Taiwanese Firms Form Silicon Photonics Alliance

Taipei, Sept. 3 – A coalition of over 30 leading companies, including Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), announced the formation of the Silicon Photonics Industry Alliance (SiPhIA) at a launch event held during SEMICON Taiwan.

The newly formed alliance, according to Hsu, will play a crucial role in “pushing for specifications for related technologies and integrating collaboration across the entire ecosystem,” ensuring that Taiwan becomes an indispensable hub in the development of AI-related technologies.

Tien Wu (吳田玉), CEO of Advanced Semiconductor Engineering (ASE), a global leader in IC packaging solutions and a key player in the formation of SiPhIA alongside TSMC, spoke to the urgent need for technological advancement to meet the demands of AI. “As hardware has become the new bottleneck for AI development, light has emerged as an optimal solution,” Wu remarked, referring to the limitations of traditional chip hardware in keeping pace with increasing efficiency demands.

The establishment of SiPhIA marks a pivotal moment for the semiconductor industry, as silicon photonics offers a promising pathway to overcome the challenges presented by the rise of AI technologies. By fostering collaboration and setting industry-wide standards, the alliance aims to propel Taiwan to the forefront of this rapidly evolving field.

The Silicon Photonics Industry Alliance includes notable members such as MediaTek, Quanta Computer, Synopsys, AUO, and Foxconn, among others, who are committed to driving innovation in AI and related technologies.