[Edaily Reporter Choi Oh-hyun ] SK hynix has finalized the name of its U.S.-based investment firm specializing in artificial intelligence (AI) as “HYAICO Corporation.” Additionally, SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won will personally serve as chairman of the board to spearhead investments in global AI companies and the expansion of infrastructure businesses.

According to industry sources on the 5th, the name of SK hynix’s U.S.-based AI-specialized investment firm was listed as “HYAICO Corporation” in a large shareholder report submitted to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on the 3rd (local time). This marks the official unveiling of the firm’s name, which had been referred to as “AI Co.” when the establishment plan was announced last January.

SK hynix announced plans to establish a U.S.-based investment firm specializing in AI solutions and to invest up to $10 billion (approximately 14 trillion won). The company intends to expand its investments in global AI companies by repositioning Solidigm, its U.S.-based NAND flash subsidiary, to focus on AI investments.

HYAICO will secure technology and business capabilities through investments in innovative U.S. AI companies and play a role in linking these capabilities with the existing businesses of SK Group affiliates. In particular, it is expected to identify new business opportunities in infrastructure sectors such as AI data centers and AI factories.

SK Group’s key executives will serve on the company’s board of directors. Chairman Choi will serve as chairman of the board, and Song Hyun-jong, president of SK hynix, will serve as chief executive officer (CEO). Former SK hynix Vice Chairman Park Sung-wook, SK hynix CEO Kwak No-jeong, and SKTelecom CEO Jeong Jae-heon have also joined the board as directors. As Chairman Choi will be directly involved in the investment firm’s decision-making, the expansion of the group’s AI business is expected to gain momentum. The strategy is to consolidate the SK Group’s business capabilities to secure new growth engines in the global AI market.

Investment funds will be managed separately from the profits generated by the existing Solidigm business. HYAICO plans to utilize the “capital call” method, whereby it requests funds from its investors whenever investment capital is needed. An SK hynix official explained, “We plan to operate the company by raising investment capital from SK hynix and other investors as needed, while returning profits generated from Solidigm’s dividends and earnings to SK hynix shareholders.”