01. Memory Module Makers Pursue a High-End Route and Actively Expand into Popular Fields
On October 8, the Economic Daily reported that memory module makers, including ADATA, Transcend, Apacer, and Team Group, are actively expanding into popular fields while their memory business is booming, moving towards a "high-end route" to increase gross margins and profitability. ADATA has launched the enterprise-level brand "TRUSTA" to focus on AI and high-performance computing; Transcend is developing an AI vision business and entering the industrial control robot market; Apacer is strengthening its automation capabilities; and Team Group is focusing on AI and edge application fields.
02. Germany's Cuts to Chip Subsidies Dampen Europe's Semiconductor Ambitions
On October 10, according to foreign media reports, Germany plans to cut about 3 billion euros in semiconductor subsidies over the next few years, redirecting the funds to domestic infrastructure construction. Previously, Germany had pledged to invest 15 billion euros from 2025 to 2028 to strengthen the foundation of chip manufacturing. This decision is seen as a setback to its ambition to reduce dependence on Asian suppliers and enhance its position in the global semiconductor supply chain. The Ministry of Economics stated that microelectronics is a "sovereign strategic technology" and is drafting a long-term plan to maintain investment attractiveness. The 2026 budget draft still includes some chip projects. Although the previously approved 2 billion euro subsidy has not been disbursed, the application volume far exceeded expectations, indicating strong industry demand. Infineon Technologies said that the budget adjustment will not affect its approved or under-review projects.
03. Rebellions Raises $250 Million to Expand AI Chip Production
On October 8, according to SemiMedia, South Korean AI chip startup Rebellions completed a $250 million Series C financing round, valuing the company at $1.4 billion, aimed at expanding chip production and accelerating product development. This round of financing introduced strategic partner Arm, and the two sides will jointly promote innovation in next-generation data center infrastructure. The company also plans to use the funds to expand its business in the United States, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific region, recruit talent, and support the launch of localized AI systems.
04. Intel's Most Powerful CPU Drives a Wave of Upgrades
According to the Economic Daily, Intel officially launched its first 18A process AIPC processor, the Intel Core Ultra series 3 (codenamed Panther Lake), on September 9, with shipments expected to begin later this year. Panther Lake, Intel's most powerful laptop processor to date, has significantly upgraded specifications and is expected to drive a new wave of laptop upgrades for manufacturers such as ASUS, Acer, and MSI. The processor has a maximum computing power of 180 TOPS, with multi-threaded performance increased by more than 50% compared to the previous generation, and GPU performance improved by more than 50%. It also features advanced process technology, making it more energy-efficient than the previous generation.
05. AI Reshapes the Chip Industry, with Growth Potential in This Semiconductor Cycle
On October 6, according to Hard AI News, AI is reshaping the semiconductor industry and has become the core variable in this cycle. A Citigroup research report stated that within five years, AI-related sales will account for more than 25% of the semiconductor market, driving the industry's first growth acceleration in 25 years. Global semiconductor sales are expected to grow by 16% to $731 billion in 2025, but shipments will be below the peak, indicating significant growth potential for the industry. The average price of semiconductors has risen from $0.72 in 2019 to $1.26 in 2025, an increase of 75%, with the significant rise in the price of logic chips being key. The proportion of logic chips in total sales has increased from 27% in 2020 to 39% in 2025. NVIDIA's expansion in the data center business is a key driver of this change, with its share in logic chip sales rising from less than 10% in 2021 to 66% in 2025. Despite record-high revenues, semiconductor shipments remain below the peak, indicating low supply chain inventory levels and leaving room for future growth.
06. UMC Expands in Singapore, Creating a New Model
On October 8, the United Daily News reported that UMC is investing $5 billion to build a new 22-nanometer wafer factory in Singapore to meet the "non-China, non-Taiwan" capacity demand. With the intensifying US-China tech competition and the development of AI, customers' urgent need for diversified supply chains has made Singapore a global semiconductor hub. UMC's establishment of a factory in Singapore in 2000 marked a new chapter in the local semiconductor industry. In the past two years, the global trend of "derisking" semiconductors has accelerated, with international giants returning to Singapore to expand production. UMC's new factory in Singapore is not only a production base but also undertakes research and development and backup missions, working in a division of labor with its Tainan Science Park factory in Taiwan. The new factory is expected to start production next year, with an initial monthly capacity of 30,000 wafers, bringing Singapore's total capacity to over 1 million wafers per year.