The Ministry of SMEs and Startups (MSS) announced that it held the Fabless Challenge, an event to select and support promising fabless semiconductor companies, at the KBIZ DMC Tower in collaboration with Samsung Electronics, on Aug. 29.
The Fabless Challenge has been held since last year to strengthen Korea’s system semiconductor ecosystem and provide opportunities for the growth of fabless and foundry companies. This year, five promising fabless startups were finally selected through step-by-step evaluations, including document and presentation evaluations by experts, starting with the recruitment of companies on July 3. The selected companies include Gwanak Analog, DamoaTech, Bos Semiconductors, Alpha Solutions, and One Semicon.
For the selected startups, Samsung Electronics will provide priority access to its foundry multi-project wafer (MPW) fabrication process and process technology. The MSS will then offer support with development funds of up to 100 million won per company.
The event began with congratulatory messages from MSS Vice Minister Oh Ki-woong and Samsung Electronics Vice President Chung Ji-bong, followed by an evaluation progress report from the Evaluation Committee, an award ceremony for the selected startups, and vision presentations.
“In order for the semiconductor industry, one of the main industries of Korea, to take off once again, there is a great need to foster system semiconductor companies, in particular, excellent fabless companies,” Deputy Minister Oh said. “The MSS will continue to step up its efforts to foster promising fabless companies and promote balanced development between fabless and foundry companies through win-win cooperation.”