Partner Profile · Valley Innovation Partners
Founder & CEO
AI & Semiconductor specialist with 20+ years bridging frontier science and global technology strategy — from Samsung's NPU Lab in Silicon Valley to leading open innovation across deep learning, neuromorphic computing, and quantum.
Credentials
Professional Background
Dongkyun Kim's core domain is AI and semiconductors. At Samsung's Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), he led Open Innovation — launching new technology themes and orchestrating global strategic collaborations across deep learning, meta-photonics, stretchable electronics, neuromorphic computing, 2D electronics, and quantum computing.
In 2015, Dongkyun recognized the strategic significance of AI compute before it was widely understood. He initiated the founding of the NPU Lab in Silicon Valley — delivering Samsung's first Neural Processing Unit in 2019 and placing Samsung at the forefront of on-device AI silicon. In 2016 he expanded his leadership as Program Director for SAIT America, overseeing U.S. R&D labs and driving Open Innovation across North America. He continued with the NPU Lab through its closure in February 2024.
Earlier in his career at SAIT, Dongkyun worked on next-generation solar cell technology. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from UC San Diego and completed post-doctoral research at Los Alamos National Laboratory — a scientific foundation that informs a rigorous approach to technology evaluation and strategic investment.