[News] SK hynix Showcases AI Memory at GTC; Chairman Warns Wafer Shortage May Last Until 2030

SK hynix is set to showcase its latest AI memory technologies at GTC 2026. In a press release, the company said it will present solutions designed to reduce data bottlenecks and boost performance for both AI training and inference within NVIDIA’s AI infrastructure. The exhibit will feature memory configurations integrated with GPU-based AI accelerators, including HBM4, HBM3E, and SOCAMM2 developed for NVIDIA platforms.

The company will also highlight a liquid-cooled enterprise SSD developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, alongside the NVIDIA DGX Spark—a desktop AI supercomputer powered by SK hynix’s LPDDR5X memory. In addition, SK hynix plans to demonstrate its “HBM 16-High Stacking” technology, showcasing its TSV (Through-Silicon Via) process and advanced high-stack packaging capabilities.

The press release added that senior executives, including SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won and SK hynix CEO Kwak Noh-jung, will attend the event to strengthen global partnerships in the AI ecosystem.

SK Chairman Warns Wafer Shortage May Persist Until 2030

SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won also addressed the recent wafer shortage while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of NVIDIA GTC. According to Reuters, Chey said the global shortage of semiconductor wafers could persist until 2030, as demand driven by AI continues to outpace supply.

Chey added that the industry will need time to expand wafer capacity, estimating it could take at least four to five years to build additional supply. As a result, the shortage may last until around 2030, with the wafer supply gap potentially exceeding 20%, Reuters reports. The company also said its CEO may outline measures to help stabilize DRAM chip prices, Reuters adds.

Regarding the shortage, Chey also commented on the company’s expansion strategy. As Nikkei reports, when asked whether SK hynix would expand its overseas manufacturing footprint to meet rising demand, Chey said the group will focus on building new plants in South Korea for now, noting that securing sufficient electricity and water remains the main challenge for overseas expansion. He added that the key constraint is not funding or government incentives, but access to energy, water, and a suitable industrial ecosystem.

Notably, Chey said SK hynix is reviewing a potential U.S. American Depositary Receipts (ADR) listing to broaden its global investor base, Reuters reports. According ZDNet, he also said he plans to meet with several companies, including NVIDIA, during his visit to the U.S., and described TSMC as a “very good partner.”

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(Photo credit: SK hynix)