Samsung Electro-Mechanics has announced a strategic partnership with local materials company Soulbrain to develop materials for glass substrates, a key component for next-generation artificial intelligence (AI) semiconductors. The collaboration aims to mass-produce these substrates by 2027, expanding Samsung Electro-Mechanics’ supply chain ecosystem.

According to industry sources on Jan. 14, the two companies have initiated research on etching solutions used in the manufacture of glass substrates. These solutions are crucial for drilling fine holes in the glass and removing impurities generated during the process. Soulbrain, South Korea’s largest chemical materials company for IT devices, has a history of supplying etching solutions for the OLED process to Samsung Display. Given the significant use of glass in OLED panels, there is considerable interest in whether Soulbrain’s etching solution technology can be effectively applied to glass substrates.

An industry insider commented, “Soulbrain has experience in mass-producing not only etching solutions but also deposition materials and polishing solutions necessary for semiconductor and display panel processes, and it possesses superior material competitiveness compared to its competitors.”

Glass substrates are essential for next-generation semiconductors, serving as the base layer that helps electrical signals flow smoothly between semiconductor chips and electronic devices. The current challenge in semiconductor substrates is creating large-area substrates. As the AI era rapidly approaches, there is a need for computation units and multiple high-bandwidth memories (HBMs) to function as a single semiconductor. Existing plastic substrates have limitations in large-area applications, as they easily bend under heat and need to be thick to drill fine circuits. Glass substrates, however, are more heat-resistant and have a flat surface, allowing for the creation of larger substrates.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics is accelerating the commercialization of glass substrates, believing that their era will begin within a few years. The company has already established a glass substrate test line at its Sejong plant and plans to produce prototypes this year. At a press conference held at CES 2025 in Las Vegas on Jan. 9 (local time), Samsung Electro-Mechanics President Chang Duk-hyun stated, “We cannot mention specific customers, but we are in discussions with several customers,” adding, “We plan to supply prototypes to 2-3 customers this year.”

To realize this plan, the company is building a supply chain by collaborating with various domestic and international materials, parts, and equipment companies, including Soulbrain. Last year, the company promised cooperation with domestic Chemtronics and Germany’s glass processing company LPKF, and is researching various manufacturing methods. Within the Samsung Group, commercialization research centered on Samsung Electro-Mechanics is also underway, with the company sharing compatibility and glass process know-how for semiconductors and glass substrates with Samsung Electronics and Samsung Display.

Samsung Electro-Mechanics is not the only domestic conglomerate venturing into glass substrates. SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won showcased a glass substrate made by SKC subsidiary Absolix at the SK Group exhibition at CES 2025, stating, “I just sold it.” LG Innotek CEO Moon Hyuk-soo also announced at CES 2025 that they would mass-produce glass substrates by the end of the year.