Semes, the semiconductor equipment subsidiary of Samsung Electronics, has had its semiconductor cleaning process technology recognized by the South Korean government as a National Core Technology (NCT). This recognition positions Semes as a global leader in advanced semiconductor cleaning processes.
Korean media outlets, including Korea Economic Daily and ZDNet Korea, reported that Semes' in-house developed semiconductor cleaning process has been reviewed and approved by South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) and the Korea Industry Technology Association.
NCT refers to industrial technologies with high technical and economic value, whose overseas leakage could cause significant damage to national interests. With this designation, Semes has been recognized as one of the world's leading companies in semiconductor cleaning processes technology.
South Korea implemented this system in 2007 to strengthen protection against potential risks. Under their technology protection regulations, any leakage of NCTs could result in legal penalties. Semes is therefore tightening access to technical data, enhancing collaboration protocols with partner companies, and upgrading its safety and infrastructure measures.
Semes' technology is suitable for sub-30nm DRAM, foundry processes, and 64-layer and above 3D NAND Flash. The technology covers design, processing, component integration, and 3D stacking technologies.
In 2022, Semes developed a supercritical drying process for semiconductors, which was also designed as an NCT. That year, they recorded annual revenues of KRW3 trillion (US$2.2 billion). CEO Sang-pil Sim emphasized that as the importance of protecting and nurturing industrial technology grows, Semes will apply for South Korea's strategic advanced technology certifications to safeguard core processes and seek further government support to maintain their global leadership.
Article edited by Jack Wu
