DIGITIMES: News and Insight of the Global Supply Chain

DFI targets industrial edge AI, with automation leading 42% of opportunities

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:27:04 GMT

Industrial computer (IPC) maker DFI reported higher revenue and profit in the third quarter of 2026, with earnings per share (EPS) reaching NT$1.29 (US$0.039), up sharply from NT$0.66 in the same period of 2025. The company is focusing on industrial automation, semiconductors and industrial equipment, and mission-critical applications as it expands from boards to systems and scales industrial edge AI deployments.

South Korea’s HBM demand drives 54% surge in Taiwan glass fiber exports

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:24:49 GMT

Taiwan’s glass fiber exports to South Korea rose 54.0% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2026 as demand for high-bandwidth memory (HBM) and advanced packaging expanded. South Korea has also become Taiwan’s largest trade deficit partner, with Taiwan’s deficit reaching US$59.37 billion in the first 10 months of 2026, more than double its US$25.39 billion deficit with Japan.

AI bottleneck shifts from compute to power; European supply chain sees power semiconductors as next shortage

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:24:37 GMT

At the opening panel of electronica 2026 in Munich on November 10, industry leaders agreed that the primary bottleneck in artificial intelligence is shifting from computing power to energy delivery. Panelists warned that power semiconductors are quickly becoming the tech sector's next critical supply chain gap as AI data centers scale to hundreds of megawatts, or even gigawatts, straining grids and power delivery architectures never built for such concentrated loads.

DB HiTek 3Q26 shows power-chip demand lifts operating profit, but net income falls

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:22:39 GMT

DB HiTek's third-quarter 2026 results point to continued strength in its core foundry operations, even as a steep decline in net income shows that operating momentum did not carry through to the bottom line. The South Korean chipmaker said demand for power semiconductors kept utilization at virtually full levels, while a richer mix of high-voltage products supported selling prices. It is now preparing to add capacity, though the ramp will depend on customer demand and investment decisions.

Taiwan PCB equipment maker Ta Liang's four-digit backlog sets stage for high-margin TM4 growth

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:21:26 GMT

Taiwan-based Ta Liang Technology, a printed circuit board (PCB) equipment manufacturer, said its order visibility for PCB and semiconductor equipment extends through 2027, with its PCB equipment backlog reaching four digits and production scheduled for every month of next year. Average lead times stand at five to six months, while the book-to-bill ratio for semiconductor equipment remains above 2.

Taiwan's quantum push gathers momentum as Asus, Compal and global tech giants join forces

Levi Li — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:19:32 GMT

Taiwan is strengthening its quantum technology ecosystem through coordinated government research and industry collaboration, bringing together international technology companies, academic institutions and domestic suppliers to accelerate the development of quantum computing and related applications.

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical bets on AI packaging with Thailand BT materials line

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:12:02 GMT

Mitsubishi Gas Chemical (MGC) announced on November 10 that it will expand manufacturing and shipment-inspection equipment at its Thailand subsidiary to increase capacity for BT (Bismaleimide-Triazine) laminates used in semiconductor packaging. The new line is scheduled to begin construction in April 2027 and start operations in October 2028, targeting growing demand from data centers, servers and high-density IC substrates.

IBM plans 1,040-qubit quantum system for 2027

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:00:56 GMT

IBM plans to build its next-generation Nighthawk r3 quantum processor to run 10,000 operations across 520 qubits, advancing larger workloads for scientific and industrial users worldwide. The company also plans to link two processors in 2027 to create a 1,040-qubit system, and to integrate quantum machines with classical computing resources.

Exclusive: A world where everything has a chip—Pragmatic reimagines the boundaries of everyday intelligence

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 04:00:28 GMT

A semiconductor chip no thicker than a fraction of a human hair might seem insignificant beside the powerful silicon processors driving the world's AI revolution. Yet at Pragmatic Park in North East England, these tiny, flexible devices represent a different vision of computing: one where intelligence gradually becomes embedded in the objects people touch, wear, and use every day.

Tekscend's cost strategy and global edge

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:59:24 GMT

As global foundry capacity expands and market dynamics shift, competitive pressures have intensified significantly across major manufacturing regions, particularly in mature process nodes, where regional suppliers are rapidly building domestic production capacity. In an interview with DIGITIMES, Jun Kotani, director of business strategy at Tekscend Photomask, shared detailed insights into how the company is defending its commercial leadership through a combination of cost optimization, technical innovation, and strategic geographic positioning.

Innovation, AI investments will shape the future, says Kinpo president Hsu

Kevin Wang — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:54:07 GMT

The award ceremony for the fourth K. T. Li Award was held in Taipei on November 10, with this year's awards presented by former President Ing-wen Tsai to Kinpo-Compal Group president Rock Hsu and Quanta Computer founder Barry Lam.

The China chip self-sufficiency paradox: YMTC eyes 2027 IPO as restricted Nvidia GPUs reach Chinese universities

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:50:12 GMT

China is advancing its domestic semiconductor ambitions while continuing to access restricted US AI processors, exposing the limits of Washington's export controls and the challenges facing Beijing's pursuit of technological self-sufficiency.

AUO and Innolux target 2028 commercial breakthrough in semiconductor packaging

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:46:37 GMT

Faced with sluggish end-user demand, chronic overcapacity, and intensifying market competition, global display manufacturers are under pressure to reinvent themselves. In Taiwan, leading panel makers are accelerating asset optimization and cross-domain technology integration to unlock new growth drivers.

Samsung Display, BOE weigh low-cost OLED panels as phone sales fall

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:43:40 GMT

Samsung Display, BOE Technology Group, and Tianma Microelectronics are considering lower-cost OLED panels for entry-level smartphones as falling handset sales put pressure on display manufacturers to improve factory utilization, ZDNet Korea reported on November 9, citing industry sources.

Apple, Samsung reportedly developing new foldable glass for 2028

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:34:52 GMT

Apple and Samsung Electronics are working with suppliers on a new foldable glass design that could improve screen durability while maintaining flexibility, with potential adoption targeted for 2028 smartphones, ZDNet Korea reported, citing industry sources.

TSMC sees surging AI chip demand, highlights advanced packaging and physical AI opportunities

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:32:13 GMT

TSMC is facing unprecedented demand for its advanced chips as artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure investment accelerates, with advanced packaging and emerging physical AI applications expected to create additional growth opportunities, according to company executives.

Nvidia spy case puts Jensen Huang's family in spotlight amid lack of succession plan

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:31:49 GMT

Nvidia CEO Jensen's Huang's affair with an alleged Chinese spy has raised questions about national security, corporate governance, and even whether he will keep his job. Beyond his outsized role within the company, the case has also brought attention to his family members' roles within the firm and their influence over a public company that is currently the singular force behind the AI revolution.

Lite-On eyes CPO expansion as advanced optocouplers drive 2027 growth

Yunnie Cheng — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:22:43 GMT

Despite soaring costs and intense competition capping overall LED market growth at a modest 3% to 4%, Lite-On Technology's Optoelectronics Business Unit is poised for 20% to 30% growth in 2026. This growth is powered by surging demand for advanced optocouplers and infrared sensing applications. Advanced optocouplers already account for over 30% of the unit's revenue.

Electronica forum identifies wages, energy as Europe's tech bottlenecks

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:11:44 GMT

The biennial Electronica trade show opened in Munich on November 10, 2026, with industry leaders warning that high wages, energy prices, and bureaucracy continue to undermine Europe's technology competitiveness and manufacturing revival. A roundtable held during the opening examined Europe's industrial position in the AI era.

iPhone Duo reshapes foldable smartphone landscape, projects 25.9% market share in 2026

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:05:42 GMT

DIGITIMES observes that the global smartphone market has entered a mature phase. Although foldable smartphones continue to post strong growth, foldable shipments are projected to account for less than 3% of total smartphone shipments in 2026, with high pr

AI server tracker: ODM/EMS giants scale up, but optical suppliers show who captures the next wave

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 03:01:10 GMT

Taiwan's AI infrastructure expansion is producing different growth patterns across system manufacturers and optical suppliers. All six original design manufacturers and electronics manufacturing services providers (ODM/EMS) tracked surpassed their full-year 2025 revenue during January–October 2026. Among optical suppliers, LandMark nearly doubled last year's total, while FOCI's strong October growth brought cumulative revenue only marginally above the previous year's corresponding period.

TECO pivots to AI infrastructure services with Japan project

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:51:38 GMT

TECO Electric & Machinery is expanding into global AI computing infrastructure, announcing on the November 11 that it will partner with AI cloud service provider GMI Cloud and KSDI to build an modular AI data center in Satsumasendai, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. TECO will serve as the modular data center contractor, handling design, electromechanical systems integration, and technical guidance, with the first 6.4MW phase scheduled for delivery within nine months.

ABF substrate shortage to last through 2028 as Wah Lee targets next-gen products

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:39:05 GMT

Demand for AI, high-performance computing (HPC), and semiconductors continued to rise, driving Wah Lee Industrial's 3Q26 profit to record-high levels. Gross profit reached NT$2.06 billion (US$62.7 million), up 28.7% year-on-year, while earnings per share (EPS) reached NT$3.46; cumulative EPS for the first three quarters rose to NT$9.4, also a record for the period.

Samsung, AMD team up to upgrade chip testing

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:32:25 GMT

Samsung Electronics and AMD are teaming up to upgrade the Korean chipmaker's semiconductor manufacturing test infrastructure, combining AMD's new EPYC Embedded 9006 processors with Samsung memory and storage technologies, according to AMD's November 10 announcement.

Wolfspeed returns to GaN as CEO touts vertical integration

Eifeh Strom — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 02:13:58 GMT

US silicon carbide (SiC) giant Wolfspeed will re-enter the gallium nitride (GaN) market through a vertically integrated model and expand into the GaN-on-silicon (GaN-on-Si) power device market, according to company CEO Robert Feurle. The announcement, made at a media event during the Electronica 2026 trade fair in Munich, Germany, stated that the company will initially target low-voltage applications below 650V.

PCB giant Zhen Ding targets 2028 for 50% AI business revenue share

Lily Hess — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:53:10 GMT

Zhen Ding Technology said strong seasonal demand for mobile communications products and robust demand for high-end AI applications drove its third-quarter 2026 revenue to a record high. Rising shipments of high-end products and an optimized product mix also lifted gross margin 5.7 percentage points year-over-year to a record 27.7%.

Ennoconn posts record third-quarter revenue, targets 20% ROE by 2030

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:50:24 GMT

Taiwan industrial PC maker Ennoconn Technology reported record revenue and profit for the third quarter of 2026. It said it expects strong growth in both measures in 2027, supported by Physical AI applications and deeper integration with Kontron. The company also outlined a goal of lifting return on equity (ROE) to 20% by 2030, while emphasizing capital discipline and higher-margin solutions.

Samsung explores electronic skin for humanoid robot hands

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:37:48 GMT

Samsung Electronics is testing electronic skin on the hands of its humanoid robots with South Korean startup Midas H&T, seeking to overcome a key commercialization barrier: combining powerful gripping with precise force control.

China spy allegations intensify as Taiwan revokes Alice Huang's entry permit

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:36:16 GMT

The FBI has launched an investigation following an alleged extramarital affair involving Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang and Alice Huang, a former executive at Singapore-based Megaspeed who has been accused of having ties to Chinese intelligence. Taiwan's Ministry of the Interior said it has revoked Alice Huang's entry documents over the espionage allegations, barring her from entering Taiwan in the future.

Commentary: AI trend holds despite looming funding squeeze

Lily Hess — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:36:09 GMT

The US midterm election results, which delivered a major Democratic victory, and national security concerns surrounding an affair between an alleged Chinese spy and Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang have raised fears that AI data-center construction in the US could be disrupted. While few in the industry doubt AI's long-term growth, the impact of funding displacement warrants close attention.

Mitsui Kinzoku bets on AI copper foil with JPY190 billion investment in Malaysia plant

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:56 GMT

Mitsui Kinzoku will invest about JPY190 billion (approx. US$1.2 billion) to build a copper foil plant near its existing Malaysia site, targeting demand from optical communications components and advanced chips used in AI data centers. The facility will begin phased operations from April 2031.

MTI seeks private placement after 5G ORAN, LEO plans falter

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:49 GMT

Satellite communications company Microelectronics Technology Inc. (MTI) reported negative net worth of NT$244 million (US$7.42 million), a 109% debt ratio, and a 65% current ratio for the third quarter of 2026, as 5G open radio access network (Open RAN) and low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite businesses failed to develop as expected. With approval from the Taiwan Stock Exchange (TWSE), MTI suspended stock trading on November 9 and is pursuing a private placement to raise capital and improve its financial structure.

US data center policy clouds AI capacity outlook, MetaAge says

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:41 GMT

Global AI data center construction continues to drive demand for GPUs, memory, and other critical hardware, but tight computing capacity, rising material costs, and longer lead times are complicating large-scale AI project delivery. MetaAge general manager Jason Shih said the imbalance between global AI hardware supply and demand will be difficult to resolve in the short term, even as enterprise AI investment continues and demand is expected to grow through 2027.

Asia Vital posts record 3Q26 profit on AI server cooling demand

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:17 GMT

Thermal module manufacturer Asia Vital reported record revenue and profit for the third quarter of 2026, driven by rising demand for high-end cooling products used in AI servers. Its gross margin increased 7.29pp from the previous quarter as revenue expanded, improving overall profitability.

Taiwan mobilizes academic R&D to address post-Moore semiconductor equipment gaps

Willis Ke — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:10 GMT

Taiwan is stepping up efforts to develop next-generation semiconductor research equipment, as conventional commercial tools increasingly fall short of emerging R&D requirements for process flexibility, precision parameter control, functional integration, and advanced technology validation. The National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) is seeking equipment development proposals in three priority areas: sub-nanometer silicon-based semiconductors, non-silicon semiconductors, and silicon photonics coupling.

SoftBank takes JPY768 billion AI hit, rethinks equipment strategy

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:35:03 GMT

SoftBank Group (SBG) posted a JPY768 billion (approximately US$4.85 billion) net loss for the first half of fiscal 2026, from April to September 2026, its first loss in nearly two years after booking a US$3.7 billion impairment on a US data-center project and absorbing the impact of falling global AI valuations.

HKC’s Mianyang Gen 6 OLED investment faces delays

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:55 GMT

China’s HKC has again stalled its OLED expansion, with equipment orders for its Gen 6 OLED line in Mianyang, Sichuan, yet to be placed despite plans for deposition equipment to arrive in March 2027. Industry sources attribute the delay to weak OLED demand and technology challenges, warning that the investment could ultimately be canceled.

Meta launches Muse Ember for repetitive AI workloads

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:48 GMT

Meta has launched Muse Ember, its smallest model, to handle repetitive tasks at lower cost. Muse Ember features a 1-million-token context window, can generate up to 512,000 tokens per request, and supports text, images, audio, and video.

iPhone, enterprise ICT lift Taiwan's telecom trio in October

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:38 GMT

Strong iPhone sales and 5G upgrades, combined with continued revenue recognition from AI data center (AIDC), cloud, and enterprise information and communications technology (ICT) projects, drove sustained growth for Taiwan's three major telecom operators in October.

Quanta founder Bai-li Lin honors Kwoh-ting Li's role in Taiwan's tech rise

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:31 GMT

The fourth K.T. Li Award ceremony was held at the Far Eastern Shangri-La in Taipei on November 10, with former President Ing-wen Tsai delivering remarks and presenting the awards. Quanta Computer founder and chairman Barry Lam and Kinpo-Compal Group president Rock Hsu jointly received this year's honor for their long-standing contributions to industry, corporate innovation, Taiwan's technology growth, and international competitiveness.

Kia plans US$1.5 billion India plant expansion, spurring Korean suppliers

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:20 GMT

Kia is considering investing about US$1.5 billion to expand its plant in Andhra Pradesh, India, while South Korean auto-parts makers have pledged follow-on investments. If approved, the project would establish an integrated vehicle manufacturing and parts-supply chain in the state.

Universities aren't factories: Can a hot-rodding spirit drive semiconductor innovation?

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:14 GMT

The National Science and Technology Council's Department of Engineering and Technologies recently issued a call for proposals encouraging academia to modify expensive semiconductor equipment through design changes, creating new pathways for talent development and next-generation technology research. Such freedom and flexibility are difficult to achieve at commercial semiconductor companies, but universities have greater autonomy, face no immediate customer delivery pressure, and do not need to prioritize yield at once—allowing a hot-rodding approach to take root in teaching and research.

Jensen Huang scandal could reshape China’s AI chip landscape

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:34:06 GMT

“Jensanity” has helped fuel the global artificial intelligence (AI) boom, but reports linking Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang to an alleged extramarital relationship involving a suspected Chinese spy are putting the company’s corporate governance under greater scrutiny. While the controversy could benefit Huawei Technologies and other Chinese competitors, tighter US chip export controls could ultimately inflict greater damage on China’s AI industry.

E Ink Holdings expands Spectra 6 to 9 colors for Aura's 10-inch frame

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:33:58 GMT

E Ink Holdings (EIH) has launched an upgraded version of its E Ink Spectra 6 platform, expanding its base colors from six to nine to deliver smoother, more natural full-color images. The technology will power Aura Ink, a new 10-inch e-paper smart frame from Aura, a US premium digital-frame brand.

AMD targets lower DRAM use with AI-predictive memory management

Charlene Chen — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:33:50 GMT

As AI servers and data centers expand, rising DRAM demand is driving up memory prices and supply pressures, making memory an increasingly important infrastructure cost. AMD has introduced AI-predictive memory management technology that tiers DRAM and NAND flash, forecasts application data-access needs, and moves data from Flash to DRAM before CPUs require it, reducing reliance on costly DRAM capacity.

China's US$225 million space computing venture confronts cost of taking data centers into orbit

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:33:37 GMT

Zhongke Nebula has registered in Hefei with CNY1.5 billion (approx. US$225 million) in committed capital, bringing state-backed investors and domestic technology suppliers together to develop space computing infrastructure. Commercial viability remains unproven.

Taiwan's overseas cloud backups strengthen government resilience

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:31:43 GMT

Taiwan has completed encrypted, split backups of national and local tax data on overseas cloud platforms, part of a broader effort to keep government services operating during emergencies. The move extends the government's data-resilience planning beyond domestic backup sites. At the same time, a separate satellite and optical-network effort is intended to provide alternative communications and links to computing resources.

Foxconn's in-person briefing to focus on AI deliveries, 2027 orders

Jingyue Hsiao — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:31:28 GMT

Hon Hai Precision Industry (Foxconn) will hold its third-quarter 2026 investor briefing in person at the Mandarin Oriental, Taipei, on November 12, as investors seek clarity on 2027 orders, AI server deliveries, and whether growth can translate into higher profits.

Former Nvidia customer Megaspeed's assets surge 90-fold, but liabilities exceed assets

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:26:11 GMT

Singapore-based cloud provider and former Nvidia customer Megaspeed International saw its assets surge about 90-fold in 2024, but liabilities grew even faster, exceeding total assets by US$10.08 million, according to company filings reviewed by Singapore's Lianhe Zaobao.

Taiwan proposes expanding protected technology list to 46 items

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:21:31 GMT

Taiwan's National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) has proposed expanding the list of national core key technologies from 42 to 46 items, with four additions covering satellite communications, AI chip substrates, drones, and biotechnology. The draft is still under public consultation and must be reviewed by a committee before the Executive Yuan can promulgate it, the council said on November 11, 2026.

Wistron posts record third-quarter revenue and profit, approves AI capacity investments

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 01:05:10 GMT

Wistron Corp. reported record revenue and profit in the third quarter of 2026 and approved new investments to expand AI server capacity. Consolidated revenue reached about NT$1.15 trillion (US$34.91 billion), up 28.3% quarter on quarter and 102% year on year. Net income attributable to the parent company rose 24.1% from the previous quarter and 149% from a year earlier to NT$18.402 billion. Earnings per share were NT$5.74.

Quanta's AI server boom pushes 3Q26 gross margin below 5%

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:59:54 GMT

Quanta Computer Inc. delivered record revenue and strong earnings in the third quarter of 2026, while its gross margin fell to 4.75% as notebook material costs rose and the mix of higher-priced AI servers pressured profitability. CFO Elton Yang said it was basically impossible to improve gross margin while keeping revenue from falling, and the company expects the margin to decline further in the fourth quarter.

Aleees splits LFP cathode production between Taiwan and US

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:39:36 GMT

Advanced Lithium Electrochemistry (Aleees) plans to make lithium iron phosphate (LFP) cathode material precursors in Taiwan and process them in the US under a North American customer agreement, as it seeks to diversify battery supply chains away from China. The company reported a loss for the first nine months as construction-related expenses increased, while planned shipments from 2027 remain subject to execution and customer demand.

Fitpower sees AI, e-paper, and power ICs driving growth into 2027

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:36:58 GMT

IC design house Fitpower Integrated Technology reported third-quarter revenue of NT$6.253 billion (US$189.81 million), up 16.09% quarter on quarter and 46.38% year on year, and said AI chips, electronic paper products, and power management ICs were the main growth drivers.

Nvidia board meets on Jensen Huang's future as succession gap comes into focus

DIGITIMES — Thu, 12 Nov 2026 00:29:18 GMT

Nvidia's board met on November 11 to weigh the future of Jensen Huang, the only chief executive the company has ever had. The stakes go beyond one career: the company at the center of the AI buildout has no publicly named successor, and the scandal is feeding a push in Washington to tighten control over its chips.

Moonshot AI reportedly accessed restricted Nvidia chips in China despite US ban

DIGITIMES — Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:18:11 GMT

Moonshot AI reportedly accessed advanced Nvidia chips this summer, according to documents filed with Chinese regulators. The finding shows that advanced US chips continue to make their way into China despite Washington's export restrictions. It also reveals Moonshot's continued reliance on American chips even as Beijing seeks to bolster domestic chipmaking.