South Korean tech startup, Rebellions, broadens its horizons by opening a fresh office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
South Korean AI Chip Startup Expands into Saudi Arabia
South Korean AI chip startup, Rebellions Inc., is making a strategic move into the Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia. This expansion is part of the country's large-scale national initiatives and is significant for the AI chip industry.
Rebellions Inc.'s strategic plan in the Middle East centers on establishing a local Saudi Arabian subsidiary to supply AI chips to Saudi Aramco's data centers and support the region's growing sovereign AI initiatives. The company focuses on deploying advanced AI semiconductor technologies, such as 5nm AI accelerators and system-on-chip products designed for large language models, directly within Saudi Arabia to meet demand for localized, sovereign AI infrastructure.
A key element of this strategy is a strategic partnership with Saudi Aramco. Rebellions secured a significant investment of USD 14.4 million from Aramco’s corporate venture arm, Wa’ed Ventures. This investment has facilitated the delivery and proof-of-concept tests of AI chips in Aramco’s data centers. Rebellions works closely with Aramco engineers on joint technical sessions, training, and chip customization to enhance adoption and integration within Aramco's operations.
The Saudi subsidiary acts as an operational base for a stable supply of AI chip products tailored for regional needs. This local presence sharpens Rebellions’ ability to respond to and support Saudi Arabia's AI development ambitions tied to Vision 2030, particularly around data sovereignty and Arabic-language AI model development.
Beyond Aramco, Rebellions is actively pursuing collaborations with local telecom operators and technology companies to diversify their portfolio and participate in nationwide AI infrastructure projects. These efforts position Rebellions as a key player in building sovereign AI capabilities and comprehensive digital ecosystems in Saudi Arabia and the broader Middle East.
The new office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will serve as a strategic operational hub for Rebellions Inc. The expansion aims to diversify its partnerships in the region and ensure a stable supply of its chips for Saudi Aramco. The move is a direct result of the $14.4 million investment from Saudi Aramco last year, marking a strategic partnership between the two entities.
Rebellions Inc.'s focus on data privacy and local control is a critical step in its vision to meet the region's increasing need for AI systems. The company is currently engaged in discussions with various Saudi telecom operators and is exploring new business opportunities in the Saudi region beyond its partnership with Saudi Aramco. This strategic entry into the Saudi market allows Rebellions Inc. to address the growing demand for "sovereign AI" in the region.
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