AI chips from OpenAI?

OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, is reportedly in talks with semiconductor designer and manufacturer, Broadcom, to explore the possibility of manufacturing their own AI chips to reduce reliance on NVIDIA and strengthen their supply chain.

They’re also hiring ex-Google employees, who have vast experience with AI hardware, to leverage their skills and expertise to help manufacture these chips.

Although it will take years of research and development to create an AI chip as powerful as NVIDIA’s, OpenAI is hoping that partnering with Broadcom (or another semiconductor designer and manufacturer) and hiring talented people will shorten the timescale.

These plans could also signify a move towards its broader ambition, previously reported in January, to build a network of AI chip factories, alongside the likes of Intel, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, and Samsung Electronics, which would require around $7 trillion but would reduce AI chip shortage issues and help develop AI infrastructure, which would bring substantial value to more people, worldwide.