Introduction of Cooperative Support Program Based on SiC Wafer Manufacturing Process in Gumi, Gyeongbuk
10 Companies Attended, Held Twice a Year... "Building Next-Generation Power Semiconductor Ecosystem"
Employees of SK Siltron partner companies attending the SiC wafer technology forum, receiving training, and taking a commemorative photo. (Photo by SK Siltron)
[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] SK Siltron, the only domestic semiconductor wafer manufacturer, announced on the 28th that it will launch the 'SiChallenge' program to support its partners' entry into the next-generation power semiconductor business.
Through this program, SK Siltron plans to support its silicon wafer manufacturing partners with SiC (silicon carbide) wafer manufacturing technology, a next-generation power semiconductor material, and help these companies enter the market.
SiC wafers have the characteristic of withstanding higher voltages and temperatures compared to general silicon wafers. For this reason, demand has recently increased in fields such as electric vehicles, new and renewable energy including solar and wind power, and energy storage systems (ESS).
SK Siltron entered the SiC wafer field by acquiring the SiC wafer business unit of DuPont in the United States in 2020. The company is expanding its business with the goal of increasing SiC wafer production more than tenfold compared to last year by 2025 and capturing more than 25% of the global market share.
Exterior view of SK Siltron Gumi Plant 2, where the SiC wafer production line is being expanded. (Photo by SK Siltron)
As the first program of SiChallenge, SK Siltron held a partner SiC wafer technology forum on the same day. At the forum, SK Siltron shared the latest information on global market trends and manufacturing processes of SiC power semiconductors with 26 technical and sales employees from 10 partner companies and provided consultations on SiC wafer manufacturing technology development.
Going forward, SK Siltron plans to support its partners' entry into the SiC wafer business in various ways, including holding the SiC wafer technology forum twice a year.
Lee Jonghoon, CEO of Ace Nanochem, who participated in SiChallenge, said, "We were considering developing new response products by focusing on the growth of the SiC power semiconductor market," adding, "We have high expectations for acquiring technology and market information through SK Siltron's partner SiC technical education."
Jang Yongho, President of SK Siltron, said, "We are pleased to create an opportunity for SK Siltron and its partners to grow together in the promising SiC power semiconductor market," and added, "We will contribute to strengthening the supply chain by laying the foundation for the full-scale growth of the next-generation power semiconductor ecosystem in Korea."
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