Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, is on a mission to revolutionize the global semiconductor industry with an ambitious project that could require trillions of dollars in investment, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
Altman has highlighted the constraints faced by AI chip technology, citing its limitations as a hindrance to the growth of OpenAI. To address this challenge, he envisions a project that would significantly enhance chip-building capacity on a global scale. In pursuit of this vision, Altman is engaging in discussions with various investors, including the government of the United Arab Emirates.
The scale of Altman’s endeavor is staggering, with estimates suggesting that between $5 trillion and $7 trillion may be needed to bring the project to fruition. However, CNBC was unable to independently verify these figures, and OpenAI has yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter.
In a recent post on X, Altman emphasized the critical need for expanded AI infrastructure, asserting that the world requires more resources in terms of fabrication capacity, energy, and data centers than current projections anticipate. He stressed the importance of developing massive-scale AI infrastructure and a resilient supply chain for bolstering economic competitiveness, with OpenAI poised to contribute to this effort.
Altman’s pursuit of substantial investments in AI chip technology follows earlier initiatives and investments in the semiconductor space, which have not been without controversy. Prior to his temporary removal as CEO of OpenAI, Altman was reportedly seeking billions of dollars for a chip venture codenamed “Tigris,” aimed at competing with industry heavyweight Nvidia. He embarked on fundraising efforts, including trips to the Middle East, to secure funding for this ambitious venture.
As Altman pushes forward with his latest endeavor, the outcome could have far-reaching implications for the future of AI technology and the semiconductor industry, potentially reshaping the landscape of innovation and competition in this rapidly evolving field.
