Focus on Artificial Intelligence, Advanced Processes, and Supply Chain Resilience

Organized by the industry association SEMI, the trade fair hosted more than 550 exhibitors from around the world. The programme included expert conferences, thematic forums and business meetings addressing current technological and market trends.

Key topics of this year’s edition included advanced materials and manufacturing processes for AI applications, metrology and inspection technologies, chip testing and packaging, manufacturing digitalization, and strengthening supply chain resilience. Discussions also addressed the energy intensity of semiconductor production and the strategic importance of semiconductors for national economies.

Leading Korean companies Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, both global leaders in memory chips, were strongly represented and participated in expert sessions and panel discussions. Major global suppliers of semiconductor manufacturing equipment and process technologies — including ASML, Applied Materials and Lam Research — also played a visible role through specialized presentation zones, partnership formats and accompanying industry events.

Exhibitions and expert debates alike demonstrated that artificial intelligence is no longer influencing only end products, but is increasingly shaping manufacturing processes themselves, including production optimization and strategic investment decisions across the sector.

Czech Participation: Specialization and Technological Expertise

Czech companies TESCAN and SVCS, both active in highly specialized technological solutions for the semiconductor industry, were also present at the fair.

TESCAN showcased advanced technologies and comprehensive solutions for defect analysis and materials characterization. Its scanning electron microscopes and related analytical tools are widely used in semiconductor chip development and manufacturing, as well as in display production and other high-tech applications where precise quality control and detailed material analysis are critical.

“The Korean market ranks among the global centers of the semiconductor industry and is characterized by extremely high technological demands. Participation in SEMICON Korea allows us to stay in direct contact with key market players, respond to evolving customer needs and present advanced solutions for semiconductor analysis and quality control,” said Antonín Doupal, Product Sales Leader at TESCAN.

TESCAN has maintained a long-term presence in South Korea through its subsidiary TESCAN Korea, building on more than twenty years of cooperation with local research institutions and industrial partners. The Korean market, represented by global leaders such as Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, offers significant potential for further technological collaboration in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. Although the Czech Republic does not have large-scale chip production capacity, Czech companies — including TESCAN — successfully compete in the segment of specialized instruments and technological solutions for the global semiconductor market.

SVCS exhibited horizontal and vertical furnaces designed for specialized semiconductor and photovoltaic manufacturing processes. Its technologies are primarily used in thermal processing applications that are essential for producing high-quality semiconductor structures.

“The Korean market represents the technological forefront of the industry. Participation in the fair enables us to monitor current trends, benchmark our solutions against global competitors and strengthen relationships with local partners,” said Jarek Dolák, Managing Director of SVCS.

According to him, there is growing interest in Korea in highly specialized and technologically advanced solutions, particularly in segments where small and medium-sized companies can offer a high degree of customization and technical expertise.

Long-Term Potential for Czech Companies

SEMICON Korea 2026 confirmed that South Korea remains one of the world’s most important semiconductor hubs. High levels of investment in research and development, strong government support and the concentration of global manufacturers create an environment with demanding standards, but also with long-term potential for technological cooperation.

For Czech companies, the Korean market offers opportunities primarily in specialized technological solutions, research collaboration and integration into global supply chains. However, success in this market requires a long-term presence, trust-building and the ability to compete in a highly demanding environment where technological quality and innovation are decisive factors.

Companies interested in learning more about the semiconductor sector in Korea may contact the Commercial Section of the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Seoul at: seoul.commerce@mzv.gov.cz

Vardan Khachatryan, Economic Diplomat, Embassy of the Czech Republic in Seoul