TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's semiconductor industry continues to forge strategic global partnerships as United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC, 聯華電子), the island's second-largest contract chipmaker, revealed plans on Wednesday (May 28) to strengthen its technical alliance with American tech giant Intel. The expanded collaboration centers on developing an advanced 12-nanometer chip manufacturing process, with completion targeted for 2027.
The significance of this semiconductor partnership was underscored by UMC Chief Financial Officer Liu Chi-tung (劉啟東), who characterized the initiative as a cornerstone of the company's American research portfolio. Liu revealed that UMC has committed substantial resources to the 12-nanometer process development, allocating what he described as virtually all critical research assets to ensure the project's success in an increasingly competitive global chip manufacturing landscape.
The partnership structure reveals a strategic division of responsibilities that leverages each company's core strengths, according to Liu. Intel will manage the actual chip production facilities in the United States, while UMC contributes its expertise in process technology development, sales channels, and technical services. The UMC executive highlighted Intel's dual role as both manufacturing partner and principal client, confirming that the American semiconductor giant has already secured production capacity allocations for the future technology.
The ambitious semiconductor project has already progressed to the critical design integration phase, according to company officials. Liu indicated that completion of the comprehensive process design kit would trigger the next stages of development and potential expansion. This phased approach suggests both companies envision the collaboration extending beyond the initial 12-nanometer technology, potentially establishing a foundation for future joint initiatives in advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. ◼