Semiconductors and Quantum Technology
Semiconductors
The semiconductor industry in Taiwan emerged in the 1970s. Through collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors over the years, the semiconductor industry has evolved into a crucial pillar and driving force for Taiwan's economic development. Taiwan has become a trusted partner in the global semiconductor supply chain as well. However, given the recent global uncertainties, semiconductors have assumed the status of a strategic resource, presenting new challenges and opportunities for development in Taiwan.
Therefore, Taiwan has initiated the research and development programs in compound semiconductors and angstrom-scale semiconductors since 2021. To address growing demand for semiconductors in electric vehicles and telecommunications, we leverage the existing advantages of silicon-based semiconductor industry and focus on developing core technologies of compound semiconductor. This includes advancements in manufacturing processes, equipment and materials and promote the cross-disciplinary applications of compound semiconductors. Additionally, to establish the foundation for next-generation semiconductors, the Angstrom Semiconductor Initiative invests in the development of advanced components, materials, manufacturing processes and testing technologies for the next decade.
As semiconductors continue to play a pivotal role in driving the development of the global technology industry, the rise of generative AI (GAI) has emerged as a significant force for future innovation. In response, Taiwan initiated the “Taiwan Chip-based Industrial Innovation (CbI) Program” in 2023, seeking to integrate advanced semiconductor technologies and GAI to foster innovations across key industries. The main strategies of CbI program include:
1. Drive industry innovation: Integrate semiconductors and GAI to develop innovative solutions in various industries.
2. Strengthen talent cultivation: Establish CbI centers oversea to attract international talents for R&D activities in Taiwan; enhance R&D infrastructure for domestic universities and research institutes.
3. Accelerate Heterogenous Integration and Advanced Technology Development: Focus on key technologies such as AI-driven design tools, IC design for emerging applications, heterogenous integration.
4. Attract IC Startups and Resources Worldwide: Position Taiwan as a global hub for IC startups by establishing a robust support system and leveraging the exited advantages in manufacturing capability.
With the rapid development of applications such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and high-performance computing (HPC), data centers are facing challenges with data transmission speed and power consumption. Silicon photonics (SiPh) can meet the demands for high-speed transmission and low power consumption, becoming a key solution for data centers and high-speed communication and computing platforms. Taiwan is promoting ten new AI initiatives by 2025, including the development of key silicon photonics technologies. The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is responsible for planning key technology development priorities and strategies.
1. Advanced Silicon Photonics Technology: Subsidize academic research to fully establish key basic research equipment in silicon photonics, strengthen R&D capabilities, encourage industry-university collaboration in silicon photonics technology, and cultivate graduate and doctoral talent.
2. Promote the Formation of an Industrial Chain: Establish a silicon photonics co-packaging and silicon photonics integrated chip testing and verification platform to create a world-class silicon photonics technology and innovative application center.
3. Strengthen the Supply Capacity of the Domestic Silicon Photonics Industry Chain: Strengthen domestically produced key equipment and materials required for silicon photonics manufacturing processes, as well as silicon photonics co-packaging, and subsidize industry players to join the silicon photonics supply chain and become reliable partners in the internationally recognized supply chain.
The Ministry of Economic Affairs, R.O.C. and the NSTC will jointly invest in the integration of silicon semiconductor optical components, silicon chips, and advanced packaging.
Additionally, the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has promoted the "The Advanced Chip Engineering Design and Fabrication (ACED Fab)" to foster academic research collaboration in the semiconductor field between Taiwan and the United States. NSTC envisions constructing an innovation ecosystem focused on advanced semiconductor research through cross-agency collaboration and strengthened public-private partnerships. Within the long-term framework for talent cultivation and research development in semiconductors, there are plan to expand investment in semiconductor research, attract and nurture international IC design talents, promote the development of the industry and technology, and establish a global semiconductor ecosystem friendly to Taiwan.
Quantum Technology
In the semiconductor industry, as process complexity increases, the number of combinations grows exponentially while the number of constraints also rises, making it increasingly difficult to find optimal solutions. Given that quantum technology holds the potential to break through existing R&D limitations across various fields, many countries have designated quantum technology as a key national development strategy and are competing to invest research resources.
To prepare for the future global transformation brought by quantum technology, since 2021, the National Science Council has integrated R&D capabilities across industry, government, academia, and research institutions. In 2022, it established the National Quantum Team, which, through the "Quantum Technology Industry Platform," brings together academic and research institutions with industry to develop quantum key components based on semiconductor technology.
To strategically position this long-term, high-value scientific research, Taiwan's cutting-edge quantum R&D will focus on developing "universal quantum computer hardware technology," "photonic quantum technology," and "quantum software technology and application development." The goal is to develop Taiwan's critical technologies by "building domestically produced quantum computers capable of real computation and domestically produced quantum communication network systems for information security."
Under this development strategy, Taiwan aims to become a vital global partner in quantum technology and to establish a quantum technology industry chain by 2030, setting a new national model for cross-disciplinary R&D culture and practice.