Applied Materials announced Tuesday it is partnering with memory chip leaders Micron Technology and SK Hynix. The collaborations aim to develop next-generation chips essential for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.
Micron and SK Hynix will be founding partners at Applied Materials' new Equipment and Process Innovation and Commercialization, or EPIC, Center. This research facility represents a planned $5 billion investment in semiconductor equipment R&D.
The move comes as demand for memory chips surges due to rapid AI infrastructure build-out by major tech firms, leading to tight supply and rising prices. The world's top three memory chip producers, including Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron, have reported challenges meeting demand.
With Micron, the partnership will advance DRAM, high-bandwidth memory, and NAND technologies. The collaboration with SK Hynix will focus on improving memory chip materials, process integration, and 3D advanced packaging for next-generation DRAM and HBM.