[Edaily Reporter JAEMIN SONG ] SK hynix has launched its corporate venture capital (CVC) brand, “SK hynix Ventures,” in Silicon Valley, USA, and is expanding its strategic investments across the entire artificial intelligence (AI) ecosystem.

SK hynix announced on the 18th that it held its first “SK hynix Ventures Day” in Silicon Valley, U.S., on the 17th (local time), where it discussed future investment strategies and technical collaboration plans with global venture capital (VC) firms and startup representatives.

The event was attended by SK hynix CEO Kwak No-jeong and other key executives, as well as representatives from global VC firms and U.S. startups in the AI computing and data center sectors.

With the launch of this corporate venture capital (CVC) brand, SK hynix plans to expand its investment scope—which had previously focused on semiconductors and future technologies—to encompass the entire AI ecosystem. The company will expand its investments by identifying technologies and companies with high growth potential in core AI sectors such as AI computing, data centers, system software, and optical interconnects.

In particular, as AI models become more sophisticated, the importance of innovation in system software—in addition to computing and memory—is growing; therefore, the company intends to seek collaboration opportunities with startups across the entire AI infrastructure. Optical-based system technologies designed to enhance the performance and power efficiency of AI data centers were also identified as key targets for investment and collaboration.

SK hynix has been operating a corporate venture capital (CVC) organization since 2015, making direct investments in early-stage startups in the semiconductor and future technology sectors in the U.S., China, Israel, and Japan, as well as indirect investments through fund contributions. According to the company, it has achieved investment returns exceeding twice the cumulative investment amount to date.

Going beyond mere financial investments, the company has also identified new supply chains and clients by collaborating with portfolio companies on joint equipment development and proof-of-concept (PoC) projects. While its existing CVC activities focused on “Tech Sensing”—monitoring future technology trends—and “Path Finding”—identifying new business opportunities—the company will now strengthen its role as a strategic investor by promoting joint innovation with companies in the AI ecosystem.

CEO Kwak No-jeong stated, “Competitiveness in the AI era stems not only from rapidly securing innovative technologies but also from ecosystem capabilities that enable customers, partners, and startups to create new value together.” He added, “Through SK hynix Ventures, we will support the growth of promising companies and grow into a global partner that collaboratively shapes the future of AI infrastructure based on strategic investments and technological cooperation.”