Samsung AI Forum 2025: Key Highlights

Samsung Electronics hosted its ninth Samsung AI Forum on September 14–15, 2025, at its UniverSE campus in Yongin and through a global livestream. The event drew top researchers, executives, and industry leaders to discuss the future of AI in semiconductors, mobile, and agentic AI systems.

Who said what

• Jun Young-hyun, Vice Chairman & CEO: “Samsung is applying AI across our operations to develop foundational technologies that make AI more intuitive and seamless.”
• Song Yong-ho, EVP & Head of DS Division AI Center: “AI is already an essential tool in chip design and software development.”
• Paul Cheun (Kyung-whoon), CTO DX Division: “As we enter the era of Agentic AI, Samsung will continue to develop AI technologies that provide users with tangible benefits.”

Background & reasons

Since its launch in 2017, the Samsung AI Forum has acted as a bridge between academia and industry, setting the research agenda for cutting-edge AI.

• Day 1 Theme: “Vertical AI Strategies and Vision for the Semiconductor Industry.”
• Day 2 Theme: “Generative to Agentic AI.”

This year’s sessions underlined Samsung’s push to differentiate in semiconductors, especially at a time when chip leadership defines global tech influence.

Expert & industry reactions

• Yoshua Bengio (University of Montreal): Cautioned against the risks of modern AI, unveiling the concept of “Scientist AI” to provide fact-grounded, reliable responses.
• Amit Gupta (Siemens EDA): Highlighted the role of AI in electronic design automation (EDA) for end-to-end workflows, vital to semiconductor competitiveness.

Special highlights worth attention

• Agentic AI focus: Unlike generative AI that creates content, agentic AI is positioned to take actions on behalf of users—Samsung sees this as the “next leap” in AI.
• Closed-door semiconductor tracks: Sessions on AI-powered chip manufacturing strategies were restricted, signaling sensitivity amid export controls and U.S.–China tech rivalry.
• Cross-industry collaboration: Tech firms, researchers, and policy experts emphasized that partnerships are essential to balance innovation and regulation.
• No flashy launches—but big signals: Though no consumer products were revealed, the tone of the forum made clear Samsung’s intention to double down on AI chips and R&D to reclaim competitiveness against rivals like TSMC and NVIDIA.

Immediate impact

• Markets: Stock reactions remained muted, reflecting the forum’s R&D-driven nature rather than immediate product announcements.
• Industry positioning: Samsung reinforced its identity as not just a smartphone giant but a semiconductor innovator shaping AI hardware.

Global/geopolitical angle

The focus on AI semiconductors highlights global sensitivities, especially with the U.S. tightening export controls on AI chips to China. The private nature of certain sessions shows that AI-powered chips are now a matter of strategic security and global competition, not just business.

FAQs on Samsung AI Forum 2025

Q1. What is the Samsung AI Forum?

It’s an annual AI research conference started in 2017 by Samsung to showcase breakthroughs, invite global experts, and set long-term AI strategies.

Q2. What was the theme of Samsung AI Forum 2025?

Day 1 focused on AI strategies for the semiconductor industry, while Day 2 explored the shift from generative AI to agentic AI.

Q3. Why is agentic AI important?

Unlike generative AI, which produces text, code, or images, agentic AI systems can act autonomously—for example, handling tasks, making real-time decisions, or managing workflows without human prompting.

Q4. Were any products launched at this year’s forum?

No. Samsung used the platform to outline research directions and semiconductor strategies rather than unveil new consumer products.

Q5. Who were the standout speakers?

Key Samsung leaders (Jun Young-hyun, Song Yong-ho, Paul Cheun) and AI experts like Yoshua Bengio and Amit Gupta shaped the discussions.

Q6. Why is the forum geopolitically significant?

Because AI semiconductors are critical to national competitiveness—the U.S., China, Korea, and Europe are all racing to secure leadership in advanced chip technologies.