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K-ASIC

[September, 2024] K-ASIC Opens Silicon Valley Innovation Center, Advancing U.S.–Korea AI Semiconductor Collaboration

  • Mar 18
  • 2 min read

On September 5, 2024, the Korea AI & System IC Innovation Center (K-ASIC) officially opened its doors in Silicon Valley, marking a significant milestone in strengthening cross-border collaboration in AI semiconductor innovation. The grand opening ceremony, held in San Jose, welcomed nearly 200 attendees, including resident startups, Korean government and industry representatives, and leading experts from the U.S. semiconductor ecosystem.


The event combined a formal inauguration with a semiconductor seminar, bringing together global tech leaders and academic representatives—including participants from Stanford University—to celebrate the launch of a new platform designed to accelerate innovation and partnership between Korea and the United States. The ceremony commenced with a ribbon-cutting and commemorative photo session, attended by key stakeholders from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resource (MOTIR), Korea Evaluation Institute of Industrial Technology (KEIT), and Korea Semiconductor Industry Association (KSIA), alongside executives from partner and resident companies.

Establishing a Strategic Foothold in the Global Semiconductor Hub


The opening of K-ASIC represents the establishment of a strategic presence in San Jose, California—one of the world’s most critical semiconductor hubs. The Center is designed to support Korean system semiconductor companies in expanding into the U.S. market, which accounts for more than 70% of the global system semiconductor industry.

Launched under the leadership of MOTIR in collaboration with KEIT and KSIA, K-ASIC aims to bridge Korea’s rapidly growing fabless ecosystem with the advanced infrastructure, capital networks, and customer base of Silicon Valley. By positioning itself at the center of the global semiconductor value chain, K-ASIC enables Korean companies to engage directly with key stakeholders essential for global scale.

Strategic Mission: Enabling Global Growth for Korean Fabless Companies

K-ASIC is structured as a comprehensive innovation platform designed to accelerate the global expansion of Korean semiconductor firms. Its core mission focuses on enabling companies to navigate the complexities of the U.S. market while strengthening their technological and commercial competitiveness.

Key functions of the Center include:

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

  • Supporting technical validation and certification processes

  • Providing expert consultation and demo board development support

  • Promoting resident companies through targeted outreach and ecosystem engagement

  • Delivering access to infrastructure, industry insights, and strategic networking channels

Through these initiatives, K-ASIC serves as a critical launchpad for Korean fabless companies seeking to scale globally, offering both operational support and strategic guidance.

A Platform for Deepening U.S.–Korea Semiconductor Cooperation

Beyond infrastructure and business support, the opening event also served as a forum for strategic dialogue among stakeholders. Participants exchanged insights on the current state of Korea’s system semiconductor competitiveness and explored pathways to strengthen bilateral cooperation with the United States.


As global demand for AI-driven semiconductor solutions continues to accelerate, K-ASIC is positioned to play a pivotal role in fostering innovation, enabling market entry, and building a resilient cross-border ecosystem. The Center’s establishment underscores a shared commitment between Korea and the United States to advance next-generation semiconductor technologies and drive sustainable industry growth.

 
 
 
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