A weekly roundup of key semiconductor updates, from AI infrastructure and power systems to market recovery and strategic collaborations shaping the industry.
1. Global Semiconductor Sales Surge in Q3 2025
Global semiconductor revenue climbed to $208.4 billion in Q3 2025, up 15.8% from Q2 and 25.1% year-over-year, marking the strongest quarterly growth since 2021. The rebound was driven by broad-based demand across memory and logic components, with sales hitting $69.5 billion in September alone.
Regional growth was led by Asia Pacific and the Americas, posting 47.9% and 30.6% year-over-year gains respectively. China grew 15%, while Europe rose 6%. Japan was the only region to contract, down 10.2%. The data points to a clear and sustained recovery in global semiconductor markets, led by AI, consumer electronics, and automotive segments.
2. Silicon Wafer Shipments Rise Amid AI-Driven Demand
Worldwide silicon wafer shipments totalled 3,313 million square inches in Q3 2025, a 3.1% increase year-over-year, fuelled by strong demand for 300 mm wafers in AI, cloud, and memory applications.
However, shipments dipped slightly by 0.4% compared with Q2, showing some softness in epitaxial wafer demand. Despite this, long-term momentum remains positive as foundries and IDMs expand capacity for advanced process nodes to support the growing wave of AI and high-performance computing.
3. Intel and Cisco Launch Unified Edge Platform for AI Workloads
Intel and Cisco unveiled a joint edge computing platform that integrates compute, networking, storage, and security to process AI workloads closer to their source. Built on Intel Xeon 6 technology, the platform targets industries such as manufacturing, retail, and healthcare that need real-time decision-making and low-latency inference.
It supports rapid deployment through a large ecosystem of pre-verified software and partners, enabling enterprises to scale from data centres to distributed edge systems. The move reflects an industry-wide shift toward modular, flexible AI infrastructure.
4. AMD Reports Record Revenue and Expanding AI Partnerships
AMD reported record Q3 2025 revenue of $9.2 billion, a 36% increase year-over-year, driven by strong Data Center and Client segments. The company’s AI-related sales surged, supported by demand for EPYC processors and Instinct MI350 GPUs, while gross margin reached 52%.
New partnerships with OpenAI, Oracle, and the U.S. Department of Energy are set to scale AI infrastructure globally, including supercomputer deployments and large GPU clusters. AMD also launched ROCm 7 software and new Threadripper processors, reinforcing its position in AI and high-performance computing markets.
5. SK Group Outlines AI Infrastructure Strategy at SK AI Summit 2025
At the SK AI Summit 2025 in Seoul, SK Group presented its vision for next-generation AI infrastructure. Chairman Chey Tae-won highlighted the growing global demand for inference workloads and AI memory, announcing expansion of the M15X fab and the Yongin Semiconductor Cluster, which will host four new fabs by 2027.
SK hynix and SK Telecom also detailed new AI memory and computing initiatives. The event featured participation from OpenAI, Amazon, NVIDIA, and Schneider Electric — underlining Korea’s rising role in AI infrastructure development.
6. Sivers and POET Partner to Advance Optical Connectivity
Sivers Semiconductors and POET Technologies announced a collaboration to deliver integrated light-engine solutions for AI data centres. Combining Sivers’ laser technology with POET’s Optical Interposer platform, the companies aim to produce energy-efficient subsystems that support bandwidths up to 6.4 Tbps.
Prototypes are expected in early 2026, with production targeted by year-end. The technology is designed to boost scalability and energy efficiency for hyperscale and enterprise AI systems — addressing one of the biggest bottlenecks in modern compute infrastructure.
7. Infineon and SolarEdge Collaborate on High-Efficiency Power Systems
Infineon and SolarEdge are co-developing solid-state transformer (SST) technology to support megawatt-scale AI and hyperscale data centres. The modular SST platform will enable direct medium-voltage to DC conversion at over 99% efficiency, cutting size, cost, and carbon footprint.
This joint development aligns with the industry’s shift toward DC-powered infrastructure and renewable energy integration. Infineon contributes its SiC power semiconductors, while SolarEdge provides DC optimisation and control expertise.
8. Navitas Raises $100 Million to Accelerate High-Power Expansion
Navitas Semiconductor secured $100 million in private investment to fund its expansion into high-power markets including AI data centres, grid infrastructure, and industrial electrification.
The company plans to leverage its GaNFast and GeneSiC technologies to push efficiency in wide bandgap semiconductors. The raise supports Navitas’ long-term “2.0 strategy” focused on performance computing and sustainable power applications.
9. Volkswagen Develops First In-House Chip for Intelligent Driving
Volkswagen Group China announced its first self-designed automotive SoC, developed in partnership with Horizon Robotics. The chip will power Level 3 and higher autonomous systems and support a range of electric models tailored to the Chinese market.
The new SoC combines German hardware engineering with Horizon’s AI expertise, targeting up to 700 TOPS of computing power. It’s part of Volkswagen’s broader “In China, for China” strategy to localise intelligent driving technology.
10. Quantinuum Launches Helios Quantum System for Enterprise AI
Quantinuum launched Helios, a 98-qubit quantum computer designed for enterprise and research applications. The platform integrates classical and quantum compute for hybrid workloads and achieves record gate fidelities.
Partnerships with Amgen, BMW, JPMorganChase, and SoftBank will explore quantum-enhanced AI use cases. Integration with NVIDIA’s GB200 via NVQLink further bridges quantum and GPU acceleration, positioning Quantinuum as a major player in applied quantum AI.
11. European Semiconductor Sales Rise in Q3 2025
European semiconductor sales reached $14.07 billion in Q3, up 7.2% from the previous quarter, driven by strong demand in memory and analogue components.
Globally, chip sales hit $208 billion for the same period, with growth across all major markets. Europe’s recovery reflects the stabilisation of supply chains and steady momentum in industrial and automotive demand.
12. Nexperia Faces Governance and Supply Chain Challenges
Nexperia announced a temporary halt in wafer supply from China after governance disputes disrupted operations. The company cited unauthorised actions by local management but confirmed continued production across its other global sites.
Dutch courts have appointed an independent administrator to oversee the company’s governance in China. Despite short-term challenges, Nexperia maintains compliance and supply continuity in Europe and Asia.
