Timeline of SMIC (Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corporation), China's largest semiconductor foundry, from its founding in 2000 through key technological milestones, international expansion, and geopolitical challenges.
SMIC was founded in Shanghai, China, with initial capital of $1.48 billion, aiming to become a leading semiconductor foundry. The company was established by a group of investors including Richard Chang, a former executive at Texas Instruments and UMC. #business #technology
SMIC began commercial production at its first 8-inch fab in Shanghai, producing 0.35-micron to 0.18-micron logic chips. This marked China's entry into advanced semiconductor manufacturing. #manufacturing #technology
SMIC announced its 0.13-micron process technology, becoming one of the first Chinese foundries to offer such advanced nodes. This milestone enabled production of more complex chips. #technology #innovation
SMIC conducted an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, raising approximately $1.8 billion. The listing provided capital for expansion and increased global visibility. #finance #ipo
SMIC listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker SMI, becoming the first Chinese semiconductor company to list in the U.S. This facilitated international investment. #finance #ipo
SMIC acquired Motorola's 8-inch wafer fab in Tianjin, China, significantly expanding its manufacturing capacity. The deal included technology transfer and key customer relationships. #acquisition #expansion
SMIC announced successful development of 90nm process technology, narrowing the gap with leading foundries like TSMC. This allowed production of more advanced chips for global clients. #technology #innovation
SMIC settled a long-running lawsuit with TSMC, agreeing to pay $175 million and grant TSMC a stake. The dispute centered on alleged misappropriation of trade secrets. #legal #corporate
SMIC started production at its first 12-inch (300mm) fab in Shanghai, focusing on 65nm and 45nm technologies. This move positioned SMIC for higher-end chip manufacturing. #manufacturing #expansion
SMIC introduced its 65nm low-power process technology, enabling production of energy-efficient chips for mobile and consumer electronics. The technology was licensed from IBM. #technology #innovation
SMIC reported its first annual net profit of $96 million, driven by strong demand for semiconductor components. This milestone indicated financial turnaround. #finance #profitability
SMIC announced volume production of 45nm process technology, further closing the gap with global leaders. This node was used for wireless and consumer applications. #technology #innovation
SMIC broke ground on a new 12-inch fab in Beijing, aiming to double production capacity. The expansion was supported by local government subsidies. #expansion #manufacturing
SMIC licensed 28nm bulk CMOS process technology from IBM, a critical step to compete in the advanced node market. The technology was targeted for 2013 production. #technology #partnership
SMIC began volume production of 28nm poly-SiON technology, becoming the first Chinese foundry to offer this advanced node. This enabled manufacturing of high-performance chips. #technology #milestone
SMIC formed a joint venture with Qualcomm and Huawei to focus on 14nm and below technology development. The collaboration aimed to boost China's semiconductor ecosystem. #partnership #technology
SMIC announced development of 14nm FinFET process technology, targeting production by 2018. The company invested heavily in R&D to catch up with global leaders. #technology #innovation
SMIC voluntarily delisted from the New York Stock Exchange, citing high administrative burden and low trading volume. The company continued trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. #finance #delisting
SMIC appointed Dr. Zhao Haijun and Dr. Liang Mengsong as co-CEOs, marking a new leadership era. Liang brought expertise from TSMC and Samsung, boosting advanced process development. #leadership #corporate
SMIC began commercial production of 14nm FinFET chips, a major breakthrough for China's semiconductor industry. The technology was used for smartphone and AI applications. #technology #innovation
SMIC completed its delisting from the NYSE and consolidated trading on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. The move reduced exposure to U.S. regulations. #finance #corporate
SMIC revealed its N+1 and N+2 process nodes, leveraging 14nm FinFET technology but with enhanced performance. These were positioned as near-7nm alternatives without EUV lithography. #technology #innovation
SMIC raised 53.2 billion yuan ($7.6 billion) in a dual listing on the Shanghai STAR Market, becoming the largest IPO on that exchange. The funds were earmarked for expansion and R&D. #finance #ipo
The U.S. Department of Commerce placed SMIC on the Entity List, restricting exports of American technology to SMIC. This severely impacted SMIC's ability to procure advanced equipment. #politics #trade
SMIC reported a 14.3% revenue increase to $3.9 billion in 2020, driven by demand for chips and capacity expansion. Net profit rose 141% to $607 million. #finance #earnings
SMIC began production at its new 12-inch fab in Beijing's Shunyi district, adding capacity for 28nm and 14nm chips. The fab was built with government support. #expansion #manufacturing
SMIC claimed its N+2 process, based on deep ultraviolet (DUV) lithography, offered performance comparable to 7nm chips. The technology was used in Huawei's Kirin 710A chip. #technology #innovation
SMIC received significant subsidies from the Chinese government to accelerate self-reliance in semiconductors, totaling over 26 billion yuan by 2022. #finance #policy
SMIC appointed Liu Xunfeng as chairman, replacing Zhou Zixue. The change was part of a board reshuffle amid ongoing U.S. sanctions. #leadership #corporate
The U.S. government tightened export controls on advanced semiconductor equipment, specifically targeting SMIC's ability to produce advanced chips. SMIC's 7nm ambitions were hindered. #politics #trade
SMIC reported 2023 revenue of $4.4 billion, down 13% year-over-year due to global chip glut and U.S. sanctions. Net profit fell 45%. #finance #earnings
SMIC inaugurated a new 12-inch fab in Shanghai's Lingang area focusing on 28nm and 14nm technologies, aiming to boost capacity for mature nodes. #expansion #manufacturing
Reuters reported that SMIC has developed 5nm process technology using multiple patterning with DUV lithography, though not yet in production. This demonstrated technical ingenuity despite export bans. #technology #innovation
SMIC revealed plans to invest $10 billion over five years in manufacturing capacity, including new fabs in Tianjin and Shenzhen, aiming to triple output by 2030. #expansion #investment
The U.S. Commerce Department restricted servicing of American-made equipment at SMIC's fabs, potentially halting production of advanced chips. SMIC sought domestic alternatives. #politics #trade