With the rising demand for advanced tech like AI and high-performance computing (HPC), Samsung sees glass substrates as the next big thing. Korean outlet ETNews reports that Samsung Electro-Mechanics is planning to build a semiconductor glass substrate ecosystem. It is preparing to operate a glass substrate pilot production in Q2 2025, with the aim of mass production after 2027.
Samsung’s semiconductor glass substrate ambitions
Glass substrates are gaining attention as the next generation of substrates, since they have properties like high flatness and chemical resistance. During the recent “Electronic Times Tech Day: Everything About Glass Substrates” conference held at POSCO Tower Yeoksam in Seoul, Joo Hyuk, head of Samsung Electro-Mechanics Research Institute (Vice President), said, “We will establish a consortium with various suppliers and technology partners to create a semiconductor glass substrate ecosystem.”
Interestingly, this is the first time the Korean firm has talked publicly about its plan to build an ecosystem for its semiconductor glass substrate business. However, Samsung did not disclose the specific timeline, but we can assume that the company has started discussions regarding this with relevant suppliers.
Vice President Joo also said that Samsung needs an ecosystem to mitigate risks in this business, and that the company is moving quickly internally to build a cooperative system. Samsung Electro-Mechanics wants to lead in the glass substrate market for semiconductors. As mentioned above, Samsung is planning to open a glass substrate production line at the Sejong plant in the second quarter of 2025. The technology is still a few years away from mass production, expected after 2027.
As the AI chips market is growing, there is a need for a new substrate other than plastic, and glass is seen as the best choice. The company may also collaborate with major AI players like Nvidia, Intel, and Qualcomm. Since the technology is still not mature, there are technical hurdles. The company has to work with other brands that precisely drill holes in glass to create copper passages. If Samsung collaborates with other brands that have expertise in this field, it can overcome the technical challenges.
