OpenAI CEO, Sam Altman, is steering his efforts towards obtaining US government approval for his ambitious venture in artificial intelligence chip manufacturing. Reports suggest that Altman’s venture could significantly impact global semiconductor manufacturing, potentially raising concerns related to national security and antitrust regulations.

In January, Altman expressed intentions to raise substantial funds to establish a manufacturing unit dedicated to producing AI chips. Bloomberg highlights the potential ramifications of such a venture, particularly in relation to national security and antitrust considerations.

Altman has been actively engaging with investors and partners across the United States, the Middle East, and Asia. However, sources indicate that he is prioritizing securing approval from Washington before advancing further. Meetings with key officials, including Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, underscore Altman’s commitment to gaining support for his business plan.

The venture’s success hinges on collaboration with the US government, with discussions revolving around approval processes, timing, and the venture’s structural framework. Altman’s vision extends beyond chip manufacturing, encompassing discussions on bolstering global infrastructure for AI-related industries, including energy and data centers.

Potential partners in Altman’s venture include major chip fabricators such as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Intel, and Samsung Electronics. Altman has already initiated discussions with executives from these companies and is exploring investments from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds.

However, Altman’s fundraising endeavors may trigger a national security review by a Treasury Department-led committee, and challenges may arise from the Commerce Department’s restrictions on chip shipments to the Middle East.

Altman’s plans are still evolving, with considerations ranging from focusing on lower-level chips and software to a comprehensive overhaul of chip manufacturing capacity. The final decisions will dictate the funding requirements for the venture. Altman is also exploring avenues to enhance the supply of green energy for AI chip manufacturing, albeit at potentially higher costs.

The reported scale of Altman’s initiative, with estimates ranging from $5 trillion to $7 trillion, underscores the magnitude of his ambitions and the potential to reshape the semiconductor industry. This move comes amidst concerns over the scarcity of graphics processing units crucial for AI applications, currently dominated by Nvidia, which holds over 80% of the global market share.

Altman’s pursuit of government approval underscores a pivotal moment in the intersection of technology, national security, and economic policy, with implications that could reverberate across industries globally.