Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, is seeking billions of dollars from investors to establish a global network of semiconductor factories focused on producing AI chips, according to a new report from Bloomberg. Altman aims to work with “major chip manufacturers” to set up manufacturing plants around the world to help meet the growing demand for computing power.
Efforts to manufacture chips briefly stalled after Altman’s brief removal as CEO in November, but discussions resumed following his return. Altman is reportedly in talks with Taiwanese chipmaker TSMC for manufacturing, along with discussions with wealthy investors from the Middle East.
The chip venture aims to decrease dependence on Nvidia, while attempting to preempt a potential massive shortage of supplies in the future. To the delight of accelerationists, Altman seems to be rushing to ensure that the chip shortage does not limit AI progress. But competing with chip giants is no small task, and further entanglement with the Middle East and new commercial ventures will likely expose Altman and OpenAI to even greater scrutiny.