Aethertek has 30 years of experience in supplying customers with total solutions for in-line function testing solutions. Even as it continues to fine-tune its three key strategies of in-line testing services, 5G metaverse applications, and electric vehicle chargers, Aethertek is also expanding into overseas markets. The company is now actively positioning itself in the Vietnam market due to the number of leading global tech manufacturers that have established themselves there in recent years.According to Chen, Chia-Ming, Director of R&D at Aethertek, the Vietnamese electronics manufacturing industry is concentrated mainly on entry and mid-range consumer electronic products, and VinFast is the representative brand in the local EV industry. Aethertek is cautiously optimistic about the manufacturing market in Vietnam, caution due to the potential for further vertical integration in the industry chain while optimism comes from market potential and ongoing trends in industry migration. It is worth noting that Vietnam is now in the real investment stage, but the actual scale remains to be seen.As for consumer electronics, servers, and automotive equipment that fall into the scope of Aethertek's business, Chen pointed out that out of these three areas, consumer electronic product testing currently offers the greatest potential in Vietnam. The company is therefore promoting the T800 and T1000 testing solutions targeted at the needs of different products and production lines in the local market.Chen introduced the T800 as a total testing solution for consumer electronic products that satisfies all testing requirements from product design to mass production. Software, hardware, and mechanical design as well as interfaces with the factory production line are all integrated into the system as well. The T800 is suitable for smartwatches, smartphones, smart headphones, tablets, IoT devices, and network-communication product lines. It is particularly well-suited to the testing requirements of entry and mid-range consumer electronic products. The modular design of the system means it can be quickly re-configured for different testing requirements. CoreOne is a highly integrated primary module that contains the power supply, battery simulator, and common communication interfaces. Support for multi-DUT testing in parallel makes it suitable for R&D and mass production environments. Expansion modules include isolated power supply units, electrical loads, USBC-PD, sound spectrum analyzers, LCR measurement, and high-precision DMM for testing consumer electronic products.Chen emphasized that cost vs. performance is where the T800 truly shines as it reduces testing costs for customers by over 50% as compared to legacy solutions. The full technical specifications for PCBA electrical testing are available for the system. As a mature product that has been proven over nearly ten years in the market, the T800 is already widely used in Taiwan and China. It has also broken into the Vietnamese market already with several successful installations. System stability has already exceeded customer expectations so it will fully satisfy or even exceed all customer requirements. The southward migration of the electronics manufacturing industry means Aethertek is now working actively to promote this solution in Vietnam and other emerging markets. The T800 is a plug-and-play solution with almost zero run-in time which translates into greatly shortened introduction times and a major boost to productivity for local manufacturers, making it particularly suitable for testing consumer electronic products that are always evolving.The T1000 is a next-generation testing system launched by Aethertek earlier this year targeted at the testing requirements of server mainboards and automotive circuit boards. The T1000 has already demonstrated its applicability across a wide range of industries as a fully featured product as it is not only suitable for the server and automotive markets but can also be applied to the testing of high-end consumer electronic products. The core advantage of the T1000 is its outstanding expandability. Different customer requirements can be satisfied through its standard modules or customization. System features include smart and flexible software interfaces. Different modules for supporting different functions and data displays are available. The T1000 is equipped with multiple function modules including Analog Source Measurement Units (ASMU), System Control Cards (SCC), Power Supply Units (PSU), 64-channel Analog Pin Cards (APC64), and Extended Application Cards (EAC) for frequency measurement and General Purpose I/O functions. The Digital Communication Card (DCC) provides common communication interfaces such as USB/Ethernet/CAN/SPI/I2C/MIPI and these cater to all types of testing equipment.The T1000 supports up to 1024 testing notes and can be used with PCB of all form factors in IoT, 5G, and automotive applications. Key features include general-purpose in-line/functional testing, production line/automation interface, and standard instrumentation module. The system can be run as a stand-alone meter or integrated with in-line ICT and other testing systems. The highly flexible design can effectively satisfy the testing requirements of servers, automotive electronics, high-end consumer electronic products, and other fields.In conclusion, Chia-Ming Chen said that Aethertek's core advantages in electronics testing equipment include an all-spectrum customization ability and pioneering R&D strategy. The company can provide customers with design services for everything from software, firmware, and hardware to mechanical design, and meet other special requirements from the R&D to mass production testing stage. Aethertek is now a key supplier of top international mobile phone manufacturers. In response to rapid obsolescence in consumer products, Aethertek is now leveraging its extensive industry experience and R&D capability to think ahead and develop technologies that lead to customer requirements by two years. In the future, Aethertek, in its role as the customer's trusted companion, will continue to provide high-value-added services and actively develop emerging markets such as Vietnam.Aethertek is now leveraging its extensive industry experience and R&D capability to think ahead and develop technologies that lead customer requirements by two years. In the future, Aethertek, in its role as the customer's trusted companion, will continue to provide high-value-added services and actively develop emerging markets such as Vietnam.Chia-Ming Chen said that Aethertek's core advantages in electronics testing equipment include an all-spectrum customization ability and a pioneering R&D strategy. The company can provide customers with design services for everything from software, firmware, and hardware to mechanical design, and meet other special requirements from the R&D to mass production testing stage.

Space exploration has long been a driver of innovation and a symbol of national prestige, and Taiwan is positioning itself as a key supply chain player in the global space industry.To align with global trends and strengthen its space industry, Taiwan's Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA), the Ministry of Economic Affairs, organized the Taiwan Accelerator Plus (TAcc+) International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program.This program, executed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), aims to attract international SpaceTech startup talent to Taiwan, assist Taiwan-based SpaceTech startups in accessing global markets, and foster partnerships between enterprises and startups for global expansion. This year, TAcc+ invited eleven startups from seven countries to Taiwan to connect with local research institutions and supply chain players.Focus Areas and Targeted StartupsThe 2024 program emphasizes satellite manufacturing, sensing and imaging technologies, and critical components for rocket manufacturing. It targets mature startups from Europe, India, the Asia Pacific region, and Japan. AICRAFT and Reflex Aerospace are among the selected startups of satellite manufacturing, including satellite bodies, payload, and subsystems.AICRAFTFounded in November 2020, AICRAFT is an Australian-based company focused on making artificial intelligence (AI) more adaptable to onboard platforms, especially in challenging environments like space.AICRAFT's mission is to address the technological gaps in space by developing AI solutions that reduce the need for large, power-hungry systems while enabling efficient data processing in real-time. Space, with its extreme conditions and limited resources, has been identified as one of the most complex environments for technological development, making it the primary focus for AICRAFT's innovative products.AICRAFT offers a range of AI-powered devices known as the Pulsar family, designed for low-power, high-performance computing onboard satellites. These devices help process vast amounts of data in space, with applications across a variety of fields, from environmental monitoring to disaster response.Pulsar Lite: The entry-level device in the Pulsar family, Pulsar Lite is designed for compact platforms like 1U to 3U nanosatellites, small rovers, and copters. It is an ideal onboard computer for missions where space and power are extremely limited but AI processing is still required.Pulsar: A more advanced co-processing unit, Pulsar is typically used in satellites of 6U size and above. It separates satellite navigation and data processing tasks, ensuring that high-performance computing can be carried out independently. Pulsar is often connected to communication systems to transmit processed insights, making it invaluable for applications such as greenhouse gas emissions measurement, real-time meteorology, and ship detection. It can also be used for monitoring environmental changes like water level rise or deforestation.Pulsar Pro: Designed as a miniature server for space, Pulsar Pro is ideal for the real-time processing of radar data or large volumes of Earth observation data from telescopes. Primarily used in small satellite missions, it can also be integrated into SATCOM satellites for efficient management of communications and internal workloads. Pulsar Pro supports ultra-fast computing, enabling applications such as iceberg detection, flood monitoring, land cover changes, and real-time sea state estimation or debris collision avoidance.AICRAFT's edge computing devices are engineered to deliver exceptional performance in a compact form factor, consuming significantly less energy compared to traditional alternatives. Their key advantage lies in their flexibility: AICRAFT devices can handle both small and large computational tasks, which is a critical distinction from other solutions that are typically more restricted in the range of workloads.The reduced power consumption is particularly advantageous for space missions. With a longer battery life, especially during periods when satellites are in Earth's shadow and reliant on stored energy, AICRAFT devices ensure continuous performance. For example, the Pulsar device has been demonstrated to process ship detection data faster than a desktop computer while consuming 20 times less power and occupying a fraction of the desktop's space. For satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO), AICRAFT expects to provide continuous data processing throughout an entire orbit, far surpassing the typical 10-30 minutes of operational uptime offered by conventional systems.In addition to their superior performance and energy efficiency, AICRAFT's devices are designed with radiation-tolerant features. These include latch-up and bit-flipping protection, ensuring that the devices remain immune to radiation effects. This is a key benefit for space operations, where radiation exposure can otherwise cause long-term damage to sensitive equipment. With these features, AICRAFT guarantees mission assurance for extended periods, even in the harshest conditions.AICRAFT is also actively exploring new growth opportunities, particularly in Taiwan, a global hub for high-tech electronics and manufacturing. Sponsored by TAcc+, the company recently visited Taiwan to explore potential collaborations and expand its supply chain. The company sees Taiwan's advanced electronics industry as a strategic advantage, helping to reduce production costs and increase access to cutting-edge technology. They are interested in establishing partnerships to promote AI adoption through innovative products and discussing collaborative projects that could accelerate the development and market entry of several ongoing designs.AICRAFT is keen to establish partnerships with technology integrators, space camera manufacturers, communication system developers, and satellite designers. These collaborations could lead to the integration of AICRAFT's AI-powered devices into existing satellite platforms, enhancing their capabilities and broadening their market potential. The company also sees opportunities to support AI model designers and educational initiatives, offering their products as training tools for universities and organizations focused on AI software development.AICRAFT and LETSCOM MOU Signing during TAITRONICS & AIoT Taiwan 2024. AICRAFT (Left), Dr. Lewis Chen, General Director of CIS at ITRI (Middle), Mr. Randson Huang, General Manager of LETSCOM (Right). Credit: TAcc+Gaining valuable insights and collaborating opportunitiesAICRAFT said "Even though we knew Taiwan was a top destination for manufacturing and electronics, visiting the region firsthand was truly eye-opening. It has given us valuable insights into the possibilities of collaborating with local suppliers and partners." This cooperation will give AICRAFT a wider choice in terms of electronics and cost reduction and empower the company.AICRAFT's discussions with Taiwanese organizations, including the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and ITRI, have been promising. The strong engagements during the TAcc+ program have already resulted in the company signing MoUs with LetsCom (CubeSat and ground station support), Tron Future (onboard radar processing for drones and satellites), and Syscom Computer Engineering (advanced computing support). AICRAFT is optimistic about the potential for growth and collaboration in the region and plans to follow up with key stakeholders after returning to its headquarters in Australia.Oct. 24th Reflex and Tron Future Tech MOU Signing. Reflex (Left), Ms. Chia-Ying Wu, Deputy Director of Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (Middle), Ms. Claire Chang, Business Development Manager of Tron Future Tech (Right). Credit: TAcc+Reflex Aerospace GmbHGerman startup Reflex Aerospace was founded in 2021 by Walter Ballheimer and Alexander Genzel. They've assembled a team with over 40 successful space missions, from small CubeSats to Mars orbiters. The company has secured three commercial contracts and is the fastest and most cost-efficient company to have achieved flight readiness for its first ESPA-Class satellite.By leveraging the latest techniques in satellite development and production and prioritizing mission requirements from the beginning of the design process, Reflex is modernizing the process of sending a payload to orbit. Reflex's ability to rapidly deliver high-performance satellites allows customers to keep up with the latest innovation cycles and maintain their competitive edge.Reflex stands apart by applying cutting-edge commercial manufacturing techniques to satellite manufacturing, dramatically decreasing assembly and integration times.They have already demonstrated their ability to deliver on these ambitious promises. Media Broadcast Satellite (MBS) wanted to launch a cutting-edge payload with demanding performance requirements to space on what would be their first space mission. Reflex was able to host this payload on their first mission: SIGI. From order to delivery, SIGI was completed in a record-setting 18 months.With the trip to Taiwan, which is a key player in the Pacific, Reflex seeks a deeper understanding of the Asian market through meaningful engagements and insights, to explore market dynamics and discover industry trends.To achieve that, it expects to meet with potential partners, especially payload providers, and engage with current and prospective customers. Reflex said it is committed to discussing and providing cutting-edge solutions for national interest challenges such as secure satellite communication and Earth observation technologies, vital for applications such as border control and disaster management.Considering local presence to establish strategic partnershipsReflex Aerospace makes particular note of Tensor Tech, which is already a partner of the German startup, supplying several critical systems for its future missions. For example, SIGI, scheduled to be launched on the SpaceX Transporter 12 mission has several Tensor Tech components.Impressed by Tensor Tech's expertise, Reflex is exploring expanded collaboration opportunities in Taiwan. They are evaluating establishing a local industrial base with Taiwanese partners, including Tensor Tech, Rapidtek, and Tron Future, to build long-term strategic partnerships in the region.Through the TAcc+ program, Reflex has gained valuable insights into Taiwan's dynamic space sector and established connections with key players like Tron Future and Rapidtek, among other institutional and commercial partners. These relationships are central to its Asian expansion strategy and offer mutual benefits: Taiwanese space companies gain access to global markets while Reflex strengthens its presence in the region.Oct. 8th Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) Visit. TASA Deputy Director General Chung-Huei Vicky Chu (row 1, fifth from the left). AICRAFT (row 2, first from the left), Reflex (row 2, fourth and fifth from the left). Credit: TAcc+

Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA), through the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA), organizes the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, a key initiative within the Taiwan Accelerator Plus (TAcc+). This year, TAcc+ invited eleven startups from seven countries to Taiwan to connect with local research institutions and supply chain players.Now in its second year, the program aims to connect local startups with the information and communication technology (ICT) supply chain while attracting talented SpaceTech startups from around the globe to Taiwan. By fosteringpartnerships between established companies and emerging startups, the program seeks to promote innovation and support international expansion.Among the exciting participants in this year's initiative are three innovative startups specializing in launch service:DBSpaceS.r.l.DBSpace is the first IP factory in the world to focus on next-generation electric pumps and enabling the future of propulsion.The startup was established in Italy in 2021. Founders have long multi-industry work experiences matured in world-class organizations (including NASA, Rolls-Royce, ESA, Ferrari, and Uber), a track record of technology delivery at high Technology Readiness Levels, and several experiences as entrepreneurs.DBSpace is dedicated to making high-performance propulsion systems both affordable and simple, offering a comprehensive solution for reusable, cost-effective, and scalable e-pumps. The commitment to innovation enables superior performance through robust technical expertise and a unique "IP factory" platform. By utilizing standardized and scalable technology within an agile R&D framework, DBSpace achieves faster time-to-market and lower costs. The proprietary technology supports the latest trends in space propulsion, including cryogenic liquid methane and LOX, as well as storable green propellants, making it adaptable for a wide range of applications.The e-pumps can be seamlessly integrated into various propulsion systems, including spacecraft, orbital transfer vehicles, kick-stages, planetary exploration vehicles, landers, cargo vehicles, and nano- and micro-launchers. After successfully testing numerous prototypes, DBSpace has garnered interest from multiple companies eager to explore these technological solutions. Letters of Intent have already been signed towards technology and commercial partnerships. Currently, tech demonstrators are being developed for integration into engine test beds, with plans for the first space validation in operational environments.DBSpace employs a dual strategy that focuses on applications both in space and on Earth, driving the development of cutting-edge propulsion systems across various industries, including space, aviation, clean mobility, and energy. The visit to Taiwan is aimed at engaging with the local space and high-tech ecosystem and exploring potential partnerships with manufacturers of rockets, space vehicles, and propulsion systems. Additionally, opportunities in components manufacturing and parts supply are considered, as Taiwan serves as a strategic gateway to the Asia-Pacific region.Fruitful trip leading to future partnershipsHaving visited the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), Advanced Rocket Research Center (ARRC) of NYCU, TiSpace, and several mechanical parts and component suppliers, DBSpace found that they are ideal customers or partners because the company provides technology for propulsion systems. This trip to Taiwan proved to be very fruitful because it also found a potential future partnership with a startup that makes payload systems.DBSpacewas very impressed by Taiwan's semiconductor industry. It aims to build partnerships with local component providers to help it prepare for larger product batches or even mass production in the future.The startup was keen to progress conversations also with micro-launcher manufacturers and looked forward to expanding into the market in Asia. There could be opportunities for DBSpace employees to be stationed in Taiwan in the future.Ethereal Exploration Guild Private LimitedEtherealX is building the world's first, fully reusable medium-lift launch vehicle/rocket, Razor Crest Mk-1. At a maximum 96-hour turnaround for a launch and a launch price as low as $350/kilo, which is 1/35th of the current global launch price average ($12,500/kilo), EtherealX reserves the capacity to enter the market as a disrupter with an opening to significant share. This makes EtherealX the go-to choice for earth-to-orbit and back transportation. The company said the only operational competitor currently in this class is SpaceX, which is booked out until 2026.The founding team of EtherealX consists of highly skilled aerospace professionals, including CEO and Co-Founder Manu J. Nair, a distinguished scientist and astronaut candidate with extensive research experience at organizations like IIAS and ISRO, as well as leadership roles at Manastu Space. COO and Co-Founder Shubhayu Sardar brings nearly a decade of experience from ISRO, where he excelled in engineering, assembly, integration, and testing of PSLV and GSLV rockets, and played a key role in establishing the first Astronaut Training Facility in Bengaluru. Finally, CTO and Co-Founder Prashant Sharma contributed significant technical expertise, with 2,000 seconds of engine test firing experience and a track record of developing a semi-cryogenic engine-powered rocket that reached an altitude beyond the Karman Line. Together, they are well-positioned to drive advancements in the aerospace sector.EtherealX, fueled by a $5 million seed round led by YourNest, is committed to making space access more democratic as a crucial step in human progress. The company plans to launch a Technology Demonstrator Vehicle commercially in 2026 and has acquired 16 acres of land to develop India's largest private engine testing facility.Apart from the Indian government's recognition of its innovative contribution, EtherealX has also made history by becoming the first startup outside of the US and Europe to participate in Beyond Gravity's Launchpad Program, validating its upper-stage technology design. The company was also featured in Forbes India's list of the D Globalist's Select 200 Companies, highlighting its global potential. Additionally, EtherealX secured $100,000 in non-dilutive grants from various relevant schemes, including Startup India, the Government of Karnataka, and MEITy, further solidifying its position in the space sector.EtherealX's business networking goals in Taiwan focus on building strategic partnerships and securing essential suppliers for rocket technology development. In the short term (2024-26), the company aims to collaborate with TASA for joint development of critical technologies and secure suppliers for key components like flight computers, control systems, avionics, and propellant supply. Additionally, EtherealX plans to establish partnerships with research institutes for comprehensive testing, including hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulations, and book payloads for launch vehicles.Looking ahead to the long term (2024-2030), EtherealX intends to identify suppliers for manufacturing machinery, forge long-term partnerships through MoUs, and develop in-house propellant production capabilities. The company also seeks to establish a strong supply chain network to ensure reliable access to critical components for continuous development and manufacturing.Eye-opening experience and opportunities for progressDuring the four weeks in Taiwan, EtherealX visited local suppliers across different industries including semiconductors, metal, space, and electronics. "It was really an eye-opener. The exposure to the local ecosystem and how the current Taiwanese ecosystem works was very informative."EtherealXsaw potential opportunities of supplying system integration services to research institutions and universities in Taiwan, while getting support from local supply chains to bring costs down. Discussions have been progressing.EtherealX's goal is to capture 30% to 40% of the global launch vehicle market. The team has acquired land in Tamil Nadu, a state in southern India, to build India's largest privately developed engine testing facility.Oct. 4th at Advanced Rocket Research Center (ARRC). ARRC Director Tsung-Lin Chen (row 1, second from the right)�BDeputy Director Shih-Sin Wei (row 1, first from the right). DBSpace (row 1, second from the left), EtherealX (row 2, second from the left), Omspace (row 1, first from the left). Credit: TAcc+Omspace Rocket and Exploration Pvt LtdOmspace Rocket and Exploration Pvt Ltd is comprised of seasoned professionals with diverse expertise in the aerospace and space technology sectors.Omspace CEO Ravindra Raj BM has a strong background in electrical engineering and power electronics, particularly in avionics systems, supported by a B.Tech and a Master's degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras. He is joined by Dr. RR Elangova, Vice President of Technical Operations, who has over 40 years of experience in rocket structures with ISRO; Maulik Mota, who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace and specializes in rocket propulsion; JD Patel, the Fabrication Head with nine years of precision manufacturing experience and a state-of-the-art facility; and Giriraj Singh, the Chief Investment Officer, who has over 14 years of experience in investment strategies. Together, this diverse team is well-equipped to drive innovation and success in the space industry.Omspace focuses on developing reusable space launch vehicles for small and nanosatellites, providing cost-effective and flexible satellite launch services. Its flagship project is a rocket capable of launching a 100 kg payload into orbit at a competitive rate of $20,000 per kilogram. The startup specializes in satellite launch services on demand, offering tailored solutions for various international clients. Its commitment to Made-in-India technologies ensures that it integrates local innovation into global space needs. It is also operating a second vertical - Service on Demand by making highly reliable satellites.Omspace believes its competitive edge lies in the affordability and reusability of its launch vehicles, which drastically reduces the cost of launching small satellites, and its Advanced Avionics which helps in denoising any critical electronic components.Omspace has recently made history by successfully test-firing India's first 100% indigenously developed rocket engine at the facility in Sanand, GIDC. Upcoming projects include partnerships with clients from North America, Australia, and the UK. The go-to-market strategy focuses on signing MOUs with educational institutions for industrial-based training, fostering relationships with global satellite companies, and emphasizing international collaborations. Additionally, Omspace is expanding its global presence through strategic partnerships, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia.Engagement with Taiwan's vibrant tech ecosystem presents opportunities to explore potential collaborations in satellite manufacturing, launch services, and advanced space technologies. Through another vertical, Omspace Engineering Solutions, the aim is to provide precision manufacturing services to Taiwan. The objective is to establish strategic partnerships with Taiwanese companies, research institutions, and government agencies so as to contribute to Taiwan's space ambitions while leveraging expertise in cost-effective launch solutions and broadening Omspace's footprint in the region.This visit would serve to facilitate the exploration of opportunities for joint research and development projects while strengthening ties within the space industry and enhancing collaboration on innovative technologies.Fruitful trip leading to MOUs and access to chip design servicesOmspace's visit to ITRI and TASA proved highly impactful, revealing significant collaboration potential, particularly with TASA on satellite solutions and noise reduction technology. Additionally, Omspacesaw promising opportunities to assist ITRI and TASA in expanding their business reach in India.Participating in this year's program has been invaluable for Omspace as it fostered connections with space technology companies not only in Taiwan but also from around the world. "These individuals have been incredibly supportive of one another. We have established strong bonds and plan to sign several MOUs with fellow participants," Omspace stated.The company also expressed interest in accessing IC design services and noted that several solutions are already available within Taiwan.Sep. 30th Welcome Party at the Social Innovation Lab. Deputy Director General Chia-Ying Wu from Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (row 2, fourth from the left), TASA Deputy Director General Chung-Huei Vicky Chu (row 2, third from the left), Deputy Director Kwao-Lun Hsieh of CIS at ITRI (row 2, third from the right). DBSpace (row 3, second from the right), EtherealX (row 1, first from the right), Omspace (row 1, third from the right). Credit: TAcc+

Solidigm, a U.S. subsidiary fully-owned by Korea's SK Hynix, and a leading provider of innovative NAND flash memory solutions, introduced today the 122TB (terabyte) Solidigm D5-P5336 data center SSD, the world's highest capacity PCIe solid-state drive (SSD).The new product, of which storage space doubles the company's earlier 61.44TB version, is the world's first SSD with unlimited Random Write endurance for five years and is expected to offer an optimal solution for AI and data-intensive workloads. The storage of 122.88TB is roughly enough for 4K-quality copies of every movie theatrically released in the 1990s, 2.6 times over.With data storage power, thermal and space constraints accelerating in accordance with increasing AI adoption, the product is expected to help data center operators to deploy with confidence the 122TB D5-P5336 from Solidigm."Data center architects are scrambling to solve their power and space efficiency needs, and they can help address these issues with Solidigm's 122TB D5-P5336 that is designed to make every watt and square inch count," said Greg Matson, Senior Vice President of Strategic Planning and Marketing at Solidigm. "This massive capacity SSD is a game-changer — using far fewer watts per terabyte and freeing up valuable energy for other data center and edge power priorities.""The AI opportunity does not come without challenges, and organizations today are making unprecedented infrastructure power and space decisions," said Travis Vigil, senior vice president, ISG Product Management, Dell Technologies. "Dell Technologies believes that higher density provides the path to maximizing storage energy efficiency while minimizing data center footprint. As we strive towards density in our own solutions, we look forward to continued storage innovations like Solidigm's new 122TB D5-P5336 solid-state drive."Now sampling to customers and planning to start volume shipping in the first quarter of next year, the new 122TB drive is a strong extension to the company's high-capacity SSDs for AI and other data-intensive workloads. With this drive, Solidigm further extends its high-capacity QLC SSD leadership with drives from 7 to 122TB that share the same controller, making them easier for customers to qualify.

To stay aligned with global space industry trends and support Taiwan's efforts to establish a strong space industry, the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs is organizing the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program as part of Taiwan Accelerator Plus (TAcc+). The program executed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), aims to achieve three key objectives: attracting international SpaceTech startup talent to Taiwan, assisting Taiwan-based SpaceTech startups in exploring business opportunities and entering global markets, and fostering partnerships between enterprises and startups for international expansion.TAcc+ collaborates with global startup accelerators and incubators to attract international talent and select foreign startups with mature technologies to bring to Taiwan. These startups receive support through orientation, networking opportunities, and exposure to Taiwan's thriving space industry and technology exhibitions. For 2024, the program focuses on startups involved in satellite manufacturing system integration, sensing and imaging technologies, and critical rocket manufacturing and launching components.In this context, three international companies—Skyroot Aerospace, SpaceDreamS, and IDDK—were invited to Taiwan for this year's program, where they shared their unique technological advantages and their expectations for potential collaboration with Taiwan's ICT industry. Skyroot Aerospace, based in India, provides affordable and flexible launch services through its Vikram series rockets, specializing in small satellite constellations for applications like Earth observation and communication. French company SpaceDreamS focuses on modular ground segment solutions with its NuPad platform, reducing costs for space access. Meanwhile, the Japanese startup IDDK specializes in micro-imaging technology with its compact Micro Imaging Device (MID), designed to provide cost-effective automated solutions for space biology experiments.Skyroot Aerospace Private LimitedFounded by former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists Pawan Kumar Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka, Skyroot Aerospace is based in India. The company boasts a team of more than 300 people with over 2,000 years of combined experience in rocketry and aerospace engineering, specializing in propulsion systems, avionics, and systems engineering. Skyroot's mission is to democratize space access by developing affordable, reliable, and on-demand launch vehicles.Skyroot's flagship product line, the Vikram series of rockets, caters to a variety of satellite sizes and payload capacities ranging from 200 kg to 1 ton, aimed at Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO) missions. Their Orbit Adjust Module (OAM) enhances flexibility by offering multi-ignition capabilities for precise orbit placement, making it adaptable to a range of satellite needs. Additionally, Skyroot incorporates 3D printing in its engine designs, significantly reducing manufacturing time and costs.Skyroot Aerospace's primary competitive edge lies in its cost-effective and customizable launch services. The use of advanced 3D-printed components and rapid manufacturing techniques reduces both production costs and turnaround times. Skyroot's strategic location in India provides an economic advantage with access to diverse launch trajectories.In November 2022, Skyroot successfully launched Vikram-S, India's first privately developed rocket, reaching suborbital space. This achievement not only showcased the reliability of their technology but also positioned Skyroot as a key player in the global space market.Skyroot Aerospace's visit to Taiwan aims to explore the local space ecosystem, seeking collaboration opportunities with Taiwanese companies in areas like technology transfer and joint development. The company intends to build strategic partnerships with satellite manufacturers, research institutions, and government agencies, focusing on cooperation in launch services and satellite missions. Additionally, Skyroot plans to assess market demand for its services in Taiwan and Southeast Asia, identifying avenues for expansion.Skyroot explores space collaboration with TaiwanDuring its visit to Taiwan, Skyroot's interactions with various organizations and companies have left it confident about future collaborations with Taiwan's evolving space industry. The company engaged in in-depth discussions with various Taiwanese institutions. Among these was the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), with whichSkyroot explored joint opportunities in satellite and launch vehicle advancements."TASA's ambitions for satellite and launchpad development are very impressive." Sireesh Pallikonda, Skyroot's VP of Business Development and Launch Services proposed its Vikram series of launch vehicles to meet Taiwan's satellite deployment needs, marking the potential for significant technological cooperation. He also underscored the strategic advantage of Taiwan's location for low-inclination orbit launches, positioning it as a potential regional space launch hub.In addition to TASA, Skyroot met with leading Taiwanese universities, including National Central University (NCU) and National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), to explore partnerships. Pallikonda mentioned that Skyroot is collaborating with NCU on two upcoming satellite launches scheduled for 2025, focusing on technology demonstration and studying ionizing radiation effects in space. In terms of Taiwan's industries, they met with local companies such as LETSCOM, DSME, Rapidtek, and LUXOR THERMAL, focusing on components that are less accessible in India, like advanced solar cells, semiconductor chips, and thermal protection systems. "We are exploring partnerships where we can find synergies and support each other."SpaceDreamS SASEstablished in 2021 in Paris and Toulouse, SpaceDreamS is the brainchild of Christian Canart, a former aerospace engineer at the French space agency CNES with over two decades of experience. The company currently employs a team of 20, combining seasoned professionals from Thales, the French giant of aerospace/space, and the European "NewSpace" sector. SpaceDreamS specializes in designing modular spaceport infrastructure, providing turn-key ground solutions to streamline space launches.SpaceDreamS is revolutionizing the ground segment of the space industry with its modular and interoperable platform, NuPad (Next-generation Universal Pad), which adapts to different spaceports and testing phases. This solution is designed for cost reduction, as it allows reusability of the infrastructure for multiple launches at various locations, thus reducing setup times and expenses. With support from CNES and the European Space Agency (ESA), SpaceDreamS aims to foster competitive advantages for European space actors through modular and cost-effective ground segment technologies.The spaceports have historically been monopolies with limited innovation, high costs, and inefficiencies. SpaceDreamS tries to address the issues by offering reusable and transportable ground infrastructure. The company provides a compelling alternative that significantly reduces the cost and time associated with space access. Their solutions are highly scalable and designed to support varying launch needs from commercial entities to governmental bodies.SpaceDreamS is a multiple winner of the France 2030 program, receiving support from national and European institutions.SpaceDreamS looks for strategic partnerships in Taiwan's NewSpace industryDuring its visit to Taiwan, SpaceDreamS would like to explore potential partnerships with local industries for manufacturing and software development and engage with universities in Taiwan for talent recruitment. They focus on establishing a presence in Taiwan by collaborating with local partners in the NewSpace sector. The company met with officials from the Taiwan Space Agency (TASA) and ITRI, where they introduced their advanced ground system solutions."The professionalism and dedication within Taiwan's space industry are impressive," Maxence Bousard-Mitout, Business Development and Finance Manager at SpaceDreamS expressed appreciation for TASA's capabilities in satellite design and manufacturing. Through these initial discussions, SpaceDreamS aims to leverage Taiwanese expertise to enhance its space services.SpaceDreamS also connected with Taiwan's academic sector, including the Advanced RocketResearch Center (ARRC) of NYCU, to explore future collaboration possibilities in aerospace technology. "The ARRC team's ongoing projects in satellite telemetry are impressive, as they blend research with practical industry applications, fostering an environment of innovation," Bousard-Mitout said.SpaceDreamS also focused on identifying industry partners for specialized components and technical support. The company was particularly interested in collaborating with DarShengMechanical Engineering (DSME) and Letscom. "The flexible approach of Taiwan's industry and its willingness to work with startups like ours is remarkable," Bousard-Mitout observed. SpaceDreamS aims to secure high-quality materials and testing facilities, thereby enhancing its position in the Asian space industry by establishing partnerships with these companies.IDDK Co., LtdFounded in 2017, the Japanese startup, IDDK, is led by a team of experts in semiconductor technologies, space industry veterans, and business strategists. Its core solution is known as the Micro Imaging Device (MID), a semiconductor-based one-chip micro-imaging technology designed for versatile environments, including space. This semiconductor-based imaging solution eliminates the need for optical lenses, making it compact, lightweight, and highly adaptable, becoming an ideal tool for conducting space biology experiments via satellite platforms.One of the major limitations of current space biology research is the reliance on the International Space Station (ISS), where experiments are costly and require long preparation times. IDDK's MID technology addresses these challenges by providing an automated, cost-effective, and frequent alternative to ISS-based research. This allows for frequent and cost-effective experiments leveraging the conditions of microgravity and space radiation, thereby driving innovations that are challenging to achieve on Earth, in areas such as drug development, regenerative medicine, and aging studies.The company's technology stands out not only for its innovative design but also for its ability to operate in unmanned satellite environments, eliminating the need for astronauts to manually adjust and monitor experiments. This opens the door to a broader range of research opportunities, making space-based biological research more accessible and scalable. Additionally, MID's patented design and its capability to perform under harsh space conditions give IDDK a strong position in the competitive landscape.IDDK's MID technology has successfully been developed and tested on Earth, setting the stage for its deployment in space. Its initial go-to-market strategy focuses on collaborating with researchinstitutions and public agencies already engaged in space biology and providing them with a one-stop service from experiment design to execution. For the global market, IDDK plans to expand into the pharmaceutical, healthcare, and cosmetics sectors, leveraging partnerships with satellite providers and targeting markets in Asia, Europe, and North America. They just signed an MOU with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre in Dubai, demonstrating the commitment to global expansion and the increasing demand for space biology platforms.Oct. 9 Academia-Industry Collaboration Workshop at National Central University (NCU). Professor Loren Chang from the Space Science and Engineering department (row 1, seventh from the left). Skyroot (row 2, fifth from the right), SpaceDreamS (row 2, fifth from the left), IDDK (row 2, fourth from the right). Credit: TAcc+IDDK's examination of Taiwan's space tech ecosystem and potential collaborationsFor their visit to Taiwan, IDDK's team aims to explore partnership opportunities with local space and tech companies, research institutions, and potential investors, expand IDDK's presence in the Asia-Pacific region, and establish collaborations that can accelerate the adoption of their space biology platforms. They also seek to understand Taiwan's SpaceTech ecosystem and identify synergies that align with their mission to make space-based research more accessible, cost-effective, and frequent. IDDK also hopes to engage with local stakeholders to showcase the potential of MID technology and its applications in advancing space biology and related fields.Kohei Yoshioka, the Co-CEO & CFO of IDDK was impressed by Taiwan's advancements in space technology and its collaborative potential during the visit to TASA. Mr. Yoshioka from IDDK remarked that "engagement with TASA provided key insights into how government support in Taiwan fosters innovation in space technology." Through these interactions, IDDK saw how Taiwan's initiatives in satellite-based applications and microgravity research could align with its vision for microgravity experimentation, opening avenues for future collaboration. "We will continue discussions and explore how our platform can benefit Taiwan."In terms of exchanges with Taiwan's academic community, Mr. Yoshioka exchanged ideas with top researchers from National Central University (NCU) by participating in the International SpaceTech Startup Academia-Industry Collaboration Workshop. "Our discussions highlighted the academic interest in utilizing space environments for biological and pharmaceutical research," he noted. Taiwan's researchers expressed a strong demand for accessible and frequent microgravity experimentation, aligning with IDDK's mission to democratize space-based research. This synergy has set the foundation for a promising partnership focused on aging and drug development research.As for the collaboration opportunities with Taiwan's industry, Mr. Yoshioka mentioned that "Taiwan's satellite manufacturing sector combined with our bio-research technology can pave the way for joint product development." Additionally, he expressed interest in collaborating with companies for applications in drug testing, regenerative medicine, and commercializing space-based research. IDDK is looking forward to understanding more of Taiwan's ecosystem, reinforcing its interest in establishing a local presence, and deepening connections within Asia's rapidly growing space industry.SummarySkyroot Aerospace, SpaceDreamS, and IDDK are at the forefront of reshaping the space industry. Skyroot's innovative launch vehicles cater to a wide range of satellite operators with flexible and cost-effective solutions. SpaceDreamS is revolutionizing ground infrastructure with its modular spaceport designs, while IDDK offers biological experiment platforms in low earth orbit, leveraging its proprietary MID technology. Together, these companies are driving the next generation of space services.Oct. 24th AIoT Taiwan & TAITRONICS exhibition.Deputy Director General Chia-Ying Wu from Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration, Ministry of Economic Affairs (seventh from the left), Lewis Chen - General Director of CIS at ITRI (eighth from the left).Skyroot (sixth from the right), SpaceDreamS (fourth from the right), IDDK (fifth from the left). Credit: TAcc+

Lithium batteries now form an integral part of modern-day living and can be seen in multiple applications such as power tools, vacuum cleaners, mobile devices, and electric bicycles. Holtek, with its extensive development involvement in lithium battery management products for many years, has accumulated a rich array of research and development experience. Holtek will continue to build upon this experience and fully intends to extend its charger series of MCUs as well as its lithium battery management AFE/MCUs series to meet the lithium battery charger application needs for a wide range of diverse market areas.Charger MCUsThe Holtek charger MCU series, the HT45R/F5Q, incorporates a number of technology advantages to meet the basic specification needs of chargers but also offers additional functions to improve charger safety and functionality. The MCUs have a predictive protection mechanism that can detect the battery status before charging commences to provide additional safety. In addition, the charging management process supports a customized charging curve design that can adapt to the needs of different batteries. For production efficiency optimization, Holtek MCUs include up to two fully integrated 14-bit DACs, which can implement both precise voltage and current control. By using the "Charger Volume Production Fixture" platform, the calibration time can be reduced from 60 seconds to 10 seconds. This time reduction will provide significant improvements in production efficiency and also reduce production line manpower. These MCUs also provide support for battery identification and online updating of the program library using a CAN Bus, ensuring that the charger used can adapt to newly shipped batteries which will extend battery life and compatibility.Lithium battery management AFE/MCUHoltek's range of lithium battery management devices is divided into AFEs and BMS MCUs. These have a complete array of lithium battery safety protection mechanisms that can adapt to different design requirements. The battery detection and protection functions are able to precisely monitor and control over-voltage and under-voltage conditions and have an additional function to detect when the battery pack is disconnected. There is also a fully integrated power component protection function to detect and protect from short-circuit situations which can set the response time in accordance with the product needs to ensure battery pack stability. The battery balancing function will reduce any voltage difference to extend battery life and its ultra-low power consumption mode can reduce the standby current to only 0.1µA, thus providing extended standby times.The Holtek lithium battery management devices can support up to eight battery strings, but during 2025 the company expects to also release further devices that will support 10, 13, 16, and 24 strings. These new devices will meet the lithium battery pack management requirements for products in high-voltage and large-capacity applications. To provide assistance to designers in order to reduce their development time, Holtek provides a "Charger Development Workshop" and a "Lithium Battery Management Development Workshop". With an easy-to-use graphical interface, chargers and lithium battery management products can be rapidly developed removing the need for writing code. More details are available on the Holtek official website or if preferred contact Holtek's sales representatives and agents.

Smiths Interconnect is thrilled to announce that its DaVinci 112 high-speed test socket received the prestigious Best Test Measurement Award of the Year at the Global Electronics Achievement Awards (GEAA) ceremony held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Shenzhen. This annual event honors industry leaders and companies making significant contributions to global electronics innovation.Organized by ASPENCORE, the Global Electronics Achievement Awards recognizes the industry's elite, including companies, managers, and products that have demonstrated exceptional performance and leadership. The award review committee, comprising senior ASPENCORE industry analysts and user groups from Asia, the United States, and Europe, selected the DaVinci 112 test socket for its outstanding commercial performance and technical innovation.Representing Smiths Interconnect at the ceremony were Frank Zhou, Global R&D Director, and Eason Xu, Sales Director of China Semiconductor Testing Division. Together with industry peers, they celebrated the achievements of the year and the bright future of semiconductor technology.Photo: Smiths Interconnect Global R&D Director Frank Zhou came to the stage to receive the award.Credit: Smiths InterconnectThe DaVinci 112 high-speed test socket is engineered to meet the rigorous demands of chip testing. It supports large-size chips up to 130x130mm with more than 30,000 input/outputs and a coplanarity tolerance of up to 0.65mm, effectively preventing connection issues due to poor coplanarity and ensuring superior signal integrity.Credit: Smiths InterconnectSmiths Interconnect's R&D team developed an innovative mechanical structure to prevent socket warping, a common challenge in high-pin-count and high-power testing applications. This design enhancement guarantees reliable ground contact, delivering improved power transmission and signal isolation. Additionally, the DaVinci 112's use of advanced IM conductive materials offers robust mechanical stability, making it an ideal choice for high-speed, high-power chip testing in sectors such as high-performance computing, data centers, and mobile devices.Frank Zhou, Global R&D Director of Smiths Interconnect Semiconductor Test Division, shared his pride in the DaVinci 112's recognition, stating, "We are honored by the positive feedback from both customers and the market. Smiths Interconnect remains committed to pushing the boundaries of technology, embracing innovation, and prioritizing customer needs as we look forward to introducing the next game-changing products in our DaVinci series."

pxCode provides a no-code web development tool like WordPress that significantly shortens the learning curve for webpage designers, saving them from having to learn how to split a webpage layout into sections and write code. More than that, pxCode's tool allows webpage designers to export high-quality responsive code to meet wide-ranging customization needs, thereby largely cutting down development costs and time. For traditional webpages to properly display across today's growingly diverse mobile devices, web developers have to transform them into responsive web design (RWD) so that they render well on screens of all sizes. This imposes a great burden on development engineers.According to pxCode founder Chris Chang, when transforming a traditional website into RWD, development engineers have to split the webpage design into multiple sections, write the code, and then rearrange the layout. The process is complex and cumbersome. In particular, webpages made with no code or low code tools generally have a large amount of useless code. They are a huge hassle for development engineers to work on. There are a lot of design-to-code solutions available on the market but their usability has room for improvement. pxCode automates the complex work of splitting webpage layout, making web development 20 times more efficientAs a seasoned veteran in web development, Chang established pxCode with his partners in 2023. The aim is to provide an automated tool that creates high-quality responsive webpage code and thereby saves developers from the tedious work of writing line after line of code and checking if the code matches the design. Not only does the tool meet developer needs, but it also enables them to create applications faster and more efficiently. pxCode's tool can automate 80% of code writing. The code it generates is easy to read, modify, and integrate so that developers can focus on designing the programming logic, user interface, and appealing features. Making the web development job at least 20 times more efficient, pxCode's tool has more than 200,000 registered users worldwide.Chang commented that the traditional approach wherein web developers manually write code corresponding to the page layout is not only time-consuming but also error-prone. A minor mismatch may result in a significant impact on brand image. Combining AI and manual editing capability, pxCode's tool features high precision. It ensures the generated HTML code is 100% correct while staying true to the original webpage design with minimum human interference. Furthermore, pxCode provides a collaborative environment that facilitates collaboration between designers and developers so as to boost project efficiency. Last but not least, the user's original design, for example, a Figma file, can be directly imported to pxCode's tool and converted to an ideal HTML structure.For example, pxCode's tool allows developers to preview the webpage with just a simple click to see how it renders on different browsers and screens of different sizes. They can also share the webpage URL with others for real-time feedback and updates, thereby increasing project efficiency.Boasting speed and quality, pxCode expands into global marketsFor example, it takes one to two days for a front-end web developer at a well-known web design firm in New York to split a webpage layout into sections. That is, just splitting the webpage layout into sections for a 30-page project requires one to two months. Now with pxCode' tool, it takes about two weeks for one of the firm's developers to complete three projects and split the layout for more than 100 webpages. pxCode' tool helps the firm effectively reduce operating expenses and boost front-end web developers' work efficiency. Although pxCode's tool has made great achievements, the current code naming quality has room for improvement. To address this, pxCode hopes to make use of the generative AI services made available by Amazon Web Services (AWS) through its participation in the Startup Terrace Kaohsiung AWS JIC program. As a matter of fact, it is now incorporating Claude 3.5 Sonnet, a large language model (LLM) on Amazon Bedrock, a fully managed service that makes high-performing foundation models (FMs) from leading AI companies, for code naming optimization as well as proof-of-concept for transforming image files and metadata into program code. It is currently able to achieve up to 80% accuracy in generating code combined with CSS naming and other functions, resulting in significant man-hour savings. After further fine-tuning, this feature will be made available to users in the upcoming product upgrade.According to Chang, two foreign companies offer similar tools and services to pxCode. Customers indicate that pxCode's tool outperforms competitors in terms of development speed and code quality. In 2024, pxCode is undertaking all-out efforts to expand into the U.S. It hopes to leverage the Startup Terrace Kaohsiung AWS JIC program to make its product even more competitive so as to gain ground in the global marketplace going forward.pxCode’s AI responsive code editor makes web development 10 times fasterPhoto: pxCode

To meet the strong market demand for translation tools, translation technology developments have been well underway for years. However, machine translation of natural languages has mostly been based on statistical models or linguistic rules coupled with vocabulary and sentence correlations built from a large parallel corpus. These types of tools are mostly for general-purpose use and are only good for translating commonly used terms or simple everyday conversations. They are inadequate for professional applications such as translating books and financial reports. These types of translation tasks often require qualified human translators but it may take longer and cost more.According to Universal Language AI COO Yu-De Fei (Alan), a financial report is generally longer than 200 pages and has more than 200,000 words. It takes months to translate a financial report. In the case of a tight deadline, the company will need to hire multiple professional translators and pay a higher fee to have its financial report translated in time. When it comes to translation for medical, financial, mechanical, and legal sectors, translators with field-specific knowledge are needed. Not only are they hard to find but they are also expensive to hire. Many companies are endeavoring to use generative AI to develop automated translation solutions. Lingo Bagel focuses on the translation of financial reports and medical documents. It collaborates with multiple translation agencies to allow the expertise of professional translators to deliver maximum benefit. Lingo Bagel also builds dedicated translation models for companies to guarantee top-quality and top-speed translation services.Using a dedicated model coupled with a professional terminology database, Lingo Bagel completes financial report translation in 60 minutesWith traditional translation, the process takes a long time, the quality may be poor and it is difficult to find professional native speakers. To address the three major pain points, Universal Language AI, established in 2023, used AI coupled with a group of accountants' expertise to develop Lingo Bagel. Its solution has been successfully used by a great many customers. First of all, Universal Language AI worked with dozens of accountants to build a professional terminology database containing more than 2,000 terms compliant with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Secondly, it built a dedicated AI model for financial reports, which together with the professional terminology database ensures the terms used in the translation are correct and consistent. To speed up the translation process, Universal Language AI incorporated a systematic workflow, which enables Lingo Bagel to complete the translation of a 200-page, 200,000-word financial report in 60 minutes. Alan noted that Lingo Bagel can precisely translate Chinese financial reports containing professional finance and accounting terminologies into English even if they come in different structures. Lingo Bagel has helped multiple small and mid-size accounting firms complete the translation of financial reports totaling more than one million words and one thousand pages. With respect to translation speed, Lingo Bagel completed the translation of a nursing book that has 400,000 words and 800 pages into Chinese in five days for Taipei Medical University. According to a translation agency that the university approached for a quote, the same task would cost NT$1 million and take 18 months. With Lingo Bagel, the cost was reduced to just one-tenth and the amount of time saved was far more significant. Apart from financial reports and medical books, Universal Language AI has also expanded into game and press release translation. For example, Lingo Bagel translated a Japanese game for a gaming company. The translated script was given back to the game marketing team in a snap for proofreading and polishing, significantly shortening the upgrade cycle. Lingo Bagel also translated a Korean press release for a gaming company. The task was assigned in the morning and completed in the afternoon on the same day. The amazing speed largely boosted the efficiency of press release distribution.Leveraging Startup Terrace Kaohsiung AWS JIC resources to target global marketsAs a seasoned entrepreneur, Alan learned of the Startup Terrace Kaohsiung AWS JIC program and immediately pushed for Universal Language AI to participate in the program. He hopes that the startup resources made available through the project will accelerate Universal Language AI's growth and help expand its footprint in the global marketplace.According to Alan, Lingo Bagel uses Amazon Rekognition from Amazon Web Services (AWS), which automates image recognition and video analysis, to quickly identify and extract the text on the customer's user interface and perform comparisons across different languages. On top of that, it uses Amazon Bedrock, a fully managed service that makes high-performing foundation models (FMs) from leading AI companies, to generate UI text and polish translation results, thereby optimizing Lingo Bagel's service quality and performance. Lingo Bagel currently offers translation in multiple languages, including Chinese-English, Chinese-Korean, Chinese-Japanese, Korean-English, and Japanese-English two-way translation services. Universal Language AI is reaching out to translation agencies across the globe for partnership opportunities.In addition, Universal Language AI plans to work with publishing houses in Taiwan to translate more foreign language books into Chinese, allowing people in Taiwan to read more quality books.

The memory technology market has experienced significant fluctuations in recent years, marked by production cuts and shifting prices. The beginning of 2024 saw a gradual recovery, driven by rising demand for DDR4 and DDR5 RAM modules, as well as high-bandwidth memory (HBM). These trends created opportunities for inventories to stabilize and spurred companies to shift support back toward memory component manufacturing.As shifts in pricing and production methods continue, electronic component procurement specials seek competitive advantages through cost-saving strategies for memory chips.Price Escalations in Early 2024The first half of 2024 experienced an escalation in memory prices due to supply chain disruptions and imbalances. In January, solid-state drive (SSD) prices surged by 15 to 35%, driven by high demand for NAND, DRAM, and CXL advancements, while high-capacity SSD allocations remained limited.In the first quarter, 3D NAND wafers and enterprise and client SSD costs went up by 23 to 28%. Forecasts for Q2 indicated NAND Flash prices would increase by another 13 to 18%. Analysts expected Micron, a major memory manufacturer, to increase costs by over 20%.At this point, the DRAM market still had lower demand and, consequently, less dramatic cost fluctuations. Inventory levels were decreasing, but they were not yet at a healthy level. Forecasts indicated DRAM contract prices would increase, but only by three to eight percent.As manufacturers recognized the turning point in the market, Samsung announced a strategic shift toward high-value products. After reducing production by up to 50% for certain items the previous year, the company ramped up 32-gigabit DDR5 and HBM3E production to cater to the increasing demand for high-density memory products, particularly in AI applications.Supply chain disruptions and further price hikesAs of October, memory module prices have increased every quarter in 2024 as manufacturers report supply imbalances and respond to supply chain disruptions. In April, Western Digital announced AI demand was increasing HDD market activity, contributing to a cyclical recovery after several quarters of weak demand. The manufacturer consequently warned customers to expect changes in NAND Flash and hard drive prices. Samsung followed Western Digital's lead and raised enterprise SSD prices by 20 to 25% due to supply shortages and increased interest in AI.A significant challenge arose in April when a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Taiwan. This disaster led to widespread production halts and delays in pricing negotiations, with forecasts predicting potential price increases of up to 20% across various memory products. Following the earthquake, Micron temporarily suspended quoting activities, resulting in a 25% increase in prices for LPDDR5 and DDR5, alongside extended lead times exceeding 12 weeks for certain components.Adding to the supply chain complexities, a strike at Samsung began in July, resulting in about 20% of workers ceasing production. The strike included workers from the device experience and semiconductor divisions nationwide, with early reports suggesting the consumer electronics side of Samsung's business would be most affected. The NSEU, which represents about 30,000 members, accounts for a quarter of the company's workforce in South Korea.Operations resumed on August 1, but the possibility of disruption highlighted how the supply chain continues to be subject to disruption, especially with companies like Samsung controlling one of the largest shares of the memory market.AI: A Driving Force for Memory ProductsThe growing popularity of HBM, especially among AI customers, prompted manufacturers to pivot toward this higher-margin product. Samsung is one of the companies leading this trend, as they have pivoted production away from components like DDR5 to support HBM3. Samsung has since joined forces with Nvidia to provide HBM3 and maintain packaging for Nvidia's in-demand AI GPUs. Nvidia recently qualified Samsung's HBM3E chips, and Samsung plans to allocate existing DRAM capacity to HBM3E production.Shifts like these are what lead to end-of-life notices as manufacturers prioritize newer technologies. DDR3 was the first to fall in this instance, as Samsung and SK Hynix announced their exit from DDR3 in May. Prices consequently increased by 20% as supply dwindled, a trend expected to persist through the end of the year. DRAM module costs were similarly subject to change, with market intelligence sources indicating costs would increase by another 10% to 15% throughout Q2.Even with the pivots towards HBM capacity support, supply is unable to match demand. Major players Micron and SK Hynix signaled around mid-year that tight supply conditions would persist into 2025. Both companies had already sold out of 2024 product capacity by June, with 2025 allocation depleting quickly.Demand shows no signs of slowing down, which means manufacturing will likely continue to struggle with meeting demand. Industry leaders anticipate AI applications will sustain profitability through the latter half of 2024. As demand continues to expand, key manufacturers are prepared to implement further price increases, with Micron announcing a 15% increase for LPDDR5 at the start of the third quarter.Adjusting to Evolving Pricing DynamicsAs 2024 approaches its end, evolving pricing dynamics persist for the memory market. Suppliers like Samsung are advocating significant price hikes, and some reports estimate increases of up to 12% in the fourth quarter. Unsurprisingly, there have been noticeable pushbacks from customers, leading to speculation that a more moderate growth of 5 to 8% may be more realistic as buyers resist steeper price jumps.The market shows signs of stabilization as major manufacturers like Micron, Samsung, and SK Hynix have largely recovered from earlier losses, particularly in Q2. Coupled with growing customer pushback on inflated costs, this is driving suppliers to reassess pricing strategies. As a result, the anticipated Q4 price increases are lower than expected, signaling a potential for more balanced pricing moving forward.Strategic Recommendations for Procurement ProfessionalsKnowing how global supply chain trends affect supply and demand cycles is crucial for navigating market complexities. Staying agile and informed is the key to thriving in this ever-evolving memory commodity supply chain.To navigate the complexities of the current memory market, procurement, and supply chain professionals can implement the following strategies:1. Monitor Market Trends: Stay informed about fluctuations and strategic shifts in production priorities, particularly concerning HBM and DDR5.2. Build Buffer Stocks: Consider building buffer stocks to mitigate risks associated with supply constraints and price increases. This proactive approach can help maintain stability in your supply chain.3. Diversify Suppliers: Expand your supplier base to ensure a consistent supply of high-demand memory products. Relying on multiple sources can reduce the impact of disruptions from any single supplier.4. Leverage Strategic Partnerships: Form strategic partnerships with key manufacturers to secure better pricing and priority access to critical memory components. These relationships can provide a competitive edge in a tight market.5. Adapt to New Pricing Models: Be prepared to adjust your pricing strategies in response to suppliers' transitions, such as Samsung's shift to a quarterly pricing model.Preparing for the Future of Memory TechnologyAs the memory market evolves, characterized by significant price fluctuations and ongoing supply chain challenges, cost savings and strategic sourcing will be pivotal in navigating further uncertainties in 2025. Staying informed about market trends and implementing proactive strategies will be essential for procurement professionals to maintain competitive advantages.About Fusion WorldwideFusion Worldwide is the preeminent open-market distributor of electronic components and products. We source, inspect, test, and deliver a broad range of components to a large and diversified customer base that includes OEMs, CMs, and ODMs across a wide array of verticals. Founded in 2001, Fusion is headquartered in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and maintains offices and quality centers in major manufacturing centers around the world.For more information about the impact of AI on the memory, hardware, networking, and other commodity groups within the electronic component supply chain – visit fusionww.com and download The State of the Industry Report | Volume Two: The Impact of AI on the Electronic Component Supply Chain.