NARLabs Showcases Taiwan's Semiconductor Leadership at Barcelona Forum

Taiwan's semiconductor industry took center stage at the Semi Impact Forum 2024 - Catalonia Chapter in Barcelona, Spain, as a delegation led by the National Applied Research Laboratories (NARLabs) showcased the country's technological prowess and collaborative potential. The event, held on December 9, 2024, brought together industry leaders and experts from Taiwan and Europe, emphasizing Taiwan's pivotal role in the global semiconductor landscape.

Professor Konrad Young, a former R&D Director at TSMC and one of the "Six Knights of Innovation," delivered a keynote speech highlighting Taiwan's journey in building a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem. Young's presentation, which used TSMC as a case study, shed light on Taiwan's approach to talent development and ecosystem creation, offering valuable insights for global stakeholders.

The forum facilitated discussions on cutting-edge technologies, including distributed systems, quantum computing, and IoT infrastructure. These exchanges, involving experts from NARLabs, the National Center for High-performance Computing, and European institutions like INESC TEC and the Barcelona Supercomputing Center, laid the groundwork for future technological collaborations between Taiwan and Europe.

A significant highlight of the event was the Advanced Chip Design and Research Center (ACDRC), a joint initiative between Taiwan and the Czech Republic. The ACDRC's success in chip design, AI, and automotive electronics showcased the potential for international technological exchange and market expansion. Dr. Mei-Yu Chang, Director of NARLabs' Office of International Affairs, noted that this model could be replicated across Europe, potentially reshaping the semiconductor industry landscape.

Light Momentum Technology (LMT) presented its integration of IC design and manufacturing with market-driven innovation through the ACDRC platform, demonstrating the practical applications of academic-industry collaboration. This approach has not only advanced semiconductor capabilities in Taiwan and the Czech Republic but also effectively addressed market demands.

The forum served as a platform for ACDRC to display its global impact and scalability. NARLabs expressed its commitment to expanding collaborations with Spain, the Czech Republic, and other European nations, signaling potential new international alliances in the semiconductor sector.

This event underscores Taiwan's growing influence in the global semiconductor industry and its strategy for maintaining leadership through international collaboration. As the semiconductor sector continues to be a critical component of technological advancement and economic growth, Taiwan's proactive approach in fostering global partnerships could have far-reaching implications for the industry's future and global technological innovation.