As artificial intelligence workloads push traditional computing architectures to their limits, the photonics industry is emerging as a critical enabler of next-generation data center infrastructure. The third Asia Photonics Expo (APE 2026), which concluded on February 6, 2026, reflected this shift, bringing together more than 240 exhibitors and nine international pavilions to showcase how optical technologies are becoming increasingly intertwined with semiconductor manufacturing and high-performance computing systems.

Tongtai Machine & Tool has launched a transformation to shift from traditional equipment manufacturing to providing integrated process and system solutions, targeting AI server, advanced packaging, and high-end electronics supply chains.

India has overhauled its startup policy framework to broaden the definition of deep tech and extend eligibility for government support to 20 years, a move aimed at better aligning regulation and funding with the long development cycles of science- and engineering-led companies, according to TechCrunch, Bloomberg, and ThePrint.

Pan-International reported revenue declines both month over month and year over year in January 2026, as communications product customers adopted a more cautious stance and delayed orders amid concerns over reciprocal tariffs.

Strong investment from international cloud service providers is driving robust growth in AI data centers in 2026 and lifting shipments for electronic component distributors, according to January revenue reports from WT Microelectronics and WPG.

Taiwan's Executive Yuan announced on February 10, 2026, that the government will fully embrace advanced new nuclear technologies worldwide, including small modular reactors (SMRs). This marks a significant shift in its longstanding non-nuclear policy amid rising challenges from climate change, energy security, and surging AI-driven electricity demand.

Nam Liong Global said its overall order visibility has extended through the third quarter of 2026, with advanced materials for the electronics technology industry clearing customer verification and expected to enter trial production ramp-up in the third quarter.

America's largest technology companies — including Google, Meta, Amazon, and Microsoft — have begun disclosing their capital spending plans for 2026. The numbers reveal an investment surge driven by the rapid expansion of generative artificial intelligence. Combined capital expenditures by the group are now estimated to reach between US$600 billion and US$630 billion. This far exceeds market expectations and rivals the annual gross domestic product of many mid-sized nations.

The expansion of computing power driven by generative AI has repositioned memory as a critical resource, with data centers and AI servers redefining its value and leaving industrial PC (IPC) manufacturers facing rising costs and worsening lead-time challenges as 2026 begins.

Taiwanese power supply giant Delta Electronics announced on February 9 that its IT department detected abnormal login attempts in the information systems of an overseas subsidiary. Following an investigation, the company found that parts of the system were targeted by a cyberattack, potentially exposing some business-related information and employees' personal data.

Taiwanese display driver IC (DDI) giant Novatek recently held an investor briefing, where Vice Chairman and General Manager Steve Wang said that memory supply and costs will be the most critical factors affecting various electronic products, especially smartphones and PCs, in 2026. Aside from traditional DDI products, Novatek has recently made progress in new areas such as system-on-chip (SoC), application-specific ICs (ASICs), imaging, and edge AI. The company plans to continue launching new products and expand into diverse applications.