Intel and SoftBank's SAIMEMORY Partner to Advance Next-Gen Memory Technology for AI

TokenomicsTinfoilHat · 2026-02-17T13:09:18+00:00

SoftBank's SAIMEMORY and Intel are collaborating to commercialize Z-Angle Memory (ZAM), a new memory technology for AI applications, aiming to enhance data capacity, performance, and energy efficiency, with prototypes expected by 2027 and full commercialization by 2029. The partnership has positively impacted SoftBank's stock, highlighting its potential industry significance.

TokenomicsTinfoilHat

2026-02-17 13:09:18

Abstract generation in progress

In a significant collaboration for memory technology advancement, SoftBank’s Tokyo-based subsidiary SAIMEMORY has joined forces with Intel to accelerate the commercialization of Z-Angle Memory (ZAM), a breakthrough memory architecture designed specifically for AI applications. This partnership underscores the industry’s critical focus on solving one of AI’s biggest challenges: the massive data throughput requirements for training and inference operations in modern data centers.

Why This Memory Innovation Matters for AI

The collaboration aims to leverage Z-Angle Memory’s unique architecture to deliver three critical improvements for AI infrastructure: higher data capacity and bandwidth for parallel processing, enhanced computational performance per watt, and significantly reduced power consumption in data center environments. As AI models grow exponentially larger and more complex, memory technology has become the bottleneck limiting performance gains. By working together, SAIMEMORY and Intel are addressing this pain point head-on with quotes on memory solutions that could redefine how AI systems handle data.

Development Timeline and Commercialization Path

The roadmap is ambitious yet realistic. SAIMEMORY will conduct focused research and development on the memory architecture and manufacturing processes, with the goal of producing working prototypes by fiscal 2027. Full-scale commercialization is targeted for fiscal 2029. This timeline demonstrates the partners’ confidence in the technology’s viability and their commitment to bringing advanced memory solutions to market within a defined window.

Market Response and Industry Implications

SoftBank stock reflected investor optimism about the partnership, trading at 4,300 yen with a 5.13% gain following the announcement. The market’s positive reaction suggests that investors view this Z-Angle Memory initiative as a strategic move that could position SoftBank and Intel at the forefront of AI infrastructure innovation. As memory technology becomes increasingly central to AI competitiveness, this collaboration could serve as a model for how major tech companies address emerging bottlenecks in the AI supply chain.

This page may contain third-party content, which is provided for information purposes only (not representations/warranties) and should not be considered as an endorsement of its views by Gate, nor as financial or professional advice. See Disclaimer for details.