DIGITIMES Asia: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

Qilimanjaro targets analog quantum computing for AI data center integration within 10 years

Lily Hess — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:46:46 GMT

The timeline for quantum computing to become commercially viable has shrunk from decades to potentially within 10 years, driven by surging AI demand. That is the view of Dr. Marta P. Estarellas, CEO of Spanish quantum firm Qilimanjaro, which is positioning analog quantum computing as a key technology for future data centers.

Open Cosmos wins Ka-band spectrum, targets sovereign LEO networks over mass connectivity

Levi Li — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:46:25 GMT

In the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite market, the spotlight has largely been on major operators such as SpaceX's Starlink and Amazon's Project Kuiper. In early 2026, UK-based space technology firm Open Cosmos began drawing industry attention following an intense spectrum licensing battle.

MSP+ eyes 2026 growth with new Yangmei plant, advances in Micro LED and CPO

Lily Hess — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:45:51 GMT

Micraft System Plus (MSP+), a supplier of mass transfer and laser technology equipment, will officially open its new Yangmei factory in northern Taiwan in May 2026, significantly boosting production capacity for large-scale G4.5 and above laser devices. The company expects to benefit from the ramp-up of Micro LED equipment shipments, driving full-year revenue and profit growth while strategically positioning itself within the AI supply chain.

Mirle, UAT form robotics venture for global expansion

Levi Li — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:45:35 GMT

Automation solutions provider Mirle announced plans to establish a joint venture with United Alloy-Tech Company (UAT), aiming to capture opportunities in the global automation and robotics market.

Samsung files injunction to prevent union from occupying chip facilities

Lily Hess — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:44:53 GMT

Samsung Electronics has taken legal action amid escalating labor disputes with its union, filing for an injunction at a South Korean court on April 16, 2026, to prevent the union from illegally occupying key semiconductor facilities. Halting chip production at the company's facilities could have ramifications for global semiconductor supplies.

India roundup: China's supply-chain squeeze tests India's industrial rise

DIGITIMES — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:44:24 GMT

India's push to build a domestic advanced manufacturing ecosystem is facing renewed pressure as China tightens control over critical battery and EV technologies, while TCL considers restructuring its India TV unit and Taiwan's Rapidtek partners with India's HEX20 in satellite development, according to DIGITIMES reports. Separately, the UK has confirmed GBP380 million in support for Tata's Agratas battery plant in Somerset, underscoring intensifying global competition to secure EV and advanced manufacturing supply chains.

Taiyo Yuden raises MLCC prices, Murata takes the lead, Samsung to follow suit

Emily Kuo — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:44:04 GMT

Japanese electronic components maker Taiyo Yuden recently issued a price increase notice, announcing that it will raise prices on some products starting in May, specifically in the multilayer ceramic capacitor (MLCC) market.

Toyota Corolla's standard ADAS raises global debate on subscriptions

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:43:48 GMT

A budget-friendly Toyota Corolla in the US offering standard, zero-cost advanced driver-assistance systems could reshape global expectations by undercutting automakers that rely on paid software subscriptions. The move intensifies pressure on manufacturers to include essential ADAS features at purchase and challenges the economics of subscription-based vehicle services and consumer attitudes worldwide.

Geely's AI-powered i-HEV challenges Toyota's hybrid dominance

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:43:04 GMT

Geely Auto Group's new intelligent hybrid electric vehicle platform promises to shake up the global hybrid market by consolidating smart driving, cockpit, and chassis functions into a single central controller, potentially lowering fuel consumption and challenging established hybrid leaders — while offering an alternative to full battery electric vehicles for consumers.

AI agents are slipping past enterprise defenses

Jingyue Hsiao — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 23:42:49 GMT

Palo Alto Networks warns that the rise of AI agents — now operating with human-like identities and largely through browsers — is reshaping enterprise practices worldwide and creating new governance and security challenges. Organizations face risks from data leakage, autonomous agent interactions, and inadequate browser controls, requiring new approaches to traceability and operational limits.

CFIUS kills Sanan's bid for Lumileds, adding to Chinese LED giant's mounting troubles

Eifeh Strom — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:51:26 GMT

Chinese LED giant Sanan Optoelectronics has abandoned its US$239 million bid to acquire Lumileds, the Dutch high-end LED maker, after the deal was blocked on national-security grounds by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Corning leads glass substrate race as South Korea's KCC and LX Glass face steep challenges

Lily Hess — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:47:14 GMT

Glass core substrates, valued for their low dielectric loss and warpage reduction, are key to next-generation advanced semiconductor packaging. In South Korea, traditional glass makers KCC Glass and LX Glass have entered R&D efforts to capture market opportunities.

Largan eyes FAU opportunity as smartphone downgrades loom

Lily Hess — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:46:19 GMT

Optical lens giant Largan held its first quarter of 2026 earnings call on April 16, hosted by chairman En-Ping Lin. The company posted 7% year-on-year revenue growth — but headwinds are building as smartphone makers look to downgrade specifications.

Wage protests in Northern India disrupt electronics output as Uttar Pradesh raises pay

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:45:57 GMT

Worker protests broke out in mid-April across the Noida–Greater Noida industrial belt, a major center for smartphone and electronics manufacturing, disrupting factory operations and prompting a government response. The demonstrations were concentrated in industrial zones such as Phase-2 and Sector 60, where thousands of workers gathered to demand higher wages and improved working conditions.

H3C expands in Southeast Asia as Singapore emerges as a hub for Chinese AI vendors

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:45:32 GMT

The second edition of GITEX AI Asia 2026 opened at Marina Bay Sands, bringing together participants from more than 110 countries, as industry focus shifts from artificial intelligence model development to large-scale deployment.

Kemflo strengthens water resilience for semiconductor fabs

Rodney Chan — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:45:19 GMT

As the global electronics and advanced semiconductor manufacturing sectors expand in 2026, the stability of semiconductor and electronics plant utilities systems has become critical to meeting new factory construction schedules. Kemflo Group CEO Eugene Lin pointed out that, leveraging its integrated strengths across water resources, industrial water treatment, and metal products, Kemflo is establishing itself as an indispensable high-end water treatment partner amid labor shortages in plant operations.

Taiwan networking firms post strong 1Q26 results on data center, Wi-Fi 7 demand

Sherri Wang — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:44:55 GMT

Taiwan's networking equipment makers reported stronger-than-seasonal performance in the first quarter of 2026, supported by demand from AI data centers and upgrades to Wi-Fi 7. Accton Technology, Sercomm and WNC each posted record revenue for the period. However, rising memory prices are beginning to pressure cost structures across the sector.

ASE's CoPos advanced packaging accelerates as Skytech and CMIt boost equipment deliveries

Lily Hess — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:44:16 GMT

AI and high-performance computing (HPC) are driving increasingly stringent chip performance demands, marking a pivotal shift in advanced packaging technology from traditional wafers to large-size panels. Semiconductor equipment leader Skytech's CEO George Yi announced that its self-developed 310x310mm panel-level packaging physical vapor deposition (PLP PVD) system, a world first, has completed delivery and been successfully integrated into production lines at major OSAT firms including ASE Technology Holding.

At 360° Mobility Show, Taiwan pushes integrated automotive future

Elaine Chen — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:42:34 GMT

To more fully showcase Taiwan's role in the global mobility industry, three of its flagship trade shows—Taipei AMPA, E-Mobility Taiwan, and Autotronics Taipei—were combined in 2026 into a single platform, the 360° Mobility Mega Shows. Taiwan External Trade Development Council Chairman James C. F. Huang said Taiwan's automotive components exports have reached NT$214.6 billion, while total automotive output stands at roughly NT$500 billion (approx. US$15 billion). Only by integrating these strengths into a comprehensive ecosystem, he argued, can Taiwan expand its presence in global markets.

Taiwan's MiTAC shifts from hardware to integrated mobility solutions

Elaine Chen — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:42:21 GMT

Despite a challenging auto market in 2026, MiTAC remains confident it can sustain double-digit growth. President Steve Chang says the company's next phase will be defined by the integration of hardware and software in the age of AI, with fleet management emerging as a central growth engine.

Amazon acquisition highlights growing race in satellite communications

Elaine Chen — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 22:42:00 GMT

Amazon's move to acquire satellite communications operator Globalstar for approximately US$11.57 billion is widely seen as a step toward deeper consolidation in the satellite industry, while signaling a broader structural shift—from traditional broadband services toward direct-to-device (D2D) connectivity.

TSMC's Q1 2026 earnings call: five signals hidden in plain sight

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:28:24 GMT

TSMC's first-quarter 2026 earnings call delivered the expected headline numbers — $35.9 billion in revenue, a 66.2% gross margin, and full-year revenue growth guidance raised to above 30% in US dollar terms. The financial story was strong and largely anticipated.

Taiwan's E-Lead expands beyond head-up displays into full smart cockpit systems

Elaine Chen — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:10:15 GMT

Taiwanese automotive electronics leader E-Lead Electronic is reshaping the future of smart cockpits through a combination of deep technological reinvention and production restructuring, as it positions itself as a full-spectrum systems supplier in an increasingly fragmented global supply chain.

Commentary: Humanoid robot marathon highlights four industry benchmarks

Levi Li — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:09:53 GMT

Embodied AI is moving out of the lab and into real-world environments at increasing speed. The humanoid robot half-marathon scheduled for April 19 in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town) is framed as a public race, but functions more as an industry stress test, compressing a full stack of technologies into a 21-kilometer trial.

Defense and trade tensions fuel growth for Taiwan's Parpro

Elaine Chen — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:09:34 GMT

Amid surging demand from low-Earth orbit satellites, aerospace, and defense, Parpro Corporation expects a sharp acceleration in core business growth in 2026, supported by a maturing North American manufacturing footprint. The company forecasts that full-year profits could rise from prior years, with gross margins holding near 20%.

Taiwan's satellite edge computing tech moves toward global market

Elaine Chen — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:09:17 GMT

Taiwan is pushing deeper into the global space supply chain, as a government-backed effort to develop advanced satellite payloads yields another milestone: the commercialization of an in-orbit computing module designed for real-time data processing.

Memory price surge hits Xiaomi shipments, forces strategy shift

Levi Li — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:08:42 GMT

Rising memory prices are reshaping the global smartphone market. The shift is triggering a broad slowdown and accelerating structural shifts across China's handset industry. Data from Omdia and IDC point to weakening shipments in the first quarter of 2026, with cost pressure and product strategy adjustments weighing heavily on Chinese brands, particularly Xiaomi.

VLSI TSA 2026 explores quantum architecture and AI healthcare innovations

Lily Hess — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:08:25 GMT

The 2026 International Symposium on VLSI Technology, Systems and Applications (VLSI TSA) kicked off on April 14, gathering over 800 semiconductor professionals worldwide. The conference focused on next-generation core areas including GenAI inference acceleration, wafer-level computing, and terahertz wireless communication, while also delving into quantum computer system architectures and extending the reach of semiconductors to AI-driven cardiac analysis and other smart healthcare applications.

Securing the supply chain, CATL pushes into global mining assets

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:07:52 GMT

Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Limited, China's dominant electric vehicle battery manufacturer, is accelerating its push up the supply chain, pairing strong earnings with an aggressive expansion into upstream mining as it positions for the next phase of growth in electric vehicles and energy storage.

Samsung launches voluntary retirement amid chip-device earnings gap

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:07:38 GMT

Samsung Electronics has initiated a workforce restructuring through a voluntary retirement program as strong semiconductor earnings contrast with weaker profitability in its device business, according to Korean media reports.

Commentary: AI drives CPU crunch, lifting data center demand and pricing

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:07:15 GMT

The global AI boom is shifting infrastructure bottlenecks from GPUs to CPUs, as inference-heavy and agentic AI workloads push compute demands beyond accelerator capacity into system-level constraints.

Musk lines up chip suppliers, accelerates Terafab AI fab plan

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:06:40 GMT

Elon Musk is reportedly accelerating plans to build a vertically integrated AI chip complex, reaching out across the semiconductor supply chain in what could become one of the most ambitious attempts to reshape AI infrastructure.

The drowning detection startup that never mentions AI

DIGITIMES — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:06:22 GMT

Taiwan-based startup Fortune AI will attend the Plug and Play Silicon Valley Summit in May, one of five Taiwanese startups selected for this year's cohort. Its flagship product, SAFE SWIM, uses computer vision with a large language model (LLM) backend to detect drowning risks in real time, delivered as a B2B SaaS subscription to aquatic facilities. Founder and CEO Andrew Chen spoke with DIGITIMES Asia ahead of the event, discussing the product's commercial logic, technical moat, and the realities of entering the US market.

bEMC advances Micro LED optical transmission with key POC validation

Charlene Chen — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:06:00 GMT

The surge in AI data center demand is rapidly accelerating the need for high-speed data transmission, prompting LED manufacturers to target opportunities in optical communications. best-Epitaxy Manufacturing's (bEMC) CEO Evan Wu said the company has focused on data transmission since its inception and recently began proof-of-concept (POC) testing with a leading cloud service provider (CSP). Their short-distance Micro LED transmission currently reaches speeds of 4Gbps, aiming to achieve 8Gbps per chip in 2026.

Honda plans deeper China capacity cuts, targets Guangzhou and Wuhan plants

Levi Li — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 08:38:10 GMT

Struggling with weak sales, Honda has decided to significantly scale back its vehicle production capacity in China, with cuts targeting plants in Guangzhou and Wuhan.