This week’s semiconductor updates highlight major investments, product launches, and policy changes shaping the global chip industry.
From AI connectivity and photonic materials to yield optimisation and strategic alliances.
1. POET Technologies secures US$75 million for AI photonics expansion
POET Technologies raised US$75 million from a single institutional investor — the largest investment in its history. The funds will help scale its Optical Interposer™ platform, which integrates photonics and electronics for ultra-fast AI data connectivity. With over US$150 million in liquidity, POET is now well-positioned to expand across Canada, Singapore, Malaysia, and China.
2. JX Advanced Metals boosts InP substrate production
JX Advanced Metals is investing ¥3.3 billion to expand its indium phosphide (InP) substrate capacity by 50%. The move supports growing demand from AI data centres and optical communication systems that rely on faster and more energy-efficient connections.
3. Imec launches 300mm GaN program for power electronics
Imec has begun developing 300mm GaN-on-silicon technology to cut manufacturing costs and improve energy efficiency. Partnering with companies like GlobalFoundries and KLA, the program aims to enable compact, CMOS-compatible power solutions for data centres, automotive, and renewable energy systems.
4. Intel introduces Panther Lake AI PC platform on 18A node
Intel revealed its first AI PC platform, Panther Lake, built on the advanced 18A process. The chips deliver over 50% better performance and include 180 TOPS of AI acceleration. Production will begin in Arizona by the end of 2025, further strengthening U.S. semiconductor manufacturing.
5. Applied Materials unveils new systems for 2nm and AI chip production
Applied Materials launched three new systems — Kinex™, Xtera™, and PROVision™ 10 — to advance logic and memory scaling. These platforms improve chip-to-chip bonding, reduce power use, and support nanoscale measurements critical for 2nm process technology.
6. AMD and OpenAI form a multi-year partnership to deploy 6GW of GPU power
AMD and OpenAI announced a long-term deal to roll out up to 6 gigawatts of AMD Instinct GPUs for large-scale AI workloads. The collaboration, which includes a warrant for OpenAI to acquire AMD shares, strengthens AMD’s position as a key supplier in global AI infrastructure.
7. TSMC reports 31.4% revenue growth year-on-year
TSMC achieved NT$331 billion (US$10.2 billion) in September revenue, driven by high demand for AI accelerators and advanced nodes like N3E and N2. The company remains on track for record annual performance, reinforcing its dominance in global chip manufacturing.
8. China tightens rare earth export controls
China expanded export restrictions on five additional rare earth elements — key materials for semiconductors and defence technologies. The move could disrupt global supply chains, mirroring U.S. export limits on chipmaking tools and prompting Western nations to seek alternative supply sources.
9. Fabtex Yield Optimizer improves manufacturing efficiency
LAM Research introduced Fabtex™, an AI-driven yield optimisation platform using digital twin technology to identify and correct process variability. It helps fabs reduce cycle time and wafer waste, accelerating yield improvement for high-volume manufacturing.
10. European Commission launches twin AI strategies
The EU unveiled two major initiatives — the Apply AI Strategy and AI in Science Strategy — to accelerate industrial AI adoption and scientific innovation. With €1 billion in funding, these programs aim to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in AI and semiconductor research.
