by Ekrem Duman | Jul 19, 2026 | Chinese Semiconductors, Startup
⚡ TL;DRAssessments of Chinese semiconductor progress swing between claims of imminent parity and predictions of permanent stagnation, and neither matches the evidence. Genuine capability exists in mature nodes, packaging, memory, certain equipment categories and chip...
by Ekrem Duman | Jul 19, 2026 | Chinese Semiconductors, Startup
⚡ TL;DRMemory chips represent a substantial share of semiconductor value, and China pursued domestic capability through YMTC in NAND flash storage and CXMT in DRAM. YMTC developed genuinely innovative architecture and won customers before export controls severely...
by Ekrem Duman | Jul 19, 2026 | Chinese Semiconductors, Startup
⚡ TL;DRMost semiconductors are not leading-edge processors but mature-node chips used in cars, appliances, industrial equipment and countless everyday products. China invested heavily in this less glamorous segment while attention focused on advanced nodes, building...
by Ekrem Duman | Jul 19, 2026 | Chinese Semiconductors, Startup
⚡ TL;DRChina’s National Integrated Circuit Industry Investment Fund, widely called the Big Fund, channels enormous state capital into semiconductor design, manufacturing, equipment and materials across successive phases. It has produced genuine capability gains...
by Ekrem Duman | Jul 19, 2026 | Chinese Semiconductors, Startup
⚡ TL;DRExport controls restricting Nvidia’s most capable AI accelerators created urgent demand for domestic alternatives in China. Huawei’s Ascend line, alongside efforts from Cambricon, Biren and others, aims to fill that gap. The hardware challenge is...
by Ekrem Duman | Jul 19, 2026 | Chinese Semiconductors, Startup
⚡ TL;DRSemiconductor manufacturing depends on lithography machines that print circuit patterns onto silicon, and the most advanced systems are made exclusively by ASML in the Netherlands. These machines are arguably the most complex devices ever mass-produced, making...
