Successful Mass Production and Localization of 21 Strategic Items Drive Value Creation

On July 9, a performance presentation was held in Sejong to explore support strategies through industry-academia-research collaboration.

On May 8, 2025, the President of the National Nano Fab Center explained key achievements during a press briefing.

The National NanoFab Center (NNFC) has emerged as a key testbed for Korea’s semiconductor materials, parts, and equipment (commonly known as "SoCubes") industry, achieving localization of 21 essential items since the launch of its technology development initiative in 2021.

At a press conference held on May 8, NNFC President Heungsoo Park presented the center’s major accomplishments, highlighting its role in strengthening Korea's technological sovereignty amid increasing global supply chain vulnerabilities following Japan’s export restrictions in 2019.

According to NNFC, its SoCubes Testbed Technology Development Project (2021–2025) has enabled full-scale production and localization of 21 strategic items, now in commercial deployment. These developments are projected to generate KRW 78.5 billion in sales over the next three years.

The program has also led to significant added value, including KRW 58.2 billion in domestic and foreign investment attraction, two IPOs, and the creation of 84 new jobs.

Key localized products include:

A 12-inch ArF immersion scanner photoresist developed by SK Materials Performance

Sub-10nm CMP ceria slurry by Soulbrain

Silicon capacitors for 5G AP power optimization by LSPACE

Silicon photodetectors for wearable optical blood-flow monitoring by Sigetronics

NNFC has played a vital role in fostering a self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem in Korea since the onset of Japan’s export controls. In collaboration with Samsung Electronics and ASML, NNFC accelerated the launch of a 300mm semiconductor testbed, putting it into operation nearly a year ahead of schedule in March 2021. This infrastructure has since served as a foundation for enhancing domestic SoCubes technologies and scaling localization efforts.

Speaking at the press conference, President Park noted, “Before the 2019 export restrictions, the private sector maintained isolated ecosystems. But when the supply stopped, factories came to a halt, and it became clear to the government that national support for semiconductor and materials development was essential.”

He added, “NNFC was selected as the lead organization for the national testbed, and within 18 months, we built a cleanroom, installed equipment, and launched full-scale services.”

On May 9, NNFC will host a Results Presentation Event at the Marriott Hotel in Sejong to showcase its achievements from the 300mm testbed initiative. The event will also explore collaboration strategies among academia, research institutes, and industry stakeholders to further enhance Korea’s semiconductor infrastructure.

President Park emphasized, “To sustain Korea’s global leadership in semiconductors and strategic technologies, NNFC will continue strengthening its role as an innovative hub connecting the R&D ecosystem with industrial commercialization through an open platform and production validation infrastructure.”

Joongdo Ilbo,  May 8, 2025