Semiconductor equipment manufacturer SFE Co., Ltd. (CEO Son Ho-won) announced on the 14th that it signed a technology transfer memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Apollowave (CEO Yamashita), a semiconductor test equipment manufacturer, at Apollowave’s headquarters in Japan on the 2nd.
Founded in 2009, SFE specializes in the manufacturing of semiconductor post-processing automation equipment, including die bonders, test handlers, and fully automated probe stations. Recognized for its performance and technological expertise, SFE won the $30 million Export Tower Award in 2021 for its successful global equipment exports. The company develops its post-processing equipment based on customer demands from global clients and has in-house capabilities to develop and manufacture critical core components, enhancing both technology security and product performance.
Apollowave, the Japanese company that signed the MOU, is an R&D equipment specialist with high-voltage and high-current measurement technology exceeding 20KV/200A, ultra-precise femto-level current measurement technology, and mass-production probe card manufacturing technology. It holds a significant market share in Japan and is highly regarded for its annual supply of probe stations to a Nobel Prize-winning research institute specializing in power semiconductor GaN wafer development.
Through this technology transfer agreement, SFE plans to leverage Apollowave’s high-performance probe station technology to accelerate the development of next-generation semiconductor test equipment. The collaboration between the two companies is expected to create new market opportunities in semiconductor post-processing automation technology and enhance global competitiveness.
SFE CEO Son Ho-won stated, “Apollowave possesses high-tech expertise across materials and semi-automated equipment manufacturing. Their impressive 25-year streak of profitability highlights their technological strength and corporate stability. By integrating our fully automated technology—including AI and vision technology—we expect to develop unique and exceptional equipment that will allow us to dominate the market.”
Furthermore, he expressed the company’s ambition, saying, “Our goal is to achieve a 10% global market share in this sector within the next few years.”
Reporter Kang Seung-hyun | seung0103@dt.co.kr
Reference : https://www.dt.co.kr/contents.html?article_no=2024021402109923062001
