WISeKey’s Extensive Expertise Lays the Foundation for the Development of a Semiconductor Manufacturing Project in Switzerland
WISeKey International Holding (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY) has announced plans to initiate an awareness campaign for a major semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) project in Switzerland. The project aims to enhance Switzerland's self-reliance in chip production and position it as an emerging semiconductor hub. Key points:
1. The project will start with a mini fab and gradually expand over 10 years.
2. Initial investment for a mini fab ranges from $100 million to $1.5 billion.
3. The fab will reduce Switzerland's dependence on semiconductor imports.
4. It will create jobs, attract investments, and foster innovation in the technology sector.
5. WISeKey, through its subsidiary SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), offers expertise in semiconductors and post-quantum technology.
The project aims to strengthen Switzerland's technological sovereignty, contribute to economic growth, and enhance global supply chain resilience in the semiconductor industry.
WISeKey International Holding (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY) ha annunciato piani per avviare una campagna di sensibilizzazione riguardo a un importante progetto di fabbricazione di semiconduttori in Svizzera. Il progetto punta a migliorare l'autosufficienza della Svizzera nella produzione di chip e a posizionarla come un hub emergente per i semiconduttori. Punti chiave:
1. Il progetto inizierà con un mini fab e si espanderà gradualmente nel corso di 10 anni.
2. L'investimento iniziale per un mini fab varia da 100 milioni a 1,5 miliardi di dollari.
3. Il fab ridurrà la dipendenza della Svizzera dalle importazioni di semiconduttori.
4. Creerà posti di lavoro, attrarrà investimenti e favorirà l'innovazione nel settore tecnologico.
5. WISeKey, attraverso la sua controllata SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), offre competenze nei semiconduttori e nella tecnologia post-quantistica.
Il progetto mira a rafforzare la sovranità tecnologica della Svizzera, contribuire alla crescita economica e migliorare la resilienza della catena di fornitura globale nell'industria dei semiconduttori.
WISeKey International Holding (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY) ha anunciado planes para iniciar una campaña de concienciación sobre un importante proyecto de fabricación de semiconductores en Suiza. El proyecto tiene como objetivo mejorar la autosuficiencia de Suiza en la producción de chips y posicionarla como un centro emergente de semiconductores. Puntos clave:
1. El proyecto comenzará con una mini fábrica y se expandirá gradualmente durante 10 años.
2. La inversión inicial para una mini fábrica oscila entre 100 millones y 1.5 mil millones de dólares.
3. La fábrica reducirá la dependencia de Suiza de las importaciones de semiconductores.
4. Creará empleos, atraerá inversiones y fomentará la innovación en el sector tecnológico.
5. WISeKey, a través de su filial SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), ofrece experiencia en semiconductores y tecnología post-cuántica.
El proyecto busca fortalecer la soberanía tecnológica de Suiza, contribuir al crecimiento económico y mejorar la resiliencia de la cadena de suministro global en la industria de semiconductores.
WISeKey International Holding (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY)는 스위스에 주요 반도체 제조 시설(fab) 프로젝트에 대한 인식 캠페인을 시작할 계획을 발표했습니다. 이 프로젝트는 스위스의 칩 생산 자립성을 강화하고 스위스를 신흥 반도체 허브로 자리매김하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. 핵심 사항:
1. 이 프로젝트는 미니 팹으로 시작하여 10년에 걸쳐 점진적으로 확장될 것입니다.
2. 미니 팹에 대한 초기 투자는 1억 달러에서 15억 달러까지 다양합니다.
3. 이 팹은 스위스의 반도체 수입 의존도를 줄일 것입니다.
4. 일자리를 창출하고, 투자를 유치하며, 기술 분야의 혁신을 촉진할 것입니다.
5. WISeKey는 그 자회사 SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES)을 통해 반도체 및 포스트 양자 기술에 대한 전문성을 제공합니다.
이 프로젝트는 스위스의 기술 주권을 강화하고, 경제 성장을 기여하며, 반도체 산업의 글로벌 공급망 복원력을 향상시키는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다.
WISeKey International Holding (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY) a annoncé ses projets pour lancer une campagne de sensibilisation pour un important projet de fabrication de semi-conducteurs en Suisse. Ce projet vise à améliorer l'autonomie de la Suisse en matière de production de puces et à la positionner comme un hub émergent de semi-conducteurs. Points clés:
1. Le projet commencera par un mini fab et s'étendra progressivement sur 10 ans.
2. L'investissement initial pour un mini fab se situe entre 100 millions et 1,5 milliard de dollars.
3. Le fab réduira la dépendance de la Suisse aux importations de semi-conducteurs.
4. Il créera des emplois, attirera des investissements et favorisera l'innovation dans le secteur technologique.
5. WISeKey, par l'intermédiaire de sa filiale SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), offre son expertise en matière de semi-conducteurs et de technologie post-quantique.
Le projet vise à renforcer la souveraineté technologique de la Suisse, à contribuer à la croissance économique et à améliorer la résilience de la chaîne d'approvisionnement mondiale dans l'industrie des semi-conducteurs.
WISeKey International Holding (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY) hat Pläne angekündigt, eine Awareness-Kampagne für ein großes Halbleiterfertigungsprojekt in der Schweiz zu starten. Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, die Selbstversorgung der Schweiz in der Chipproduktion zu verbessern und sie als aufstrebendes Halbleiterzentrum zu positionieren. Wichtige Punkte:
1. Das Projekt beginnt mit einem Mini-Fab und wird über 10 Jahre hinweg schrittweise erweitert.
2. Die Anfangsinvestition für einen Mini-Fab liegt zwischen 100 Millionen und 1,5 Milliarden Dollar.
3. Das Fab wird die Abhängigkeit der Schweiz von Halbleiterimporten reduzieren.
4. Es wird Arbeitsplätze schaffen, Investitionen anziehen und Innovationen im Technologiesektor fördern.
5. WISeKey bietet über ihre Tochtergesellschaft SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES) Expertise in Halbleitern und Post-Quanten-Technologie an.
Das Projekt zielt darauf ab, die technologische Souveränität der Schweiz zu stärken, zum Wirtschaftswachstum beizutragen und die globale Lieferkettenresilienz in der Halbleiterindustrie zu verbessern.
- Potential to reduce Switzerland's dependence on foreign semiconductor suppliers
- Creation of thousands of high-skilled jobs in semiconductor manufacturing and related sectors
- Opportunity to establish Switzerland as an innovation hub for advanced technologies
- Contribution to the diversification and resilience of global semiconductor supply chains
- Potential to attract further investments in Switzerland's electronics and technology sectors
- High initial investment required, ranging from $100 million to $1.5 billion for a mini fab
- Long-term project with gradual expansion over 10 years, requiring sustained commitment and resources
- Potential challenges in competing with established global semiconductor manufacturers
Insights
The proposed semiconductor fab project in Switzerland is a significant development with far-reaching implications. Starting with a mini fab and scaling up over a decade is a prudent approach, balancing initial costs with long-term goals. The estimated investment range of
This initiative could position Switzerland as a key player in Europe's semiconductor landscape, reducing dependence on foreign suppliers and enhancing technological sovereignty. The focus on older nodes (28nm to 130nm) is strategic, as these are still widely used in automotive, IoT and industrial applications. However, to remain competitive, Switzerland must also invest in R&D for more advanced nodes.
The success of this project will depend on factors such as government support, skilled workforce availability and the ability to attract ancillary industries. While ambitious, if executed well, this could significantly boost Switzerland's high-tech sector and economic growth.
The semiconductor fab project in Switzerland represents a strategic move towards technological self-reliance and economic diversification. The phased approach, starting with a mini fab, allows for measured investment and risk management. This initiative aligns with global trends of "semiconductor sovereignty" seen in various national chip acts and stimulus packages.
Key economic benefits include:
- Job creation in high-skilled sectors
- Attraction of foreign direct investment
- Potential for developing a robust semiconductor ecosystem
- Enhanced supply chain resilience
However, challenges remain. The global semiconductor market is highly competitive, with established players in Asia and the US. Switzerland will need to carve out a niche, possibly focusing on specialized chips for its strong sectors like precision instruments and medical devices. The success of this venture will heavily depend on sustained government support, industry collaboration and successful integration into global supply chains.
WISeKey’s Extensive Expertise Lays the Foundation for the Development of a Semiconductor Manufacturing Project in Switzerland
Geneva, Switzerland – October 1, 2024: WISeKey International Holding Ltd. (“WISeKey”) (SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ: WKEY), a leader in cybersecurity, AI, Blockchain, and IoT operating as a holding company, today announced that will be initiating a awareness campaign to promote a major semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) project in Switzerland which marks a crucial step in the country’s journey toward self-reliance in chip production and positions Switzerland as an emerging hub in the semiconductor industry.
For many years, WISeKey has been at the forefront of such efforts and has built an extensive expertise in semiconductors. Via its subsidiary. SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, WISeKey offers countries the opportunity to develop their own semiconductor personalization centers through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor manufacturing, thereby enhancing global supply chain security.
The development of a ab in Switzerland will require a careful balance of incentives, support, R&D, innovation, and access to capital. As highly advanced facilities, semiconductor fabs face escalating costs due to various factors, and each project presents unique requirements and cost considerations. WISeKey aims to raise awareness of the essential role a Swiss-based fab will play in building the foundations for the country’s innovation landscape. Given the project's complexity and cost, establishing a close partnership and a solid investment case is crucial to its success.
The project's objective in Switzerland is to start with a mini fab (a smaller-scale semiconductor fabrication facility) and gradually expand it into a full-scale semiconductor fab over the next 10 years. This phased approach allows for manageable investment, initial production capabilities, and flexibility to scale operations in line with technological advancements and market demands. Starting with a mini fab can cost between
Currently, Switzerland heavily relies on imports to meet its semiconductor needs. This new fab project is set to mitigate that dependence, enhance the domestic chip production ecosystem, create new jobs, and attract further investments in the technology and space sector. Locally produced chips will become essential for various industries within Switzerland, contributing to a more resilient global supply chain.
Why a Fab in Switzerland? The National and Economic Benefits
Switzerland stands to gain multiple benefits from establishing a semiconductor fab within its borders:
- Technological Sovereignty: By building a local fab, Switzerland can reduce its dependency on foreign semiconductor suppliers. This sovereignty will be crucial for the country's industries, including healthcare, automotive, health, aerospace, and IoT. In times of global shortages or geopolitical tensions, Switzerland will have direct access to semiconductor production, ensuring its key industries can continue to operate and innovate.
- Economic Growth and Job Creation: The establishment of a fab will create thousands of high-skilled jobs, both directly in semiconductor manufacturing and indirectly in related sectors, such as logistics, supply chain management, and R&D. This influx of talent and investment will help to boost Switzerland's economic growth, establishing the country as a leader in the global technology market.
- Innovation and R&D Hub: Switzerland is known for its world-class research institutions and a thriving innovation ecosystem. The presence of a semiconductor fab will further cement the country’s status as an innovation hub, attracting global companies to invest in research and development in Switzerland. This synergy will foster advanced research in fields such as quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and secure communications, accelerating the development of cutting-edge technologies.
- Strengthened Global Supply Chains: By creating an alternative source for high-quality semiconductor chips, Switzerland can contribute to the diversification of the global semiconductor supply chain. This diversification will make the global supply chain more resilient against disruptions, whether due to natural disasters, geopolitical conflicts, or economic crises. Switzerland’s reputation for quality and reliability will be an asset in providing a steady supply of critical chips to industries worldwide.
- Attracting Further Investments: The fab will serve as a magnet for investment in Switzerland’s electronics and technology sectors. With a robust semiconductor industry, the country can attract global companies looking to establish a European foothold in semiconductor design, manufacturing, and R&D. This influx of capital and talent will drive the growth of a high-tech ecosystem around the fab, stimulating further economic development.
Tackling Global Demand and Geopolitical Pressures
Today’s growth sectors—such as AI, vehicle electrification, autonomous driving, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, space exploration, renewable energy, supercomputing, connectivity, and defense—are increasingly dependent on semiconductor chips. In light of the global semiconductor shortage, the world's largest economies are planning to invest heavily in new pilot lines and fabs within their national borders. Many countries, recognizing the inequalities in the global distribution of chip fabs, have enacted "chips acts" and stimulus packages to support local chip design and manufacturing. This push toward semiconductor sovereignty has become critical as geopolitical factors, market turbulence, export controls, and trade tensions threaten to disrupt the delicate balance of the global economy.
Given these dynamics, Switzerland is positioned to step into the semiconductor spotlight, leveraging its resources and capabilities to strengthen chip development efforts. This effort aims to foster a new cluster of semiconductor innovation in the country, offering an alternative to existing dominant players and contributing to the diversification of the global semiconductor supply chain.
Cost Projections for Fab Development
The cost of building a mini fab is significantly lower than that of a large-scale, cutting-edge fab. However, the cost still depends on several factors, such as the facility's technology level, production capacity, and the complexity of the chips being manufactured.
Typical Costs for Mini Fabs:
- Older or Legacy Node Mini Fabs: For fabs producing chips at older technology nodes (28nm, 65nm, 130nm, etc.), the cost can range from
$100 million to$500 million . These fabs are suitable for producing chips used in a variety of applications like automotive, industrial electronics, IoT devices, and other areas that do not require the most advanced nodes. - Advanced Mini Fabs: For mini fabs equipped with more modern technology and capable of producing chips at nodes around 28nm or slightly below, the cost can be higher, ranging from
$500 million to$1.5 billion . These facilities might not have the full capabilities of a large-scale fab but can still produce a variety of chips needed for more advanced applications. - Specialized Mini Fabs (R&D, Prototyping): Mini fabs focused on research and development, prototyping, or small-scale production can have costs ranging from
$50 million to$200 million . These fabs typically do not require high-volume production equipment and instead focus on flexibility and experimentation with different semiconductor processes.
The landscape of government incentives for building and operating advanced semiconductor fabs has been increasingly active in recent years. Political leaders worldwide now view a thriving domestic semiconductor industry and secure access to critical chips as fundamental components of economic and national security. These government incentives could significantly impact the cost outcomes for fab development, providing countries like Switzerland with a unique opportunity to strengthen their semiconductor capabilities.
WISeKey's Vision for Semiconductor Sovereignty
WISeKey has built extensive expertise in semiconductors since acquiring the semiconductors company VaultIC from Inside Secure in 2016 and subsequently spinning off its semiconductor subsidiary, SEALSQ (Nasdaq: LAES). SEALSQ offers countries the opportunity to develop their own semiconductor personalization centers through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor manufacturing, thereby enhancing global supply chain security.
WISeKey's offering through SEALSQ includes a suite of services and technologies such as secure elements, root of trust, cryptographic keys, and hardware security modules. The company provides the hardware, software, training, and ongoing support needed to establish and operate these centers. This solution is particularly relevant for industries like automotive, aerospace, and healthcare, where the need for secure and reliable microchips is paramount. By creating local personalization centers, countries can maintain a consistent supply of essential microchips, even amidst global shortages. Additionally, this initiative promises to spur economic development and job creation within participating countries.
WISeKey and SEALSQ are currently in discussions with several countries regarding the establishment of semiconductor personalization centers. Earlier this year, WISeKey began offering security services and semiconductors to IoT device manufacturers adopting the Matter Protocol, the leading standard for smart home devices from the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). WISeKey’s Root Certificate Authority (CA) has been approved by the CSA for Matter device attestation, establishing the company as a Product Attestation Authority (PAA).
Advancements in Post-Quantum Technology
SEALSQ is also making significant progress in post-quantum technology. Its engineering team has successfully integrated Kyber and Dilithium CRYSTAL quantum-resistant NIST-selected algorithms into the MS6003, a WISeKey Common Criteria EAL5+ Certified secure hardware platform powered by an ARMSC300 core. This breakthrough marks the creation of the first quantum-resistant USB token, advancing the QUASARS project closer to building a Post-Quantum Hardware Security Module and Root-of-Trust.
Through SEALSQ, WISeKey is implementing the QUASARS project, an innovative solution based on the WISeKey Secure RISC V platform. This platform is paving the way for the Post-Quantum Cryptography era, offering hybrid solutions aligned with the recommendations of ANSSI (the National Cybersecurity Agency of France). SEALSQ has also received strong support from the French Secured Communicating Solutions (SCS) Cluster for this project.
WISeKey is also part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) National Cybersecurity Center of Excellence (NCCoE) project, a new secure platform designed to establish best practices for trusted network-layer onboarding and aid in the scalable implementation of trusted IoT device onboarding solutions. More information on this consortium can be found at: NCCoE Trusted IoT Project.
With the establishment of this new semiconductor fab and the potential development of personalization centers, Switzerland is poised to become a new cluster of semiconductor innovation. This effort will provide an alternative to existing dominant players, contributing to the diversification of the global
WISeKey is actively consulting with various technology partners, Swiss cantons, and government authorities to identify the optimal location for this project.
About WISeKey
WISeKey International Holding Ltd (“WISeKey”, SIX: WIHN; Nasdaq: WKEY) is a global leader in cybersecurity, digital identity, and IoT solutions platform. It operates as a Swiss-based holding company through several operational subsidiaries, each dedicated to specific aspects of its technology portfolio. The subsidiaries include (i) SEALSQ Corp (Nasdaq: LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, (ii) WISeKey SA which specializes in RoT and PKI solutions for secure authentication and identification in IoT, Blockchain, and AI, (iii) WISeSat AG which focuses on space technology for secure satellite communication, specifically for IoT applications, (iv) WISe.ART Corp which focuses on trusted blockchain NFTs and operates the WISe.ART marketplace for secure NFT transactions, and (v) SEALCOIN AG which focuses on decentralized physical internet with DePIN technology and house the development of the SEALCOIN platform.
Each subsidiary contributes to WISeKey’s mission of securing the internet while focusing on their respective areas of research and expertise. Their technologies seamlessly integrate into the comprehensive WISeKey platform. WISeKey secures digital identity ecosystems for individuals and objects using Blockchain, AI, and IoT technologies. With over 1.6 billion microchips deployed across various IoT sectors, WISeKey plays a vital role in securing the Internet of Everything. The company’s semiconductors generate valuable Big Data that, when analyzed with AI, enable predictive equipment failure prevention. Trusted by the OISTE/WISeKey cryptographic Root of Trust, WISeKey provides secure authentication and identification for IoT, Blockchain, and AI applications. The WISeKey Root of Trust ensures the integrity of online transactions between objects and people. For more information on WISeKey’s strategic direction and its subsidiary companies, please visit www.wisekey.com.
Disclaimer
This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning WISeKey International Holding Ltd and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of WISeKey International Holding Ltd to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. WISeKey International Holding Ltd is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities, and it does not constitute an offering prospectus within the meaning of the Swiss Financial Services Act (“FinSA”), the FinSa's predecessor legislation or advertising within the meaning of the FinSA. Investors must rely on their own evaluation of WISeKey and its securities, including the merits and risks involved. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied on as, a promise or representation as to the future performance of WISeKey.
Press and Investor Contacts
| WISeKey International Holding Ltd Company Contact: Carlos Moreira Chairman & CEO Tel: +41 22 594 3000 info@wisekey.com | WISeKey Investor Relations (US) The Equity Group Inc. Lena Cati Tel: +1 212 836-9611 / lcati@equityny.com Katie Murphy Tel: +1 212 836-9612 / kmurphy@equityny.com |
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