Samsung Electronics has appointed Lee Kang-wook, a 39-year-old managing director, as the inaugural head of its newly established “Samsung Research (SR) Nova Artificial Intelligence (AI) Lab.” This appointment was announced as part of a year-end executive reshuffle on December 25, 2022, prioritizing young leadership and expertise in AI as critical components of the company’s innovation strategy.
Before his promotion, Lee was employed in the Samsung Research AI Model Team within the Device Experience (DX) division, where he played a pivotal role in developing generative AI language and code models. His successful leadership in the creation of foundational models to enhance product differentiation and productivity earned him the distinction of being the youngest managing director alongside Kim Chul-min, also 39.
Lee’s rise to head the Nova AI Lab signifies a strategic focus by Samsung Electronics Chairman Lee Jae-yong on fostering talent based on performance and growth potential rather than age. This approach aligns with the company’s long-term vision for AI innovation. Lee holds a degree in computer engineering from Handong University and both a master’s and doctorate in the same field from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), joining Samsung Electronics in 2018.
The establishment of the Nova AI Lab is seen as a proactive measure by Samsung Electronics to secure essential technologies amid escalating global competition in AI. Although the company already operates the InnoX Lab, which focuses on various advanced technologies such as digital twins and physical AI, the urgency to establish a dedicated research entity reflects concerns over maintaining a competitive edge in AI source technologies and algorithm development.
The name “Nova” symbolizes generational change and an ambition for young leaders to spearhead AI innovation. In astronomical terms, a nova refers to an event where an unseen star suddenly becomes incredibly bright, paralleling Samsung Electronics’ aspiration to achieve rapid technological breakthroughs by consolidating its AI capabilities, which were previously dispersed across existing research units. As the Nova AI Lab is still in its formative stages, discussions are ongoing regarding its size and the specific research areas it will focus on.
One of the primary objectives for the Nova AI Lab is to transcend its identity as merely a “semiconductor manufacturing company” and evolve into a leader in “super large AI models and services.” Samsung already excels in the semiconductor market with products like High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), but it is believed that achieving a significant advancement in AI models and services is essential for the company to reach its full potential on the global stage.
As Samsung Electronics’ semiconductor sector accelerates its construction of a semiconductor AI factory—including the introduction of 50,000 GPUs and the establishment of a digital twin center—the Nova AI Lab is expected to function as an “AI brain,” effectively linking the factory, device, and service components of its operations.
Following his promotion, Lee expressed his commitment to embracing challenges in the AI sector through a post on his social media, stating, “At a time when we take the first step in a new chapter, we will not only follow easy and stable paths, but boldly take on challenges in the difficult but meaningful AI field.”
The establishment of the Nova AI Lab represents a significant shift for Samsung Electronics as it navigates the complexities of AI technology in an increasingly competitive landscape, positioning the company as a potential leader in future innovations.
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