A*STAR Singapore launches new eight-inch SiC-related production line

Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) has announced the launch of the world’s first 200mm (8-inch) industrial-grade open R&D silicon carbide (SiC) production line.

Operated by A*STAR’s Institute of Microelectronics (IME), this line integrates the entire process from material growth and defect analysis to device fabrication and testing, aiming to address key challenges in SiC technology development, including high cost and fragmented expertise, and accelerate commercialization for high-power applications such as electric vehicles, power grids, and data centers.

Singapore’s Second Minister for Trade and Industry, Dr. Tan See Leng, revealed that the production line will be accessible to local companies—particularly those serving the power electronics sector. It provides an advanced R&D and manufacturing platform that enables domestic firms to more easily conduct SiC-related research and product development, enhancing their technological capabilities and market competitiveness.

It’s reported that the line will collaborate with companies such as ASM, centrotherm, and Soitec. centrotherm will supply high-temperature annealing and oxidation equipment, while IME and Soitec will co-develop SmartSiC technology. They intend to combine Soitec’s SmartCut process with IME’s pilot line, aiming to produce energy-efficient, high-quality SiC wafers.

Looking ahead, A*STAR also plans to join hands with STMicroelectronics, ULVAC, and the National University of Singapore. The partnership with STMicroelectronics will focus on developing SiC power devices and packaging modules to enhance automotive and industrial performance, accelerating the transition to green mobility and energy efficiency.

As a global semiconductor hub, Singapore is ramping up its investment in wide bandgap semiconductors.

On the policy and funding front, the Singapore government has pledged SGD 1 billion (approximately USD 745 million) to establish a new semiconductor R&D center, with a focus on advanced packaging and next-generation semiconductor materials.

In terms of manufacturing, in addition to the newly announced 8-inch SiC line, Soitec’s Singapore plant is also expanding at full throttle. It aims to increase its global production capacity to 4.5 million wafers annually by 2026, with the Singapore facility expected to boost 300mm SOI wafer output, which includes SiC material production.

In recent years, the wide bandgap semiconductor sector has witnessed ferocious competition worldwide, with Asian economies at the forefront—Singapore being a notable player, alongside China, Japan, and South Korea.

WBG key
China’s 14th Five-Year Plan designates the wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductor as a strategic development area, supporting R&D and industrialization through national science programs and industry funds. On the supply chain, companies like TankeBlue and SICC focus on SiC substrate production with expanding capacity. 

BYD Semiconductor and StarPower are actively developing automotive-grade SiC power modules for new energy vehicles. Innoscience has initiated the world’s first mass production of 8-inch GaN chips, targeting consumer electronics and data centers. EV makers like NIO and XPeng are accelerating the adoption of SiC motor controllers.

In Japan, leading wide bandgap semiconductor companies include ROHM, Sumitomo Electric, and Mitsubishi Electric. The government supports the sector through its “Semiconductor and Digital Industry Strategy,” offering R&D subsidies and leveraging strengths in materials and equipment.

South Korea’s “K-Semiconductor Strategy” proposes a USD 450 billion investment to build the world’s largest semiconductor cluster, prioritizing wide bandgap semiconductors. Major players like Samsung Electronics are actively developing SiC modules. Besides, Korea is also collaborating with Soitec to introduce France’s SmartSiC technology and improve local SiC wafer quality.