AGC, a leading Japanese manufacturer of specialty glass and ceramics, has partnered with researchers at the University of Tokyo to develop an advanced laser processing technology aimed at semiconductor applications. The new technique, designed for use with glass substrates, dramatically increases processing speeds - by as much as one million times compared to traditional methods.

Canon's semiconductor business, best known for its photolithography equipment, is also bolstered by a range of specialized subsidiaries. One such unit, Canon Anelva, focuses primarily on thin-film deposition systems — a critical component in semiconductor manufacturing. Despite projections that the broader market will remain flat in 2025 compared to 2024, Canon Anelva expects to achieve more than 20% revenue growth, driven by two flagship product lines.

Broadcom is emerging as a key supplier in the artificial intelligence (AI) supply chain, with revenue from AI-related chips now comprising a majority of its semiconductor business.