China is investing $1.7 billion in the Runpeng Semiconductor wafer chip foundry in Shenzhen as part of its efforts to boost its domestic chipmaking capacity.
The project is being led by China Resources Microelectronics Ltd. (CR Micro), a state-owned semiconductor company.
The Runpeng Semiconductor foundry will produce 12-inch wafers, which are used to make a variety of chips, including those for smartphones, computers, and cars.
The investment is a sign of China’s growing commitment to self-reliance in the semiconductor industry. The country has been reliant on imports for many of its chips, and the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the vulnerability of this supply chain.
Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko
The Chinese government has set a goal of making China a global leader in chipmaking by 2025.
The Shenzhen foundry is expected to start production in 2025. It is one of several chipmaking projects that China is currently investing in. The country is also building a new chipmaking plant in Shanghai, and it is investing in research and development of new chip technologies.
The investment in the Shenzhen foundry is a significant boost for China’s chipmaking industry.
It will help to reduce the country’s reliance on imports and make it more self-sufficient in this critical technology.Here are some additional details about the investment:
- The investment is being made by a consortium of state investors, including the National Integrated Circuit Industry Fund (known as the Big Fund), the Shenzhen government, and CR Micro.
- The foundry will be located in the Qianhai Economic Zone in Shenzhen.
- The foundry will have a capacity of 100,000 wafers per month.
- The project is expected to create about 3,000 jobs.
