TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Industry leaders at SEMICON 2026 on Wednesday (Sept. 2) highlighted the growing role of mature semiconductor technologies in the AI industry, as rising demand for AI applications creates new opportunities beyond cutting-edge process nodes.
Unimicron Technology Corp. (欣興) Chairman Chien Shan-chieh (簡山傑) said advanced and mature processes are complementary rather than competing technologies, arguing that mature processes remain an important part of the AI ecosystem. "Mature" technologies should not be viewed simply as older-generation technologies, Chien said, pointing instead to their role in supporting specialized applications and emerging areas of the AI supply chain.
Chien outlined three strategies for companies focused on mature processes:
First, he stated that the growing number of AI applications is increasing demand for customized and specialized semiconductor solutions, an area in which mature technologies can have an advantage. Rather than relying solely on standard products, manufacturers can differentiate themselves by developing processes tailored to specific customer requirements.
Second, Chien urged companies to strengthen their technological differentiation and avoid competing primarily on price. He noted thta continued investment in innovation and high-value solutions would allow manufacturers to provide greater value to customers while maintaining their competitive position.
Third, Chien encouraged mature-process manufacturers to expand into emerging technology fields rather than remaining focused on traditional applications. He cited hybrid bonding for memory, niche memory technologies using trench-capacitor-equipped interposers and silicon photonics as examples of areas where mature-process expertise could support new growth.
Chien stated that mature semiconductor processes should be viewed as valuable technologies with an ongoing role in the AI ecosystem, rather than simply legacy products. He encouraged manufacturers to pursue new applications and technologies as the industry's demand landscape evolves.