NSTC Announces New Science Park in Tainan to Support 1nm Commercialization

Director-General Wu Cheng-wen of the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) issued a statement in Taipei today, announcing that the number of science parks currently managed by the agency has expanded to 18. A new park located in Tainan will commence operations next year to accommodate the construction requirements of 1-nanometer wafer fabs entering commercial production. This initiative is not only a direct response to the upgrading of Taiwan’s semiconductor industry but also a key strategy for the government to maintain its leading position in the global chip supply chain competition. Wu emphasized that the new park will be significantly larger than existing ones and is expected to become another major pillar for Taiwan’s semiconductor sector.

Since the 1980s, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry has evolved from a manufacturing base into a global leader in technological innovation and advanced process technology. In recent years, companies such as TSMC and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) have announced the transition of their 1-nanometer processes to mass production. This advanced process not only significantly enhances chip performance and energy efficiency but also meets the demands of high-end applications, including artificial intelligence, 5G, and automotive electronics. To ensure the integrity of the industrial chain and supply stability, the NSTC will build a new science park in Tainan, providing one-stop services ranging from wafer manufacturing to packaging and testing, as well as material supply. This move will reduce cross-regional logistics costs, shorten supply cycles, and create numerous high-tech job opportunities in the Tainan area.

The Tainan region possesses distinct geographical and logistical advantages. Located in southern Taiwan, it is relatively close to the Port of Taiwan, Taiwan Airport, and major domestic logistics hubs, enabling rapid access to international markets. Additionally, Tainan already hosts several semiconductor-related enterprises and research institutions, fostering a strong industrial agglomeration effect. The establishment of the new park will further consolidate Tainan’s core position in the semiconductor supply chain while helping to alleviate production capacity pressure in northern parks, such as those in Taipei and Hsinchu, thereby enhancing overall industrial resilience.

However, large-scale infrastructure projects are accompanied by challenges. Land acquisition, environmental assessment, and infrastructure development will be the primary issues to address before the new park launches. The NSTC stated that it will work closely with local governments and relevant agencies to ensure that land use aligns with national development plans. It will also adopt environmentally friendly design and energy-saving measures to minimize environmental impact. Furthermore, talent cultivation and technology transfer are critical. The new park will collaborate with universities and research institutions to establish talent training centers, ensuring the industry maintains a sufficient reserve of technical expertise.

In summary, the NSTC’s decision to launch a new park in Tainan is a proactive response to global semiconductor market trends and domestic industrial upgrading needs. Through comprehensive industrial chain support and geographical advantages, the new park will serve as a significant hub for Taiwan in the 1-nanometer process field and inject new momentum into the local economy. In the future, as the new park is completed and becomes operational, Taiwan’s semiconductor industry will further solidify its global leading position, creating greater economic value and international competitiveness for the nation. (Source: Central News Agency)