At the 26th Integrated Circuit Manufacturing Annual Conference and Supply Chain Innovation and Development Conference (CICD), which commenced on May 23rd, Dr. Qiu Ciyun, President of Shanghai Silicon Industry Group Co., Ltd., CEO of Shanghai Xinsheng Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd., and Chairman of Guangzhou Xinrui Photomask Technology Co., Ltd., presented a keynote speech on "Strategic Reflections and Global Expansion of the Silicon Industry."
Dr. Qiu Ciyun underscored the pivotal role of the semiconductor industry for national development and highlighted the critical nature of silicon wafer supply security as the cornerstone material for semiconductor manufacturing. Despite a recent dip in global shipments of 12-inch silicon wafers, robust domestic demand is anticipated to drive the domestic production capacity to 4 million units per month through forthcoming investment initiatives.
Reflecting on the past two decades, Dr. Qiu detailed the growth trajectory of Shanghai Silicon Industry Group, from pioneering 8-inch SOI technology with Xin'ao Technology to establishing a 12-inch production base at Xinsheng Semiconductor, and culminating in a successful listing on the Science and Technology Innovation Board in 2020. The company continues to broaden its product and technological horizons, with a recent 2023 investment in the production of 12-inch heavily doped products in Taiyuan, Shanxi.
In terms of product strategy, Shanghai Silicon Industry Group boasts the largest 12-inch production facility in Shanghai, complemented by significant subsidiaries and partnerships in Jiading, Guangzhou, Finland, and France. The product range encompasses 12-inch, 8-inch, and 6-inch silicon wafers, including polished, epitaxial, and SOI varieties, which are extensively utilized in logic circuits, memory devices, CIS image sensors, and power components. With a current shipment rate of 240,000 units per month, the company is on track to reach a production capacity of 600,000 units per month by year-end.
Dr. Qiu emphasized the company's dedication to fortifying the stability and resilience of the domestic supply chain, having achieved a 60% domestication rate for key equipment and materials. Collaborating closely with domestic equipment manufacturers, the company is propelling the innovation and adoption of new technologies and introducing domestically produced equipment to the global stage.
Internationally, the company's investment in the Finnish subsidiary Okmetic focuses on the research, development, and manufacturing of premium MEMS and RF products. Expansion plans in Finland include an additional 3 million 8-inch wafer production capacity and the establishment of a research institute to attract top-tier talent. The company also fosters close ties with European and global clients to amplify its international presence.
Addressing data security concerns, Shanghai Silicon Industry has established a photomask factory in Guangzhou, capable of expeditiously delivering advanced process photomasks, thereby significantly reducing the verification timeframe for new products. This initiative has been met with enthusiasm by manufacturing enterprises and offers fresh support to the domestic design and fabrication sectors.
Looking ahead, Dr. Qiu summarized the company's strategic directions:
- The 300mm large silicon wafers, as the first domestically to achieve mass production, will continue to build capacity, diversify the product range, and collaborate with equipment and material suppliers to enhance the supply chain's resilience.
- SOI specialty products are poised to commence small-scale mass production, introducing innovative concepts that empower design companies to lead the industry in the SOI domain, with ongoing investments in 8-inch production in Finland to consolidate and expand the portfolio of superior products.
- The group's integrated circuit material research institute and European R&D center will persist in driving research and development for new materials and products.
- In the realm of independent photomasks, the company will provide rapid delivery and advanced process photomasks to domestic design and fabrication industries.
Dr. Qiu affirmed that Shanghai Silicon Industry will persist in innovating and expanding in the realms of 300mm large silicon wafers, SOI specialty products, integrated circuit material research and development, and independent photomasks, with a steadfast commitment to advancing the domestication and globalization of the semiconductor industry.
