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Intel Corporation, Naver Corp., and the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have partnered to open a new artificial intelligence center in South Korea. KAIST said on Tuesday, April 30, that they will jointly establish the AI lab to lead the new global ecosystem for AI chips.
According to The Korea Herald, Naver, Intel, and KAIST named their new lab “NIK AI Research Center,” the term is based on the initials of their names. The partners will set up the AI hub inside the KAIST campus located in Daejeon.
Formal Launch of the AI Facility
KAIST and Naver Cloud officials signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for partnership in various AI industries, such as software development for open source, to optimize the operations and performance of AI semiconductors, data centers, cloud, and servers.
Naver, Intel, and KAIST expect to complete their AI facility within the first half of 2024 and start the research by July. The Korean School of Science and Technology said the joint research hub will operate for three years. Still, they can decide to extend depending on their achievements and the respective needs of the companies.
Management of the AI Lab
Yonhap News Agency reported that Intel, Naver, and KAIST agreed to the appointment of Kim Jeong Ho, a professor at KAIST’s electrical and electronic engineering department, and Lee Dong Soo, the director of Naver Cloud, as heads of the joint research center. It was added that around 120 other professors, master’s and doctoral graduates in the AI and software field of studies at KAIST, will participate as researchers.
“KAIST can secure technological know-how in AI development, semiconductor design and operation software development through the use of the Gaudi series,” Professor Kim said. “In particular, we have experience in operating a large-scale AI data center and future research and development. The establishment of this joint research center is very meaningful as it allows us to secure the necessary AI computing infrastructure.”
Photo by: Brecht Corbeel/Unsplash
