半导体行业观察·2025-06-03 01:26Core Viewpoint - Japan is taking bold measures to regain its dominance in the semiconductor industry, specifically targeting the AI storage chip sector, which is currently led by South Korean manufacturers [1][2]. Group 1: Japan's Initiative - Japan has launched a project to develop next-generation storage chips for AI applications, integrating funding from SoftBank, technology from Intel, and research capabilities from the University of Tokyo [1]. - A new company named Saimemory has been established by SoftBank and Intel to lead the development of low-power storage chips, aiming to create alternatives to high-bandwidth memory (HBM) currently dominated by South Korean firms [1][2]. - Saimemory plans to focus on developing "stacked DRAM chips" that significantly reduce power consumption, rather than directly competing in the HBM market [1][2]. Group 2: Company Structure and Funding - Saimemory will begin operations in July, with SoftBank as CFO, Intel as CTO, and the University of Tokyo as Chief Scientist [2]. - The initial funding for the project is 10 billion yen (approximately 69.7 million USD), with SoftBank contributing 3 billion yen and seeking additional support from the Japanese government [2]. - The project will leverage Intel's chip stacking technology and the University of Tokyo's data transmission patents, with potential partnerships including Shinko and RIKEN [2]. Group 3: Historical Context and Market Position - Japan's DRAM industry, once a global leader, has significantly declined over the past 13 years due to U.S. trade pressures and competition from South Korea, with the last major DRAM manufacturer, Elpida, going bankrupt in 2012 [2]. - Saimemory is positioned as a fabless chip design and intellectual property management company, contrasting with South Korean firms that integrate design and manufacturing [2]. Group 4: Competitive Landscape - South Korea currently dominates the global memory chip market, with Samsung and SK Hynix holding 73% of the DRAM market and 51% of the NAND flash market [4]. - SK Hynix recently overtook Samsung for the first time in global market share, holding 36% of the DRAM market, while Samsung's share dropped to 34% [5]. - The demand for HBM chips, crucial for AI accelerators, has surged, with SK Hynix capturing over 70% of global HBM sales in early 2023 [5].