Technology

SoftBank subsidiary working with Intel to develop radical new ZAM memory is now receiving Japanese gov't subsidies — new memory designed as a lower-power HBM for AI workloads

Source

Tom's Hardware

Published

Apr 24, 2026

TL;DR

AI Generated

SAIMEMORY, a SoftBank Corp subsidiary working with Intel, has secured Japanese government subsidies for its ZAM memory technology project, aiming to develop a power-efficient HBM alternative for AI workloads. ZAM, a potential next-gen AI memory solution, is part of NEDO’s Post-5G Infrastructure Enhancement R&D Project. The project combines US government-backed research, Intel's R&D, and SoftBank's AI infrastructure focus. ZAM's unique design promises higher capacity, greater bandwidth, and 40% lower power consumption compared to traditional HBM, potentially challenging existing memory solutions in the market. The technology is still in early stages, with mass production projected for around 2029, supported by a consortium including SoftBank, Fujitsu, RIKEN, and government backing through NEDO.

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