Investments, insights, innovation, movers, and shakers

Good morning. As we head into Thanksgiving, please note that there will not be a second SemiSlice this week. Instead, enjoy the turkey and stuffing and we’ll see you back here on Tuesday.

INDUSTRY NEWS 
Investments, insights, and innovation

• How Will AI Affect the Semiconductor Industry?: The same week that a key AI leader was unceremoniously booted from the helm of OpenAI, a panel of semiconductor industry vets discussed the impact of AI on the business of making chips at Silicon Catalyst's Semi Industry Forum. They predict that AI will revolutionize chip design, enabling the generation of chip designs from high-level specifications. Read more »

• Building Talent For Semiconductor Industry in India: The Semicon India Future Skills Talent Committee aims to position India as a Semiconductor Talent Nation. The Committee's findings indicate a need for 1.2 million skilled individuals in the semiconductor sector by 2032. (All the more reason to get SemiSlice 2x/week!) Read more »

• CHIPS for America Announces $3 Billion National Advanced Packaging Manufacturing Program: The U.S. is investing in advanced packaging technology with the CHIPS for America program, aiming to establish leadership in advanced packaging. The program will support the development of advanced packaging technology, workforce training programs, and projects focusing on materials, equipment, power delivery, and more. Read more »

• Samsung to Unveil 3D Packaging Tech in 2024?: Samsung Electronics plans to introduce 3D packaging technology in 2024 to meet the demand for advanced semiconductors in generative AI and end-user device AI, allowing it to compete in the advanced packaging market. Read more »

• Evonik to Build First Plant for Ultra-Pure Colloidal Silica in North America: Evonik is investing over $8 million to construct a plant in Michigan, producing ultra-high purity colloidal silica for the semiconductor industry. Read more »

• Vishay Thin Film Plans Expansion in New York: Vishay Thin Films is planning an $8.2 million expansion at its Wheatfield facility in New York to meet increased demand in aerospace, military, medical, and automotive industries. The expansion includes the addition of a 10,000 square foot space and the purchase of $6 million worth of new equipment. Read more »

MOVERS & SHAKERS 
OpenAI’s loss = Microsoft’s gain?

• Microsoft Appoints Sam Altman to Lead New Advanced AI Team As mentioned above, an AI industry guru became available for hire this week… Microsoft hired Sam Altman to lead its advanced artificial intelligence team, highlighting the competitive nature of the AI industry and Microsoft's commitment to AI research and development. Read more »

• Texas Instruments Chairman Elected Chair of Semiconductor Industry Association: Rich Templeton, Chairman of the Board at Texas Instruments, has been elected as the Chair of the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA) Board of Directors. The SIA represents 99% of the U.S. semiconductor industry by revenue and a majority of non-U.S. chip firms. Read more »

• Spectra7 Announces Appointment of Interim CFO: Spectra7 Microsystems Inc. appointed David Mier as Interim Chief Financial Officer as the current CFO takes a personal leave of absence due to a family medical matter. Read more »