchers can innovate. This collaboration demonstrates how government and industry can work together to advance national competitiveness and create new economic opportunities through AI.”
