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[News] SoftBank’s Collaboration with Intel on AI Chips Reportedly Foundered, with TSMC Emerging as a Potential Partner


2024-08-15 Semiconductors editor

According to a report from the Financial Times, SoftBank Group has decided to move away from its plan to collaborate with Intel on producing AI chips to compete with NVIDIA and is now reportedly focusing on discussions with TSMC.

The same report, citing sources, reported that the partnership between SoftBank and Intel fell through because Intel struggled to meet SoftBank’s requirements. SoftBank reportedly attributed the collapsed talk to Intel’s inability to meet their demands for production volume and speed.

The report noted as well that this fallout occurred before Intel’s announcement of releasing its official announcement on its Q2 (April-June) earnings in early August. Notably, in response to a significant drop in its performance, Intel planned to lay off about 15,000 employees and suspend shareholder dividends.

Moreover, the report further cited rumors claiming that SoftBank has shifted its focus to discussions with TSMC; however, no agreement has been reached so far.

Reportedly, Intel, SoftBank and TSMC have all declined to comment on the situation.

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(Photo credit: Intel)

Please note that this article cites information from Financial Times and Intel.

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