Korean tech giants Samsung, LG, and SK are competing to lead the emerging glass substrates market, a vital technology that enhances chip performance. At CES 2025, SK’s Chair revealed sales of glass substrates, igniting speculation of supplies for Nvidia. The technology is expected to replace plastic substrates due to its advantages, while LG and Samsung also announced plans for production, emphasizing the industry’s shift towards advanced semiconductor solutions.
Korean technology leaders, including Samsung, LG, and SK, are intensifying their competition to dominate the emerging glass substrates market for chipmaking. This next-generation technology promises to enhance chip performance significantly, with key executives hinting at their ventures in this promising sector. At CES 2025, SK Group’s Chair, Chey Tae-won, proudly announced the sale of glass substrates from SKC, the group’s advanced materials arm that is producing this cutting-edge chip component.
During the CES event held from January 7-10, Chey’s mention of a sale to a client—following a conversation with Nvidia’s founder and CEO, Jensen Huang—sparked a surge in early trading for SKC’s stock. The sale indicates potential supply agreements with the industry-leading GPU manufacturer. Glass substrates, which consist of thin glass layers for mounting processing and memory chips, allow for a more efficient design and improved chip performance, reducing both size and power consumption.
Industry experts highlight that glass substrates can enhance processing speeds by 40% while decreasing power usage by 30%. However, despite their advantages, the complexity of manufacturing glass substrates poses challenges for widespread adoption. Leading companies, including Intel, AMD, and Broadcom, plan to implement glass substrates in their forthcoming chip models, with Nvidia’s participation likely accelerating the growth of this advanced technology.
SKC has been involved in glass substrate production since 2021, launching its subsidiary, Absolics, which became the first in the world to establish a factory in Georgia for mass production with a federal grant of $75 million under the US CHIPS and Science Act. “We aim to solidify our technological edge in the increasingly competitive chip market through glass substrates,” stated SKC.
During the event, LG Innotek announced intentions to initiate pilot production of glass substrates by year-end. CEO Moon Hyuk-soo forecasted that glass substrates would see significant adoption within communication semiconductors in 2 to 3 years, eventually becoming the primary choice for high-performance server applications in about five years. Moon emphasized, “Glass substrates are the direction we should take, and many big techs are currently weighing the timing for mass production.”
Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ CEO, Chang Duk-hyun, also outlined the company’s ambitions for expanding its glass substrate production at the CES event. “We are delivering samples to two to three clients this year, and plan to start mass production after 2027,” he announced, pointing out the establishment of a pilot line at their manufacturing facility in Sejong.
The increasing demand for high-performance chips in modern electronics has led Korean tech giants to explore advanced materials like glass substrates. This technology is expected to replace traditional plastic substrates, offering better performance and efficiency. As the market for semiconductors continues to evolve, companies are racing to innovate and secure a leadership position within this crucial sector, aiming to enhance their chip manufacturing capabilities and meet the demands of advanced computing applications.
In summary, South Korean tech companies are vigorously competing to capitalize on the glass substrates market, with significant investments and plans for future production. The technology promises substantial improvements in chip performance, making it a focal point for leading firms such as SK, LG, and Samsung. The collaboration and announcements made during CES underscore the industry’s transition towards advanced materials that could redefine chip manufacturing and performance standards in the years to come.
Original Source: www.koreaherald.com
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