[Power Interview Featured Guest] Shim Kyu-hwan, CEO of Sigetronics – “A Comprehensive Semiconductor Company Leading the Localization of Specialized Chips with M-FAB”"MTN Leaders’ Story [Power Interview – Featured Guest] Shim Kyu-hwan, CEO of Sigetronics"Host: Park Min-hong, Head of Money Today Broadcasting (MTN)Guest: Shim Kyu-hwan, CEO of SigetronicsHost:Hello viewers, this is Park Min-hong from Power Interview Featured Guest.Semiconductors — the core components of all electronic devices we use, and one of the most crucial industries that determine national competitiveness.Today, we introduce a comprehensive semiconductor company that has succeeded in localizing specialized semiconductors for AI, defense, and space industries, and has made its mark on the global stage.In today’s Power Interview Featured Guest, we will speak in detail with Shim Kyu-hwan, CEO of Sigetronics, a company driving change in the semiconductor paradigm.Host:Thank you for joining us despite your busy schedule. Could you first introduce Sigetronics to our viewers?Shim Kyu-hwan:Hello, I’m Shim Kyu-hwan, CEO of Sigetronics. Our company is located in the Wanju Technovalley, near Jeonju in Jeollabuk-do Province. We specialize in developing and commercializing specialized semiconductors. In August 2023, we were listed on KOSDAQ, and with a production capacity of 18,000 wafers per month, we are ready to make our next big leap forward.Host:I understand the company was founded in 2008. Could you share some of the major milestones achieved since then?Shim:Yes, Sigetronics was established in 2008. Over the past decade, we have developed and commercialized various semiconductor devices. In 2015, we built our back-end fabrication facility, and in 2020, we established a full front-end fab. In addition, we developed device, structural, and process technologies, as well as equipment and facilities, to build our M-FAB. I believe this M-FAB is the most significant achievement and asset of our company.Host:Sigetronics is known as a comprehensive semiconductor company with a Multi-Project Fab (M-FAB). Could you explain what that means in simple terms?Shim:In semiconductors, “Fab” comes from “Fabrication.” Typically, fabs focus on a single category, such as memory, non-memory, or power semiconductors. Our company, however, operates a Multi-Project Fab, capable of developing and producing various semiconductor devices. In our M-FAB, we process multiple semiconductor materials, including silicon, gallium arsenide (GaAs), gallium nitride (GaN), and gallium oxide (Ga₂O₃). We combine facilities, process technologies, and a range of intellectual properties to create advanced convergence technologies.Host:Globally, Taiwan, the U.S., and South Korea are considered major leaders in semiconductors. Where do you think Korea currently stands?Shim:In the U.S., giants like Intel and GlobalFoundries dominate, supported by many small companies specializing in niche devices. Including software and design, the U.S. remains the world leader. According to projections for 2025, the U.S. will hold about 41% market share, Korea 19%, China 16%, and Taiwan 7%. While the U.S. still maintains a large share, it is declining, and China is growing rapidly. Korea remains strong in memory semiconductors but has weaknesses in other areas. With competition from China intensifying, Korea will need to stay highly vigilant.Host:We’re seeing a global race for semiconductor supremacy, with countries like the EU and China heavily investing in domestic semiconductor industries. How do you see the market outlook?Shim:Countries including Europe, Japan, and the U.S. are investing tens to hundreds of billions of dollars. I believe China poses the greatest threat. It is projected that by 2030, China will surpass Korea in semiconductors. With state-led investment, abundant talent, and a huge domestic market, China’s growth resembles a massive tsunami.Host:You also serve as a university professor. How do you leverage your industry experience to benefit students, and what synergies do you expect?Shim:I mainly teach semiconductor device design and manufacturing processes. I ensure students learn both theory and hands-on skills, preparing them to adapt quickly when they enter the industry. I focus on practical, real-world problems so they can become immediately productive engineers.Host:You’ve been in semiconductors for over 30 years, since 1986. What is your ultimate goal in this field?Shim:Sigetronics works in ESD devices, sensors, power devices, RF, and foundry businesses — all areas where Korea is relatively weak, particularly compound semiconductors, which have not been fully developed in Korea over the past 40 years. My goal is to establish a foothold for compound semiconductors in Korea through our technology development and commercialization efforts.Host:Could you explain your current business areas in more detail?Shim:We operate in four main sectors:ESD devices – used in displays and lighting.Sensors – applied in wearable devices like smartwatches and smart rings for healthcare purposes.Power semiconductors – our MOS Controlled Thyristor (MCT) is used in defense applications.RF semiconductors and foundry services – used in wireless communications and radar systems.Host:I’ve heard you produce specialized semiconductors for defense, space, aerospace, and medical applications, securing major global clients. What are specialized semiconductors, and who are your customers?Shim:Specialized semiconductors are not standardized products; they are custom-developed with unique device structures and performance tailored to specific applications. For example, we developed a space-grade Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD) and an MCT for defense use. These devices can withstand extreme conditions such as cryogenic temperatures, high vacuum, and radiation — areas where Korea currently has little to no domestic technology.Host:Wide Bandgap (WBG) power semiconductors are predicted to grow due to carbon neutrality and energy efficiency demands. How is Sigetronics preparing?Shim:WBG semiconductors, such as silicon carbide (SiC), gallium nitride (GaN), and gallium oxide, have larger bandgaps than silicon, making them more robust thermally, electrically, and against cosmic radiation. We have long focused on GaN-based power and RF devices. By 2030, GaN is projected to account for about 15% of the total semiconductor market, and we are positioning ourselves for that growth.Host:With the rapid growth of AI semiconductors, competition is intensifying. What is Sigetronics’ competitive edge?Shim:In AI, memory and processors are like the brain, while specialized semiconductors are like the sensory and motor organs. For AI to take action, specialized semiconductors are essential. Our M-FAB gives us unique strengths in device structure, process technology, IP, and skilled personnel, enabling us to lead in the convergence technologies required for the AI era.Host:Given the global attention on semiconductors, what role should the government play?Shim:Korea is a semiconductor powerhouse but lacks companies equivalent to Infineon in Germany or Texas Instruments in the U.S. The government should nurture “seed companies” and help small semiconductor firms grow into mid-sized companies, ensuring global-scale semiconductor firms take root domestically.Host:What new products are you producing this year, and where will they be used?Shim:Our new products include Flip-Chip TVS, Broadband Photodetectors, Avalanche Photodiodes, Flip-Chip Photodiodes, and MCTs. These products are becoming smaller and more efficient to meet surface-mount technology trends. Applications range from automotive and display protection to wearable device sensors and power switching in defense systems.Host:Tell us about your global expansion so far.Shim:Over 80% of our products are exported, mainly to Taiwan, China, and Vietnam. We currently sell through agencies but plan to establish local offices, and eventually production lines, to localize our global business.Host:What are your mid-to-long-term plans?Shim:We are currently focused on expanding sales of newly developed products and diversifying into new business lines. Long-term, we aim to establish a leading position in compound semiconductors, contributing to Korea’s technological independence.Host:After more than 30 years as both a professor and CEO, what is your most memorable moment?Shim:After 15 years of product development and business challenges, being listed on KOSDAQ in 2023 was my most emotional moment. I view our technology-special listing as a valuable opportunity given by the nation and feel a deep sense of responsibility.Host:What core values do you uphold as the leader of Sigetronics?Shim:We emphasize three virtues:Open Mind – openness to people and technology.Hot Heart – passion for work.Cool Brain – maintaining composure and sound judgment in business and life.Host:Finally, could you share Sigetronics’ vision for becoming a global leader?Shim:As semiconductor technology competition intensifies worldwide, Sigetronics will focus on rapidly developing and commercializing new technologies in specialized semiconductors, contributing to our community, employees, and the nation.Through its integrated Multi-Project Fab, Sigetronics has secured industry-leading capabilities and contributed to the localization of specialized semiconductors. We look forward to seeing Sigetronics soar toward becoming a global Top 10 company with its differentiated technological edge. Thank you, CEO Shim Kyu-hwan, for joining us today.article link : [Power Interview – Featured Guest] Shim Kyu-hwan, CEO of Sigetronics: A Comprehensive Semiconductor Company Achieving Localization of Specialized Chips with M-FAB

Deokho Cho, Head of Research Institute at SigetronicsTransferring technologies developed by public institutions (such as universities and research institutes) to the private sector for successful mass production is more than a simple technology transaction. It is the final step that connects R&D outcomes to the creation of new businesses and technology licensing revenues, thereby maximizing the efficiency of national R&D investments. In recognition of this importance, the government has been operating various national projects to promote technology transfer and commercialization, contributing to enhancing the competitiveness of participating companies.However, the reality is far from easy. According to the Ministry of Science and ICT’s 2022 Technology Commercialization Report, less than 10% of technologies transferred from public institutions actually lead to product realization, and only about 2–3% result in continuous sales after product launch. These are very disappointing figures. To improve the success rate of technology transfer commercialization and achieve tangible results in new business creation, more sophisticated institutional improvements and practical support programs are urgently needed.This is especially true for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in regional areas, where it is realistically difficult to independently enhance their R&D capabilities. The lack of skilled personnel, facilities, and equipment—along with population decline and the centralization around the capital region—further raise the entry barriers to technology commercialization. For such companies, technology transfer from public institutions is an excellent strategy to compensate for limited capabilities, and it is precisely where the true value of industry-academia-research cooperation is demonstrated.The company I belong to is also actively utilizing public technology transfer to overcome these regional limitations. We recently acquired four technologies from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), two of which (MCT, APD) have already led to sales, and the remaining two (GaN Power RF) are undergoing follow-up R&D for commercialization. Even based on the current results, our success rate is about 20 times higher than the national average.There are several pointed out causes for the low success rate of technology commercialization in Korea. Among them, two are particularly noteworthy. First, the level of completeness of the transferred technologies varies greatly—from mere ideas to technologies close to commercialization—but rarely are they fully complete. Second, SMEs that receive the technologies often lack the manpower and equipment needed to supplement the incomplete parts and bring the technologies to mass production.To overcome these challenges, I would like to propose two solutions. First, the scale of ministry-level programs that support the commercialization of transferred technologies should be further expanded. For example, the "SME Technology Commercialization Capacity Building Project" has been reported to increase the commercialization success rate up to about 15% compared to cases without such support.Second, public institutions transferring the technologies should also operate their own follow-up programs to assist commercialization. As public institutions have far greater resources and expertise than SMEs, efforts to improve the completeness of technologies are both a matter of researcher pride and a responsibility of public institutions.The remaining 1% until full productization can determine the fate of a company. It is within that 1% that true know-how and technological value are realized, and significant added value is created. Now is the time to go beyond administrative technology transfer and approach it with a sense of mission to complete commercialization. To this end, I hope that systems and practical programs will be established to enable active participation by researchers at public institutions.Deokho Cho, Head of Research Institute, Sigetronics, dhcho@sigetronics.comETNEWS, hskim@etnews.com, July 24, 2025

One of the key drivers shaping the future of the next-generation semiconductor market is Gallium Nitride (GaN). Thanks to its high-speed and high-efficiency characteristics, GaN semiconductors are rapidly replacing traditional silicon (Si)-based components in applications such as electric vehicles, drones, satellite communications, 5G base stations, and data centers—particularly where high power and high frequency are required.In Korea, few companies have developed GaN-based power devices with full-scale in-house production infrastructure. Sigetronics Co., Ltd. has emerged as a leader, filling this critical gap and positioning itself as a rare integrated device manufacturer (IDM) advancing specialized semiconductor self-sufficiency.Founded in 2008, Sigetronics focuses on producing high-value-added semiconductor products including ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection devices, optical sensors, power semiconductors, and providing foundry services. The company operates Korea’s only full 6-inch fab for specialized semiconductors (M-FAB), enabling a vertically integrated production system—from design and epitaxy to deposition, lithography, etching, and final testing—all under one roof. This level of manufacturing autonomy gives the company a strong competitive edge in high-reliability, customized applications such as defense and aerospace.One of Sigetronics' flagship technologies is its GaN-on-Si power FETs. These devices offer higher power density and efficiency than traditional Si-based power devices in high-voltage, high-speed switching environments. They also maintain stable performance in high temperatures and are ideal for compact designs used in EV chargers, high-power server power supplies, drones, and satellite systems.The company has also developed GaN-on-SiC RF power transistors, which support a wide frequency range from S-band to Ka-band. These components are applicable to high-frequency communication and radar systems and serve as critical components for Korea’s defense programs including AESA radar, KF-21 fighter jets, FA-50, and the KDDX naval destroyer project.In the sensor domain, Sigetronics is expanding its portfolio of high-performance products targeting medical and healthcare applications. The company’s Flip Chip PD has been successfully mass-produced for wearable devices measuring heart rate, oxygen saturation, and blood pressure. Meanwhile, its APD (Avalanche Photo Diode) is used in autonomous vehicles, LiDAR, drones, and night vision equipment, where high-sensitivity optical detection is essential. Sigetronics is already working with over 30 domestic and international customers and began mass shipping to China in 2025.In the ESD device sector, the company’s Flip Chip TVS products are optimized for automotive applications such as high-output LED lighting and smart key protection. These products—previously produced only by select advanced global companies—are now being mass-produced by Sigetronics for the first time in Korea, with exports expanding to China, Vietnam, and Malaysia.Sigetronics has also built a production system for MCT (MOS Controlled Thyristor), a component classified as a strategic material subject to export control. Through partnerships with domestic defense contractors, the company is now preparing for global market entry.Leveraging its core competencies, Sigetronics continues to expand its product portfolio across wearable tech, automotive electronics, defense, aerospace, and energy markets. The company is also working closely with the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) to internalize core technologies like MCT, GaN RF, and high-sensitivity APDs through continuous tech transfer and process development. These efforts are supported by a proprietary R&D roadmap inspired by leading sensor companies like Japan’s Hamamatsu.Dr. Deokho Cho, Head of R&D at Sigetronics, stated,“We are one of the few IDM companies in Korea capable of designing and manufacturing specialized non-memory semiconductors in-house. Operating a fab requires massive upfront investment and long-term development strategies. That’s why localizing GaN RF power transistors—core components for Korean defense systems—is not only essential for export control compliance and supply chain security, but a nationally strategic priority.”He added,“To build a complete semiconductor ecosystem that spans space, defense, and automotive sectors, long-term investment and support at the national level is just as crucial as industry-led efforts.”Over the next five years, Sigetronics plans to accelerate its entry into the ultra-high-frequency communications and aerospace semiconductor markets by securing proprietary mass-production capabilities for GaN-on-SiC RF power semiconductors. Simultaneously, the company aims to expand its Flip Chip sensor lineup to meet growing demand in the medical and smart device sectors—solidifying its position as a front-runner in the localization of high-reliability specialized semiconductors.Engineering Journal, June 30, 2025 

Sigetronics, a leading developer of silicon-based high-performance avalanche photodiodes (APDs), announced on July 15 that it has secured mass production capabilities and officially launched full-scale foundry services for a wide range of APD sensor architectures.APDs are key components in laser-based distance and velocity measurement systems, attracting attention for their high performance in applications such as LiDAR systems for autonomous vehicles and missile tracking technologies.Sigetronics’ new foundry offering supports not only single-element APDs but also quadrant, 1D, and 2D array-type sensors, addressing diverse market demands.The company has developed proprietary technologies that enable precise tuning of photoresponse across the 400–1100 nm wavelength range through custom anti-reflection coatings and optical filters. It also offers control over breakdown voltages from 60V to 250V. In addition, Sigetronics provides multiple packaging options, including TO-CAN (Transistor Outline Metal Can) and SMD (Surface-Mount Device), allowing for fully customized sensor solutions.Through this foundry initiative, Sigetronics aims to strengthen its position in the global APD market and accelerate the delivery of reliable, high-performance sensor solutions tailored to customer requirements.A company representative stated, “We are well-positioned to meet the growing demand in emerging sectors such as LiDAR safety sensors for autonomous vehicles, tractors, and forklifts, as well as drones, service robots, and autonomous unmanned machines (AUMs). We expect this foundry launch to make a substantial contribution to expanding APD adoption both domestically and internationally.”edaily , July 15, 2025