The Source – Top 5 News 20th October 2023

The Source is our latest offering to support our clients and visitors. You can read our Top 5 news for week commencing 16th of October 2023 below.

1. UK Government Launches ChipStart Incubator for Semiconductor Startups

The UK government has introduced its ChipStart incubator program, a part of the National Semiconductor Strategy, aimed at supporting semiconductor startups. The £1.3 million two-year program, managed by SiliconCatalyst.UK, will include two consecutive cohorts and provide design tools, mentorship, and investment networking to the participating startups. The 12 startups joining the incubator include Blueshift Memory, Fincheto, HIDRA Vision, HyperCIM, Mignon, MintNeuro, Quinas, RED Semiconductors, SECQAI, Singular Photonics, Vaire, and Wave Photonics. This initiative is part of the UK government’s broader plan to invest £1 billion in the semiconductor sector over the next decade.

2. Selection Committee Announces Leadership for CHIPS for America National Semiconductor Technology Center

An independent selection committee has revealed the board of trustees who will oversee the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC), a vital part of the Department of Commerce’s CHIPS for America initiative. The NSTC will serve as a collaborative hub for the semiconductor industry, aiming to accelerate innovation and reduce the time and cost involved in bringing new technologies to market. The selected trustees will establish a nonprofit entity to operate the NSTC, and their expertise is expected to drive advancements in semiconductor research and development, supporting national security and economic interests. The CHIPS and Science Act established this initiative to strengthen the semiconductor industry in the United States.

3. Chinese Scientists Unveil Game-Changing Memristor Chip for Enhanced AI and Smart Devices

Chinese researchers have introduced the world’s first fully system-integrated memristor chip, a breakthrough that could significantly enhance artificial intelligence (AI) and smart devices. The chip’s unique memory-resistor capabilities enable on-chip learning, potentially making AI 75 times more energy-efficient, leading to more human-like AI capabilities. This advancement offers significant implications for smart devices and autonomous driving. While challenges in scaling up the technology remain, it represents a major stride towards energy-efficient, high-capability chips for the future.

4. TSMC Founder Morris Chang Expresses Concerns Over Taiwan’s Semiconductor Future

In a recent speech at TSMC’s annual athletic meet, Morris Chang, the founder of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), the world’s leading contract chip manufacturer, shared his apprehensions about the future of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry. Chang predicted a potential decline in Taiwan’s dominance in the semiconductor sector within 20 to 30 years. He cited geopolitical challenges and the shift towards prioritizing national security over globalization as reasons for concern. He also mentioned Kyushu, Japan, and Singapore as possible future chip manufacturing centers, acknowledging the uncertainty surrounding the industry’s future landscape. Despite these challenges, he expressed confidence in TSMC’s ability to overcome adversity.

5. Canon Unveils Nanoimprint Lithography: Revolutionizing Semiconductor Manufacturing

In a groundbreaking announcement, Canon introduced the FPA-1200NZ2C Nanoimprint Lithography system, a transformative semiconductor manufacturing technology set to reshape the industry. This innovation offers precise circuit patterning, contamination control, reduced energy consumption, and versatile applications. By eliminating the need for an optical mechanism and pushing the limits to the 2nm node, Canon’s Nanoimprint Lithography holds the promise of a greener, more advanced future for semiconductor production and beyond.

6. Samsung’s Semiconductor Business Faces Challenges Amidst Declining Chip Prices

Samsung Electronics, a leader in memory chip and smartphone production, has been grappling with significant losses in its semiconductor division for the first two quarters of this year. The third quarter, though expected to show improved results, still indicates challenges in the chip market due to memory chip price declines driven by oversupply and reduced demand. Analysts anticipate a 78% year-on-year decline in operating profit for the September quarter. However, there is hope for improved growth in the display division due to Apple’s iPhone 15 series launch and enhanced profit margins in the smartphone segment with the introduction of high-end foldable phones. Recovery in the global smartphone market is not expected until 2024.