According to Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea,

South Korean small and mid-size enterprises (SMEs) are enhancing research and development (R&D) in semiconductor technology as the global battle for chip supremacy intensifies.

Japan’s export restrictions on key semiconductor materials also served as a catalyst for Korea to localize essential materials, components, and equipment. Nopion Co. has refined a conductive adhesive, a glue that conducts electricity, essential for ultra-miniaturization in semiconductor packaging and LED manufacturing.

By surpassing Japan’s original micro-particle control technology, Nopion has developed advanced ultra-fine particle control technology.

“This new material is used in cutting-edge semiconductor packaging and micro-LED connections requiring connections under 10 micrometers,” Nopion Chief Executive Officer Lee Kyung-sub said.

The technology has been certified as a New Excellent Technology (NET) and has led to 18 patent applications and registrations. Nopion is leveraging this achievement to negotiate initial uations with major U.S. semiconductor companies for semiconductor packaging applications.

Fine One Co. has localized the production of magnet plates, a critical component in the deposition process for OLED display manufacturing. This innovation involves creating permanent magnets that maintain magnetism even at elevated temperatures of 120 degrees Celsius, with a north-south pole deviation of less than 3 percent.

By employing magnetic field simulation programs and optimizing the ratio of neodymium, iron, and boron, Fine One has challenged Japan’s dominance in Korea’s OLED deposition magnet plat market.

“We aim to penetrate the market traditionally monopolized by Japanese firms while also supplying magnet-based components to companies in China, Japan, and beyond in the display and semiconductor sectors,” Fine One Chief Executive Officer Ko Jae-sang said.

CosmoRobotics Co. is developing exoskeleton robots for gait training in individuals with lower limb disabilities caused by spinal cord and nervous system injuries. The company has launched subsequent models, including versions for children, since creating its first exoskeleton robot model in 2017.

Based on clinical results showing that natural walking trajectories enhance training effectiveness, CosmoRobotics developed control technology to replicate these trajectories.

“About 70 percent of our revenue comes from exports to Europe, Asia, and the U.S.,” CosmoRobotics Chief Executive Officer Oh Joo-young said.

For its part, the Ministry of SMEs and Startups is collaborating with the Korea Technology and Information Promotion Agency for SMEs to highlight the significance of SME R&D and encourage corporate participation.

Outstanding R&D achievements are identified among companies that have successfully completed or excelled in projects under the ministry’s assignment over the past five years.


By Lee Yun-sik and Lee Eun-joo

Copyrights Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea. All Rights Reserved.

Source: Pulse by Maeil Business News Korea (December 30, 2024)