MOU Signed for 'MoaFab' Platform Advancement
Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and DB HiTek Pledge Active Support
Benefits Expected for Small Businesses and Universities
The government-led collaboration promises cooperation between Korea's top three semiconductor companies and research institutions for advanced semiconductor research and technology commercialization.
(From left) Jo Gi-seok, CEO of DB HiTek; Kim Yong-kwan, President of Samsung Electronics; Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT; and Song Hyun-jong, CEO of SK Hynix, are signing an MOU to advance the functionality of MoaFab and taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Baek Jong-min, Tech Specialist
On the 27th, the Ministry of Science and ICT signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Samsung Electronics, SK Hynix, and DB HiTek at the Korea Science and Technology Center to lead advanced semiconductor research and technology commercialization. This agreement aims to establish a public-private cooperation system to respond to the intensifying global semiconductor hegemony competition in the artificial intelligence (AI) era and to strengthen the competitiveness of the domestic semiconductor industry.
The core of the agreement is the functional advancement of the 'MoaFab' platform. MoaFab is an integrated platform that connects six domestic public semiconductor fab institutions (Nano Convergence Technology Institute, Korea Nano Technology Institute, Nano Fusion Technology Institute, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute, Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology, and Seoul National University Semiconductor Joint Research Center) to support researchers and companies in easily utilizing advanced equipment. It consolidates the national nanofab services, which were operated separately by each institution, into one online location to provide a one-stop service.
The three semiconductor companies plan to support 12-inch advanced process equipment through MoaFab and provide consulting related to semiconductor technology and fab operations. Additionally, experienced personnel from the three companies will participate in fab operations to enhance expertise, and efforts will be made to revitalize the semiconductor ecosystem through nurturing outstanding talent and linking corporate recruitment.
Kim Yong-kwan, President of Samsung Electronics, stated, "We will contribute to the development of public nanofabs through roles such as supporting idle equipment." Song Hyun-jong, President of SK Hynix, said, "We will actively cooperate to continuously strengthen MoaFab's competitiveness."
Jo Gi-seok, CEO of DB HiTek, said, "This MOU is an important starting point for mutual growth between the public and private sectors beyond just an agreement, and we expect to create greater synergy through MoaFab."
Yoo Sang-im, Minister of Science and ICT, emphasized, "To respond to the AI paradigm shift and semiconductor hegemony competition, it is important to unite public and private capabilities."
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