Kioxia ships next-gen flash samples to AI data centers

Japanese memory chipmaker Kioxia has begun shipping sample units of its next-generation flash memory to artificial intelligence data center operators, marking a pivotal step in its bid to capture a larger share of the lucrative AI storage market. The company held a ceremony at its Kitakami fabrication plant in Iwate Prefecture, north of Tokyo, on Friday, July 3, to mark the occasion.

The samples are of the company's 10th-generation BiCS FLASH 3D NAND memory, which stacks 332 layers of memory cells. According to Kioxia, the new chips offer a 59% increase in data density and a 33% improvement in interface speed compared to its previous 8th-generation flagship. The technology also achieves significant gains in power efficiency, which is critical for energy-intensive data centers. These components are destined for enterprise solid-state drives.

This product launch comes amid a dramatic financial resurgence for Kioxia, fueled by soaring demand for AI infrastructure. The company's stock price has surged more than 680% this year, giving it a market capitalization exceeding $250 billion and making it Japan's most valuable company, surpassing Toyota Motor. However, its shares have been...