The semiconductor industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by the strategic integration of artificial intelligence. At SEMICON Taiwan 2025, experts from Microsoft, Advantech, and Nvidia shared insights on the sector’s rapid shift toward “Lights-Out” factories—fully automated, 24/7 operations powered by AI. This evolution is designed to tackle monumental challenges while unlocking new levels of efficiency and resilience.AI Models Evolve for Deeper InsightsAI development has accelerated dramatically in recent years. From early domain-specific models for tasks such as entity recognition or computer vision, AI has advanced into sophisticated multi-domain models that integrate diverse functionalities within a single framework. Notable advancements include Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), which constrains responses for greater accuracy, and multimodal models that seamlessly combine text, audio, and visual inputs.A pivotal breakthrough has been the emergence of reasoning models, capable of delivering deeper insights for complex problems across scientific, mathematical, and manufacturing domains. These models provide richer and more comprehensive analyses compared with their predecessors. Beyond individual models, multi-agent systems are now automating entire workflows, enabling specialized AI agents to collaborate on intricate challenges. One example is Toyota’s “obeya agent,” which integrates multiple sub-agents to assist powertrain engineers in analyzing vast datasets.According to Saj Kumar K, Senior Director of Manufacturing (APAC) at Microsoft, these advanced AI models are already being applied to manufacturing. The Production Copilot functions as a factory agent, analyzing data to identify root causes of downtime and optimize maintenance schedules. The Quality Advisor leverages multimodal AI for visual inspection and defect analysis, potentially rendering traditional image labeling obsolete. AI is also being used to optimize fab scheduling and Automated Material Handling Systems (AMHS), improving overall cycle times. Furthermore, large language models (LLMs) are training humanoid robots to perform complex tasks through single-shot teaching.Advantech’s Edge AI Strategy Targets Speed and PrecisionSemiconductor manufacturing faces unique pressures, particularly from the massive scale of data generated. A single wafer inspection can produce up to seven petabytes of data, requiring enormous computational power and real-time processing. The transition from single-beam to multi-beam inspection demands a tenfold increase in computational speed today, with projections of a hundredfold increase by 2030. Combined with the need for instantaneous data transfer and ultra-low latency to prevent defects, these requirements are driving a shift away from traditional data centers toward powerful edge computing solutions. Meanwhile, global labor shortages and skill gaps are accelerating the need for advanced automation.Advantech is at the forefront of this transformation with a comprehensive Edge AI strategy focused on process optimization, inspection, and fab automation. "Inspection is the heart of semiconductor manufacturers," said Magic Pao, Vice President at Advantech. The company’s strategy is built on four pillars: high computing power, high throughput, low latency, and robust local storage for analytics.Advantech is spearheading this transformation with a comprehensive Edge AI strategy focused on process optimization, inspection, and fab automation. “Inspection is the heart of semiconductor manufacturing,” said Magic Pao, Vice President at Advantech. The company’s approach is built on four pillars: high computing power, high throughput, low latency, and robust local storage for analytics.To achieve this, Advantech embeds AI into every element of its solutions, including products such as SkyRack and the MIC-7000/7500 industrial servers with direct-liquid cooling, both carrying critical SEMI certifications for fab deployment. High-speed connectivity is ensured through Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) and industrial-grade switches. AI-powered vision systems—incorporating smart cameras with Nvidia GPU acceleration and FPGA-based technology—are central to the precision required for inspection. Advantech also emphasizes ecosystem strength, partnering with Nvidia for advanced computing and Intel for reliable system integration.Nvidia’s Physical AI Drives Industrial AutonomyNvidia is at the forefront of a new industrial revolution, evolving from a chipmaker into an “infrastructure company” advancing Physical AI. This strategy seeks to create “AI factories” that power advanced applications. Andrew Liu, Senior Manager at Nvidia, explained that this vision rests on two pillars: advanced foundation models for robotics and sophisticated simulation environments.Nvidia is developing powerful Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models that enable robots to interpret high-level prompts and images, translating them into precise physical actions and learning from observation or single-shot teaching. To address the scarcity of real-world robotics data, Nvidia relies heavily on its Omniverse platform for digital twins and simulation. Omniverse provides physically accurate, photorealistic virtual environments where synthetic data can be generated and robots can be trained and validated. This approach helps alleviate labor shortages and enables rapid “factory cloning” to mitigate geographic supply chain risks. Nvidia’s integrated platform spans systems for training foundation models, servers for Omniverse digital twins, and embedded platforms for industrial robot deployment.Toward the Lights-Out FutureThe convergence of advanced AI models, strategic infrastructure, and targeted edge solutions is accelerating the path toward fully automated “Lights-Out” semiconductor manufacturing, promising significant gains in productivity, efficiency, and resilience that will redefine the industry’s future. At SEMICON Taiwan 2025, the AI Technology Zone (advised by the International Trade Administration) underscores this transformation by showcasing the full AI ecosystem—from chip manufacturing and IC design to dedicated hardware.SEMICON Taiwan 2025 Smart Manufacturing Forum. SEMI

As the semiconductor market accelerates toward an estimated US$1.3 trillion valuation by 2030, industry leaders are converging on a shared vision. AI is ushering in an era of unprecedented growth and technological transformation.At the CEO Summit 2025, organized by SEMI, thought leaders from Infineon, NXP, Google,DENSO , Tenstorrent, and ASE gathered to discuss the critical role of power in enabling AI, the opportunities and challenges semiconductors bring across applications—from data centers to edge computing—and the importance of global collaboration across the ecosystem.In their inaugural speeches in Taiwan, the CEOs of Infineon and NXP delivered a unified message on the future of AI. Both leaders underscored a critical and often overlooked point: power is the foundational element driving the next wave of AI computing performance. Their presence also underscored Taiwan’s strategic importance within the global technology ecosystem.Infineon Technologies CEO Jochen Hanebeck highlighted that AI’s power demand is becoming a fundamental bottleneck. Without sufficient power, the challenge extends beyond generation to the infrastructure needed to deliver electricity from the grid to the processing core. Ultimately, he warned, society may be unable to enjoy the full convenience and progress AI promises.NXP Semiconductors CEO Kurt Sievers echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that AI’s power demands extend well beyond data centers into "physical AI" applications such as autonomous vehicles and humanoid robots. This shift, he explained, is fueling rapid growth in edge AI. When AI interacts with the physical world, factors such as bandwidth, energy efficiency, latency, and trust become paramount. Consequently, these complex systems require advanced architectures with sophisticated power management for critical functions such as motor control and sensor integration.Sievers further elaborated on this concept, referring to it as "attending A", which he believes will enable truly autonomous machines. He stressed the industry’s immense responsibility to ensure these technologies are developed responsibly for the benefit of humanity, remarking: "We all share quite some responsibility to do this right for the better of humankind." He explained that intelligent systems consist of multiple "agents" that must be carefully orchestrated and enabled to work in harmony.Dr. Hirotsugu Takeuchi, CTO of DENSO , shared insights on how semiconductors are transforming mobility. He outlined the requirements of automotive applications and the need for new SoCs to power the rise of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). He pointed to the breakthrough of SiC technology as a key enabler of a sustainable, carbon-neutral society. Takeuchi emphasized that semiconductors will drive safer, more comfortable mobility and that collaboration with Taiwan and the broader global network will be essential to the future of the automotive industry.Rehan Sheikh, Vice President of Global Silicon Chip Technology & Manufacturing at Google Cloud, noted that demand for AI compute is growing exponentially. He highlighted that AI inference volume doubled in the past year, with Google’s internal data showing a 50-fold increase in monthly processed tokens across its services. Sheikh introduced Google’s latest TPU, Ironwood—a powerful, energy-efficient chip specifically designed for large-scale inference workloads. It represents Google’s first TPU purpose-built to balance high performance with power efficiency in meeting the demands of the AI boom.Jim Keller, veteran chip architect and CEO of Tenstorrent, emphasized his mission to champion open-source architectures and foster a spirit of global collaboration at a time when AI computing is becoming increasingly complex and costly. Keller explained that Tenstorrent aims to democratize high-end AI computing, making it more accessible, faster, and more open. The company’s strategy rests on three pillars: RISC-V, OpenAI, and a unified software stack. At the heart of this approach is a commitment to open standards and collaborative development, challenging the industry's traditionally closed ecosystems.During the fireside chat, speakers reflected on Taiwan's evolving role in the global semiconductor landscape. Long established as a manufacturing hub for logic chips, Taiwan is now emerging as the ideal platform for integrating diverse technologies and solving system-level challenges, thanks to its mature ecosystem, advanced packaging capabilities, and open-minded approach. Executives from Infineon, NXP, and Tenstorrent all stressed that no single company or region can address these challenges alone. The future of the industry, they agreed, depends on deep cooperation across sectors and geographies, combining expertise in areas ranging from high-performance computing to power and sensing technologies.In closing, ASE CEO Dr. Tien Wu referenced A Chip Odyssey, Taiwan’s first documentary film spotlighting its globally leading semiconductor industry. He described the film as a powerful reminder to both senior leaders and younger generations to maintain confidence in the steady progress of semiconductor development.The film chronicles Taiwan’s journey from humble beginnings to its emergence as a critical player in the global industry. Dr. Wu shared that he was deeply moved by the story of two generations of talent—each bringing vision, diligence, and leadership—who together created a lasting legacy. He extended this reflection beyond Taiwan, noting that the United States, Japan, Korea, and Europe have each experienced their own “chip odysseys.” This, he emphasized, illustrates that Taiwan's story is part of a larger global network of interdependence, where collective collaboration produces outcomes greater than the sum of individual contributions.SEMICON Taiwan 2025 CEO Summit highlights collaboration to drive semiconductor innovation. DIGITIMESTenstorrent CEO Jim Keller champions open-source architectures and global collaboration to democratize AI computing. DIGITIMES

Tescan Group proudly introduces its new global brand platform, The Art of Discovery at this year's Microscopy Conference (MC) in Karlsruhe, Germany. Built on the belief that beauty lies in what is yet to be discovered, it reflects Tescan's ambition to be a trusted growth partner in science. Following its global introduction at MC 2025, the brand platform will make its Asia-Pacific debut at SEMICON Taiwan (September 8–12, 2025).This rebrand signals a pivotal step in Tescan's shift toward a more integrated model — combining advanced technology, workflow-focused solutions, expert support, and a community built on shared knowledge. This represents Tescan's broader focus on delivering customer-centric solutions rather than simply providing technology.New Aspiration, Approach and Drivers"Our brand transformation captures who we are today — a company built on strong partnerships, driven by results, fueled by innovation, and committed to delivering purposeful solutions that put users first," says Sirine Assaf, Chief Revenue Officer at Tescan. Guided by its core principles, Tescan sets a clear ambition: to empower customers and partners with tools, software, and services built for what's next. At the heart of this transformation is a simple idea — removing the barriers between a question and its discovery. "This transformation isn't just about technology. It reflects a continuous evolution in how we think, how we work together, and how we enable the scientific community with timely solutions to fasten their discoveries," says Assaf.Automation and InnovationBuilding on last year's successful introduction of multiple new instruments (including the plasma FIB-SEM Amber X 2) — Tescan continues its innovation journey across the entire portfolio. This year, the company's primary focus is on enhancing automation throughout all its products, aiming to streamline scientists' workflows at a time when speed and accuracy are more important than ever. Alongside its new brand platform, Tescan is also unveiling two new software solutions: AutoSection and TEM AutoPrep PRO – Inverted & Planar Lamella Automation. "Our primary goal in this area is to reduce the time from instrument purchase to when users can fully leverage its capabilities. We accomplish this through intelligent automation, deep application expertise, and close collaboration with our customers," closes Bruno Janssens, Chief Strategy Officer at Tescan.CEO PerspectiveJean-Charles Chen, CEO of Tescan Group, commented: "This is much more than a cosmetic redesign. It's a strategic repositioning that reflects the way we see how science is evolving, and how Tescan is evolving with it. We're aligning with a new era of scientific discovery by enabling better-integrated workflows, faster time from question to insight, and a tighter connection between our technology and our users' needs. It's a shift from being a product-oriented company to becoming a solutions partner. This means more automation, smarter software, and a mindset rooted in customer outcomes. The new look is simply a reflection of that deeper change.”APAC RolloutFollowing an exclusive offline preview at the International Symposium on the Physical and Failure Analysis of Integrated Circuits (IPFA) in early August, Tescan will make the APAC debut of its new brand at SEMICON Taiwan (September 8–12, 2025). As part of the Semiconductor Advanced Inspection and Metrology Forum, Herv? Mac?, Global Business Development Director for Semiconductors, will speak on September 12 on Development of New Workflows to Address Metrology and Failure Analysis Challenges at Macroscale, Microscale and Nanoscale.Venue: 701F, 7F, Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 2.Tescan Unveils New Global Brand Platform "The Art of Discovery" with APAC Rollout at SEMICON Taiwan. Tescan.

With the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI), high-performance computing (HPC), and data center applications, the demand for high-speed chip-to-chip interconnects has intensified, driving advanced packaging technologies toward higher density and lower latency. Heterogeneous integration architectures such as CoWoS, CoPoS, and HBM are accelerating in adoption, while Thermo-Compression Bonding (TCB) has emerged as a critical process technology thanks to its advantages of low thermal stress and high bonding strength.Global equipment leaders including BESI, ASMPT, Kulicke & Soffa, Hanmi, and Shibaura are actively investing in TCB, underscoring its growing strategic importance.In response to this market momentum, Taiwan-based precision equipment manufacturer Micraft System Plus Co., Ltd. (MSP��) has officially announced the launch of its first self-developed TCB bonder, which will make its public debut at SEMI Taiwan 2025. Purpose-built for heterogeneous integration applications, the system integrates Micraft's years of expertise in precision automation and features localized heating, programmable temperature control, pressure sensing, platform leveling, and micron-level alignment—marking a new milestone for Taiwan's equipment industry in advanced semiconductor processes.According to Micraft, the system employs multiple independently controlled heating modules, enabling rapid localized heating and cooling to minimize the thermal-affected zone and reduce warpage risk. Leveraging its extensive wafer bonder experience with optical semiconductor customers, the company has incorporated pressure sensing and leveling technologies that dynamically adjust bonding pressure and thermal profiles. This ensures uniform bonding quality and high yield, particularly for fine-pitch, low thermal stress, high-precision, and high-throughput packaging requirements.The bonder is further equipped with advanced optical alignment modules from Carl Zeiss, combined with Micraft's proprietary optical system and cutting-edge vision algorithms. This enables alignment accuracy of better than 1μm. In addition, the system offers high process flexibility, supporting a wide range of materials and carrier formats to meet diverse requirements of OSATs and IDMs.Micraft has long been a pioneer in the MicroLED equipment market, with its laser mass transfer and repair platforms already adopted and mass-produced by Taiwan's two leading panel makers. By extending its expertise into advanced packaging, Micraft leverages its core strengths in precision motion control, optical integration, and thermal processing. Several leading domestic and international semiconductor customers have already initiated tool qualification programs.Looking ahead, Micraft plans to continue developing next-generation wafer-level bonding equipment, including Hybrid Bonding and Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), to address the rising demands of 3D IC and chiplet architectures. Through these efforts, Micraft aims to strengthen Taiwan's role in the global advanced packaging supply chain and further advance the localization and globalization of Taiwan's precision equipment technologies.Micraft System Plus warmly invites industry partners to visit its booth at SEMI Taiwan 2025 to explore collaborative opportunities and witness the next generation of bonding solutions.Micraft self-developed TCB bonding system, which will make its global debut at SEMI Taiwan 2025

ASMPT will be exhibiting at SEMICON Taiwan from September 10 to 12, 2025. The theme of the presentation at Booth L0716 at Level 4, TaiNEX 1 in Taipei is: "Empower the Intelligence Revolution." This refers to the driving forces for new chip technologies like AI, smart mobility, and hyperconnectivity. As a leading provider of advanced packaging and semiconductor assembly solutions, ASMPT enables its customers to develop cutting-edge AI technologies, supporting both high-performance AI chips that integrate advanced memory technologies like HBM and efficient components for edge devices. ASMPT will showcase three machines at SEMICON Taiwan: the new ALSI LASER Platform, the fine-pitch wire bonding solution AERO PRO, and the SIPLACE CA2 uniting semiconductor and SMT processes.ASMPT will be exhibiting at SEMICON Taiwan from September 10 to 12, 2025.ASMPTThe next-generation LASER platform has been specifically developed to meet the increasingly complex requirements of IDM and Foundry semiconductor companies for laser dicing and grooving wafer materials. This new system with ASMPT's patented multi-beam technology expands the company's portfolio with a focus on front-end operations."The new platform combines high-precision laser processing with smart automation to support the next generation of semiconductor manufacturing", says Patrick Huberts, Head of Business and Marketing at ASMPT ALSI. "It's the ideal platform for applications in advanced packaging, AI, and power automotive. We invite you to join us for the official launch and discover the new machine live at our booth during SEMICON Taiwan."High-performance wire bondingASMPT also introduces its latest high-performance wire bonder at SEMICON: the AERO PRO. Developed for high-density semiconductor designs, this machine delivers the highest bonding accuracy and exceptional speed for wires with diameters of 0.5 mil (≈12.7 µm). Thanks to integrated real-time monitoring and preventive maintenance functions, the system is ideally suited for use in intelligent, networked production environments. To accommodate complex designs such as system-in-package (SiP) and multi-chip modules (MCMs), as well as applications like ball grid arrays (BGAs), land grid arrays (LGAs), memory modules, or quad flat packages (QFPs) with external leads. For uniform 22-µm bond balls, it employs the patented X-POWER 2.0 transducer—a lightweight and vibration-optimized ultrasonic transducer that supports mixed-wire and vertical bonding in bond via array (BVA) technology. Optimized for complex interconnects in memory, microcontroller units (MCUs), and more, ideal for advanced applications such as AI edge devices and automotive systems.Bridging Semiconductor and SMTThe hybrid SIPLACE CA2 placement solution from ASMPT SMT Solutions redefines advanced packaging by uniting semiconductor and SMT processes in a single, high-speed platform. Traditionally, die bonding and SMT placement were separate steps — now, they are seamlessly integrated. Designed for advanced packaging applications in smartphones, 5G, AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and IoT devices, the SIPLACE CA2 processes both SMDs from tape and dies taken directly from sawn wafers. This eliminates the need for expensive die taping, saving up to 800 km of tape annually in 24/7 production, reducing both cost and material waste. With up to 76,000 components per hour (cph) for SMT, 54,000 cph for Die Attach, and accuracy of up to 10nm @ 3σ accuracy, the SIPLACE CA2 delivers high-speed and accuracy — even for advanced Die Attach and Flip Chip applications. A breakthrough buffer system decouples die pickup from placement, solving previous speed limitations. Up to 50 wafers can be managed with just 13 seconds of swap time – unmatched in the industry.The SIPLACE CA2 boosts productivity in advanced packaging by combining classic surface-mount technology with die-attach and flip-chip assembly. ASMPT

xMEMS Labs, the global leader in solid-state MEMS speakers and micro-scale thermal solutions, today announced the return of its highly anticipated xMEMS Live Asia seminar series, taking place September 16 in Taipei and September 18 in Shenzhen.Now in its third year, xMEMS Live Asia brings together engineers, product designers, system architects and company executives to explore how MEMS-based audio and active thermal management technologies are redefining the design and performance of next-generation AI interface devices – from AI glasses, smartphones, headphones and earbuds to SSDs, optical transceivers and rack servers in the data center.This year's one-day seminars will center on live product demonstrations of Sycamore, xMEMS' revolutionary thin and lightweight full-range MEMS loudspeaker, and cooling, the world's first solid-state air pump-on-a-chip delivering active thermal management in devices where conventional fans can't go.Attendees will experience:1) AI glasses featuring Sycamore speakers and cooling for discreet, high-fidelity sound and heat management in ultra-thin eyewear2) Next-gen headphones featuring full-range Sycamore, paired with cooling to deliver the world's first active earcup ventilation3) SSD thermal management featuring cooling for higher sustained data transfers4) Plus a smartwatch with Sycamore, TWS earbud solutions with Cypress and Lassen, and thermal demos showcasing cooling at both chip and system levelsIn addition to hands-on demos, the seminar features deep-dive technical sessions from xMEMS engineers, covering performance testing, system integration, and product optimization for Sycamore and cooling across a variety of applications. Dedicated sessions on headphone and TWS implementations will offer further insight into how xMEMS solutions deliver superior fidelity, form factor reduction, and system-level benefits for consumer electronics."AI is changing how we interface with devices while also increasing processor and thermal loads," said Joseph Jiang, CEO of xMEMS Labs. "At xMEMS Live Asia, we'll demonstrate how Sycamore and cooling technologies are enabling a new generation of thinner and lighter-weight conversational AI interfaces and active thermal management for improved on-device intelligence and system performance."Registration is now open. Seating is limited. Click here for English, here for Simplified Chinese, or here for Traditional Chinese. Reserve your spot today to experience the future of conversational AI interfaces and AI thermal management!For more information about xMEMS and its solid-state solutions, visit xmems.com.Showcasing Live Demonstrations of AI Interface and Thermal Device Innovation Enabled by Sycamore and cooling on September 16 in Taipei and September 18 in Shenzhen.

Test Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, will join SEMICON Taiwan held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 - 1F from September 10-12, 2025. Visit TRI's Booth No. K3070 to learn more about the latest Advanced WLP/PLP and SEMI Back-End Package Inspection and metrology solutions.TRI's Inspection and Metrology Applications include: Chiplet & Chip-on-Wafer (CoW), System-in-Package (SiP), Advanced WLP, TSV Metrology, μBump, Cu Pillar, Surface Topology, Profiling, Thin Film Thickness, Patterned Wafer, Inner Crack/Chipping, After Sawing Defects, Die Underfill, Glue, Epoxy & Flux, Wafer Bumping and Die / Wire Bonding.TRI will showcase the Wafer Inspection and metrology Platform, TR7950Q SII, capable of wafer macroscopic 3D inspection and micro measurement metrology. The TR7950Q SII has applications in Advanced WLP, Wafer Frame, Patterned Wafer, Wafer Bumping, WLCSP, Through Silicon Via (TSV), thin film, and more.TRI will also exhibit the back-end inspection solutions, the TR7007Q SII-S for C4 bumps (~100 μm Ø), Mini-LED, and 008004 paste inspection applications, and the TR7900Q SII-R TRI's Reject Station with A-Powered 3D Inspection that can inspect die, wire diameters of up to 15 μm (0.6 mil), SiP, underfill, bumps, and more. The lineup will also include an X-ray Inspection Demo Station. TRI's SEMI AXI solutions can inspect C4 bumps and Cu pillars.

The existing competitive edge has prompted the birth of a semiconductor Innovation Zone in the city of Bromont, located in Quebec, Canada. World leaders like IBM, Teledyne DALSA, Fabritec, and GE Aviation are located in the area, taking advantage of Quebec's green energy.The Innovation Zone is strategically located in the North American semiconductor North-East Corridor and has the highest number of microelectronics jobs and clean rooms in the country. The North-East Corridor links Quebec with the U.S. semiconductor industry, which is booming thanks to the CHIPS Act. More than 60 new semiconductor projects have been announced in the U.S., including 23 new chip fabs and the expansion of 9 other fabs, many of them in New York State. This makes Quebec part of a cross-border supply chain, covering everything from chip design to R&D and manufacturing.The American semiconductor industry is facing a labor market gap, as the projected demand for talent is growing. Demand for engineers, technicians, and computer scientists is particularly expected to increase. Quebec is taking the lead in developing and implementing solutions to this challenge, building on its historic strengths while demonstrating agility in response to regional CHIPS investments. Incentives and international mobility programs have been created to attract top talent. At the federal level, companies can already benefit from the Intra-Company Transfer program, which allows for the temporary transfer of qualified employees from abroad to Canada within the same organization. Another immigration program, the Global Talent Stream, makes it easier to hire specialized or highly skilled talent from abroad. This program includes a simplified procedure in Quebec for high-demand skills within the province.There are also several Quebec-specific incentives aimed at talent development and attraction. Companies can benefit from programs provided by Employment Quebec, which offer competitive grants for training. In strategic sectors—such as digital transformation, the green economy, or the energy transition—the grants can cover up to CAD1 million of eligible expenses. Additionally, tax credits are available to help recruit foreign researchers for scientific research or experimental development (SR&ED) projects in Quebec.To further attract talent, the Quebec Perspective Scholarship Program, announced in 2021, is a CA$1.7 billion investment over five years to encourage Canadian or permanent resident students to pursue diplomas in strategic economic sectors such as engineering and information technology. Another strong incentive is the Quebec tax holiday for researchers and specialists recruited to work in the province. This holiday provides an exemption from Quebec income tax for five consecutive calendar years, including a full exemption for the first two years.Investissement Quebec, the Quebec government's financial arm and economic development agency, has established its own Talent team, whose mandate is to work closely with companies already in Quebec or those looking to establish a presence, helping to build resilience against workforce challenges.All levels of government work closely with businesses to adapt existing training programs and create new ones that target priority sectors. A great example is the swift action taken to support the large battery projects recently established in Quebec. Several partner organizations across the province collaborated on these structural changes and actively promoted them to attract both local and international students and talent.In addition to responsive policies, Quebec offers several lifestyle advantages. The region is one of the safest in North America, providing an outstanding quality of life, affordable housing, and competitive childcare. In 2020, the monthly childcare cost for an infant was just CA$181. Companies in Quebec also benefit from significantly lower labor costs compared to those in the U.S.Investissement Quebec offers 360-degree support for business growth and productivity. Its services range from financing to technological support and business consulting. To learn more about what the Quebec semiconductor ecosystem can bring to your business contact Rachel Yin (LinkedIn) Info@Invest-Quebec.com

SEMICON Taiwan 2024 featured the latest trends and innovations that focused on the future of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to connect Taiwan and global semiconductor ecosystems. The high demand and getting larger-sized AI chips require advanced packaging technologies to improve performance and time to market while reducing chip manufacturing costs and power consumption. The heterogeneous integration including 2.5D, 3D hybrid bonding, fan-out, and system-on-a-chip (SoC) packaging, along with emerging solutions like silicon photonics and panel-level packaging, are critical in optimizing system performance. These trending technologies are offering a higher-value opportunity and propelling the global semiconductor industry to foster the big waves of AI and high-performance computing chip innovation.The chemical solution providers play an important role in helping chip makers develop and commercializing various advanced packaging solutions to win premium customers. In this exclusive interview in the private conference room of SEMICON Taiwan with Mr. Ramachandran (Ram) Trichur, Global Market & Strategy Head for Semiconductor Packaging at Henkel Adhesive Technologies Electronics. He started recap the market observation of the semiconductor industry in 2024Henkel Adhesive Technologies business unit is the global leading chemical solution provider for adhesives, sealants, and functional coatings with sales of EUR10.790 billion in fiscal 2023. Henkel is the premier materials supplier for the electronics assembly and semiconductor packaging industries.Mr. Ramachandran (Ram) Trichur, Global Market & Strategy Head for Semiconductor Packaging at Henkel Adhesive Technologies Electronics.Expecting AI killer applications drive massive growth for edge computing Ram described the market as in a persistently challenging business environment as well as the market recovery in the Electronics business in 2024. Especially the advanced packaging is now gaining significant momentum as the next pathway for breakthroughs in semiconductor technology. The company expects single-digit market growth for 2024 and is optimistic about looking into 2025 as a massive increase in demand for the semiconductor market.He has observed several notable trends. First of all, in the past two years, generative AI has rapidly evolved and driven cloud computing AI revenue growth for enterprises. However, the volume of AI-enabled electronic devices is not increasing in the same way currently. The chip makers and electronic manufacturing industry are looking for applications to drive the unit count growth happened in the edge computing AI sector.Meanwhile, consumer electronics brands have quickly responded to promote their latest AI-powered products to figure out how consumers use AI to expand use cases that people use every day. There are more AI-enabled devices coming. Nowadays, some newly released fancy devices including AI personal computers (PC), AI smartphones, and intelligent robotics in automation systems are gathering attention. While companies race to incorporate AI technologies internally and externally, consumer use of AI still requires more time to see the results.Henkel hospitality suite showcasing solutions at SEMICON Taiwan 2024Photo: HenkelThermal mechanical challenges in advanced packagingSemiconductor chips are essential for the development and deployment of AI at scale. There are several primary challenges to be tackled in the semiconductor industry. Thermal-induced mechanical stress is now one of the leading causes of semiconductor failures, and it is becoming a top focus for chip manufacturers and ecosystem partners. "The bigger chips mechanically have big space and cause warpage and stress issues happened while ICs in operation," said Ram. He acknowledges the control of the warpage or mechanical stress to prevent chip failure is the highest priority for both material providers and chip manufacturers. The collaboration of ecosystem partners jointly developed and set a guideline on the maximum warpage or stress allowed in 3D-ICs, and designers could follow and avoid exceeding the constraints.Henkel is focusing on providing semiconductor packaging materials with long-term reliability, optimized performance, and processability for high throughput production. The demonstrated chemical solution lineups in SEMICON Taiwan 2024 include several major categories of advanced packaging materials. They are advanced underfill, non-conductive pastes & films (NCP & NCF), wafer-level encapsulation, and lid & stiffener attach materials.Lid & stiffener adhesives strengthening, warpage-reducing, grounding or shieldingRam divided the use of Henkel's materials for 2.5D/3D integrated packages in the manufacturing process into several highlights. The first is the lid & stiffener attach materials. The metal parts of lid & stiffener design in the larger-sized packaging is useful to reduce warpage concerns while dealing with tighter interconnects, thinner dies, complex architectures, and multiple coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) in a single package. The Henkel's semiconductor adhesives are reliably attached to the lid and peripheral stiffeners to the substrate, allowing the package to maintain flatness throughout production and operational thermal cycles.During the manufacturing process and in operation, these devices and their multiple dies are subjected to several thermal cycles which can stress interconnects, leading to warpage and mechanical damage. The design of Henkel's lid & stiffener attach materials provides a portfolio of stability-enhancing adhesives ranging from conductive and non-conductive formulations, providing warpage-reducing coplanarity as well as grounding or shielding capability.Large die capillary underfill considering bump protection and warpage controlThe second highlight is focusing on advanced underfill materials. The 3D-IC design continues to increase the silicon interposer area to accommodate multiple dies including memory and processor units allowing the dense die integration inherent in advanced packaging techniques. This will require the underfill material with low shrinkage and toughness to provide die and underfill crack resistance, while its low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) protects against warpage. Targeting to meet the dimensional demands of highly integrated package designs, Henkel's Capillary Underfill(CUF) materials completely envelop fine-pitch, low gap height die interconnects for rigid protection against stress to deliver good electrical, moisture, and thermal reliability performance for high production yields.However, there is rising processability or manufacturing throughput requirements while the Capillary Flow Materials fill a large area in the substrate for bigger ICs. The flow speed allowing for greater process efficiency is an important feature for complete interconnect coverage. Henkel takes a quick response to release new materials. Taking Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE as an example, in internal testing versus previous generation Capillary Underfills, Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE demonstrated 20% faster flow on a 40 mm x 40 mm die, indicating that this material is compatible with even larger die sizes. So far, Loctite Eccobond UF 9000AE's performance has been validated on die as large as 50 mm x 50 mm and within packages up to 110 mm x 110 mm.Liquid compression molding materials support high reliability & high-UPH processThe third highlight is advanced molding and encapsulation materials. Wafer-level packaging shows significant growth potential, chemical solutions including advanced molding and encapsulation are enabling accelerated adoption by providing improved handling, protection, and warpage control for thinner die design approach. The challenges are the molding area is getting larger and the molding thickness is thin. The warpage becomes large after curing and it affects proceed to the subsequent process. Henkel's portfolio of wafer-level encapsulation materials include a variety of solutions to facilitate high-yield processing and in-field reliability for various advanced wafer-level packaging applications. The focus of the demo section is liquid compression molding materials (LCM).Henkel's liquid compression molding materials for wafer-level packaging processes integrate ultra-fine filler technology (less than 10 μm upper-cut) to deliver void-free gap filling and thorough coverage. In addition, the high warpage control and fast in-mold curing of Henkel's formulations molding materials provide high reliability in combination with a high-throughput process for overall lower cost. The LCM materials are anhydride-free and REACH-compliant, ensuring that the die remains protected under various operational stresses.Henkel Adhesive Technologies ElectronicsPhoto: HenkelHenkel Taiwan Electronics Adhesives Technical Center supports customers' technology roadmapsHenkel is well positioned to deliver the sustainable high-performance materials needed for next-generation advanced packaging. These series of Henkel's solutions offer characteristics with high reliability, thermal expansion, fast capillary flow to satisfy the requirements of complex, high-density semiconductor packages. In all product developments, Henkel's sustainability commitments to use renewable carbon content and eliminate Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) materials will remain a priority. The newest generation of advanced packaging is integrated with the technologies with environmental protection and partnerships with industry leaders. This will drive the material innovation to satisfy the semiconductor manufacturing fab requirements.There are more versatile and potential opportunities for semiconductor advanced packaging technology underway including Co-Package Optics (CPO), panel-level packaging, and other emerging techniques. The next steps for Henkel Adhesive Technologies will continue investing heavily in material innovation and seek to understand the evolving needs of the semiconductor and electronic materials market while actively proposing chemical products that align with customers' technology roadmaps and contributing to the research and development of new products.Moreover, Henkel Taiwan Electronics Adhesives Technical Center at Zhubei City provides prompt technical support and increases collaboration with Taiwan customers to speed up prototype development. This application center is dedicated to supporting customers in technical innovation and product development through faster application simulation, data generation, and analysis, thereby accelerating time-to-market for advanced packaging technologies. Ram concludes, "Through Henkel's dedicated global support teams and in close partnership with customers, Henkel Adhesive Technologies will create technical breakthroughs to open a new frontier for semiconductor advanced packaging."

iCatch Technology, a leading AI image processing IC design company, is excited to announce its participation in the SEMICON Taiwan 2024 Exhibition, taking place from September 4-6, at Nangang TaiNEX Hall 2, 1F, Smart Mobility Pavilion.At the exhibition, iCatch will showcase Privacy Masking Solutions for GDPR-compliant dashcams powered by the CR5 Automotive AI Vision SoC. The company will also conduct two key sessions on the Smart Mobility Pavilion Stage, offering insights into emerging automotive imaging technologies.A standout feature of the CR5 is its advanced privacy masking capabilities, including face and license plate blurring, designed to comply with the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation mandates the protection of personal data, such as facial images and license plates captured by dashcams, before storage, use, or sharing.The CR5's secure engine can automatically encrypt original video streams when the driver accesses the recordings. Only authorized OEMs and law enforcement can decrypt this data, ensuring GDPR compliance while maintaining data integrity.The CR5 AI Vision SoC, designed for automotive applications, integrates ThetaEye AI ISP Gen 8 for efficient noise reduction and superior low-light imaging. It supports up to 8 cameras with 120dB High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Local Tone Mapping, delivering a total resolution of 4K60.The SoC features a 1.5 TOPS AI Neural Processor Unit (NPU) for robust AI processing, and a low-power Smart H.265 codec. It also includes an audio DSP with 3A algorithms, USB3.2 Gen 1 and SDIO 3.0 interfaces, enhanced memory bandwidth with LPDDR4 support, and a secure engine that supports AES encryption standards, ensuring robust data protection.Weber Hsu, General Manager of iCatch Technology, comments, "iCatch Technology's commitment to the Automotive Imaging OE market underscores our focus on innovation and expanding our impact. We are enthusiastic about future opportunities and dedicated to leveraging our existing SoC powered by ThetaEye AI ISP. By incorporating ThetaEye AI ISP IP into a composable VPU platform, we offer customized SoC design services tailored to meet specific client needs."iCatch Technology has made significant strides in the OEM dashcam market, with mass production scheduled to begin in the fourth quarter of 2024, showing our commitment to the automotive vision sector. Interested parties are encouraged to connect with iCatch Technology. For inquiries, please contact our sales representatives at https://www.icatchtek.com/Requests.