[September 5, 2024] K-ASIC Celebrates Grand Opening

On September 5, 2024, the Korea AI & System IC Innovation Center (K-ASIC) officially opened its doors in Silicon Valley, hosting a combined grand opening ceremony and semiconductor seminar that welcomed nearly 100 attendees. The event brought together resident startups, Korean government and industry representatives, and local semiconductor experts and global tech leaders to celebrate a new chapter of cross-border collaboration in AI chip innovation.

The opening of K-ASIC marks the establishment of a strategic foothold in San Jose, California, aimed at accelerating the U.S. market entry of Korean system semiconductor companies. The Center was launched under the leadership of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE), in collaboration with the Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT) and the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA).

The ceremony began with a symbolic ribbon-cutting and photo session, joined by representatives from MOTIE, KEIT, KSIA, and executives from resident and partner companies. Attendees also included representatives from U.S. semiconductor firms and academic institutions such as Stanford University, reflecting the Center’s role as a bilateral innovation platform.

Strategic Mission of K-ASIC: Empowering Global Fabless Growth

The Innovation Center will serve as a comprehensive launchpad for Korean semiconductor firms seeking global scale, particularly in the U.S.—which accounts for over 70% of the global system semiconductor market. Its core functions include:

• Identifying U.S. market-aligned R&D opportunities

• Providing technical validation and certification advisory

• Offering expert consultation and demo board support

• Promoting resident companies through targeted outreach

• Delivering infrastructure access, industry trend insights, and networking channels

  
  

With San Jose serving as a global hub for leading semiconductor players, K-ASIC’s establishment offers Korea’s fabless firms direct proximity to customers, partners, and talent pipelines critical for scaling globally.

During the opening, stakeholders exchanged views on Korea’s system semiconductor competitiveness and explored frameworks to deepen U.S.-Korea industry cooperation.