SK Telecom has confirmed the establishment of a task force (TF) dedicated to collaborating on artificial intelligence (AI) projects for SK Hynix's semiconductor factories. The TF will serve as a counterpart to advance ongoing joint initiatives, including digital twin and data platform projects. It aims to expand AI and data capabilities—accumulated through supporting semiconductor fabs, a high-tech manufacturing sector—into new B2B business opportunities.
SK Telecom recently launched 'Hy-TF' under its AI in-house company (CIC). The TF, an internal temporary organization not yet formalized through restructuring, comprises around 20 executives and leaders.
The TF is directly led by Yoo Kyung-sang, head of the AI CIC, who previously served as Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). Key executives joining the TF include Choi Yong-jin, head of the AI Tech Center; Choi Dong-hee, head of the AI Strategy Planning Office; and leaders of GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaaS), AI models, and Physical AI, including Kim Myeong-guk, Jo Dong-yeon, and Jo Ik-hwan.
The TF's core mission is to continuously enhance AI-driven automation projects at manufacturing sites, which SK Telecom and SK Hynix have been advancing together. SK Telecom is responsible for implementing digital twins in SK Hynix's semiconductor fabs using AI technologies like NVIDIA Omniverse, part of SK Hynix's goal to build autonomous factories by 2030.
The TF will also drive the commercialization of AI-oriented manufacturing data platforms. SK Telecom is developing a data platform to support SK Hynix in integrating and utilizing enterprise-wide data, thereby expanding AI applications and improving manufacturing productivity. The TF will explore ways to enhance AI-driven data utilization and operational efficiency.
Semiconductor fabs are recognized as challenging environments for AI implementation due to their complex equipment and massive data volumes. Hy-TF is expected to leverage SK Telecom's full-stack AI capabilities—including AI infrastructure, models, and Physical AI—to support SK Hynix's AI transformation (AX). Beyond manufacturing, the TF will also seek and develop new business models in industries with high AI demand.
At the launch of its AI CIC, SK Telecom set a goal of achieving over 5 trillion won in AI revenue by 2030. A key challenge is diversifying its revenue structure, which is currently concentrated in AI data centers (DCs), by expanding B2B revenue streams.
An SK Telecom representative stated, “The TF is internally reviewing new business development and partnerships,” adding, “Specific directions have not yet been finalized.”
