GlobalFoundries (GF) and Marvell Technology have expanded a multi-year agreement to increase production capacity for silicon germanium (SiGe) technology at GF's facility in Burlington, Vermont, as demand grows for optical connectivity used in AI and cloud data centers.

If the project under discussion goes ahead, it would be the first time Japan's US$550 billion tariff-linked investment pledge is directed toward chip manufacturing rather than the energy and industrial-materials projects announced so far — and the clearest sign yet that the two countries that once dominated chipmaking could rebuild some of that capacity jointly.

Gallium nitride (GaN) is emerging as a key power semiconductor for AI data centers, where rising rack power and the shift toward higher-voltage architectures are forcing suppliers to improve efficiency and power density. But despite rapidly expanding orders and falling costs, industry researchers say GaN remains at an early stage of adoption and is unlikely to displace silicon broadly for another two to three years.

Micron held a conference for Taiwanese suppliers on September 17 under the theme of building at speed and growing at scale. The event brought together Taiwan-based supply chain partners involved in civil, structural, and architectural (CSA) works; mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems; fab equipment; construction materials; and tool installation.

In response to rapid AI market growth, the Taoyuan City Government announced plans to establish a 40-hectare high-end integrated circuit (IC) substrate zone within Phase 1 of the Taoyuan Aerotropolis Industrial Area. Utilizing a phased construction and staggered site handover model to accelerate tenant entry, the city aims to begin joint land preparation with manufacturers in 2028, with options to scale the zone up to nearly 100 hectares based on industry demand.