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Jun 15
Google's TPU diversification challenges MediaTek and other ASIC partners
Google's push to diversify its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) supply chain is increasingly reaching into the foundry side, adding pressure on ASIC makers such as MediaTek. Recent reports indicate that Google is not only set to adopt Intel's embedded multi-die interconnect bridge (EMIB) packaging for its next-generation product, but is also planning to bring in Samsung Electronics for front-end wafer manufacturing to broaden its capacity sources.

Synopsys celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Taiwan operations and the opening of its new Hsinchu office on June 15. During the event, Synopsys CEO Sassine Ghazi sat down with DIGITIMES to discuss how agentic AI is transforming electronic design automation (EDA), semiconductor development, and the future of engineering work.

On June 15, Synopsys celebrated the 35th anniversary of its Taiwan operations and officially opened its new office at Hsinchu Science Park X Software Park.

China has achieved mass production of ultra-pure silicon, according to the state-owned China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC) — an essential material for building silicon-based quantum computers. The breakthrough builds on a government push to sharpen its quantum research edge and reduce its reliance on foreign technology supply chains more broadly.

Murata Manufacturing has partnered with Synopsys to make its latest electromagnetic and thermal simulation models directly accessible through Synopsys' Ansys HFSS and Ansys Icepak environments, simplifying engineers' workflows as they develop increasingly complex electronic systems.

AI, high-performance computing, and early pull-ins from TV, PC, and notebook supply chains pushed the global foundry market to a record high in the first quarter of 2026. China's Nexchip Semiconductor delivered the key ranking shift, overtaking Taiwan's Vanguard International Semiconductor (VIS) for the first time to become the world's eighth-largest foundry.
The AI data center buildout is driving demand for high-performance computing (HPC) and networking chips, sending the global IC substrate industry into a new growth cycle. Order visibility now extends two to three years, prompting Taiwan's three leading IC substrate suppliers, Unimicron, Kinsus, and Nanya PCB, to restart capacity expansion targeting GPU, CPU, and ASIC customers.

Qualcomm has been in talks to acquire Tenstorrent, an AI chip startup, The Information reported, citing a person with direct knowledge of the deal. The two companies have discussed a price of US$8 billion to US$10 billion, the person said, a significant premium to Tenstorrent's last known valuation.

Huawei is preparing to launch commercial HarmonyOS-powered desktop PCs in September, marking another step in its effort to extend its self-developed operating system from smartphones and tablets into enterprise computing.

AI server liquid cooling is driving demand for pump makers, a shift that could boost supply-chain resilience and margins for Asia-based manufacturers as AI deployments accelerate. Walrus Pump aims to achieve a 10% revenue share from liquid cooling by year-end 2026, supported by growing orders, technology pumps, and broader industrial demand.

Huawei is trying to restore the profile of PanguLM at a time when China's large AI model race is entering a tougher phase.

ByteDance is in talks to buy AI chips from Shanghai-based Iluvatar CoreX and is also considering using Baidu's Kunlunxin chips, as the TikTok parent expands its domestic chip options amid rising inference demand from its AI chatbot Doubao.