Samsung Heavy Industries announced on March 13 that it has partnered with San Diego State University (SDSU) to establish its first R&D center in the United States, aiming to strengthen technological cooperation and support the revival of the U.S. shipbuilding industry.

The R&D center is named "Samsung Heavy Industries – San Diego State University Advanced Maritime Center" (SSAM Center).Samsung Heavy Industries stated that the SSAM Center will serve as a joint research platform with San Diego State University and NASSCO, focusing on collaboration in areas such as AI-based production automation, robotics technology, and eco-friendly shipbuilding technologies. It will also work to identify research projects with U.S. universities, government agencies, and industry partners, while strengthening local networks to recruit specialized talent.