[Edaily Reporter Kim Hyun-ah ] System semiconductor company DB HiTek Co.,LTD(000990)is transferring semiconductor equipment previously used in its production facilities to public research infrastructure free of charge. The initiative aims to enhance competitiveness in semiconductor research and strengthen the materials, parts, and equipment (MPE) ecosystem by sharing the company’s idle equipment with research institutions.

The Ministry of Science and ICT held the “DB HiTek Co.,LTD–MoA Fab Used Equipment Transfer Agreement Ceremony” on the 6th at the DB HiTek Co.,LTD Sangwoo Campus in Eumseong County, North Chungcheong Province. On that day, DB HiTek Co.,LTD transferred high-temperature thermal processing and deposition equipment for 8-inch semiconductor processes, as well as dry etching and surface coating equipment, to the Korea Nano Integration Technology Institute and the Korea Nano Convergence Technology Institute, respectively.

This equipment will be used at public nanofabs for semiconductor process research, technology validation, and support for materials, parts, and components companies.

DB HiTek Co.,LTD is a system semiconductor specialist affiliated with the DB Group. As a foundry (contract manufacturing) company focused on the non-memory sector rather than memory semiconductors, it manufactures specialized semiconductors—such as power semiconductors, display driver chips (DDIs), and image sensors—designed by its clients using 8-inch wafers.

Founded in 1997, DB HiTek Co.,LTD is a first-generation South Korean system semiconductor company with a competitive edge in mature process areas such as power semiconductors and analog semiconductors. In addition to its foundry business, the company operates a brand business selling its own in-house designed products, such as display driver chips and sensor ICs.

This equipment transfer is a follow-up measure to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed last March by the Ministry of Science and ICT with major domestic semiconductor companies, including SamsungElectronics, SK hynix, and DB HiTek Co.,LTD. The core objective is to reduce the equipment gap between industry and academia by transferring idle equipment owned by semiconductor companies to public research facilities.

In particular, the deposition equipment being transferred this time will be deployed in areas where the Nano Technology Research Institute had been using equipment that was over 20 years old. This equipment is used for forming ultra-small components and sensor structural layers, and it is expected to double research productivity in these areas following its introduction.

Dry etching and surface coating equipment will also be utilized in the manufacturing process of ultra-fine semiconductor components, contributing to improved research quality and process stabilization.

To expand the utilization of idle corporate equipment, the government is launching the “MoaFab Used Equipment Utilization Support Project,” with a total budget of 75 billion won, running from this year through 2033. The plan includes establishing a platform connecting public nanofabs nationwide and providing support for the transfer and installation costs of corporate equipment.

Through this initiative, the government aims to enhance the competitiveness of nano and semiconductor technologies—which form the foundation of future industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), advanced biotechnology, and quantum technology—while also improving the development environment for small and medium-sized research institutions and materials, parts, and components companies.

The event was attended by Koo Hyuk-chae, First Vice Minister of Science and ICT; Cho Ki-seok, President and CEO of DB HiTek Co.,LTD; Park Heung-soo, President of the Korea Nano Technology Institute; and Lee Byung-hoon, President of the Korea Nano Convergence Technology Institute, who discussed measures to strengthen the semiconductor ecosystem and expand the use of public infrastructure.

First Vice Minister Koo Hyuk-chae stated, “DB HiTek Co.,LTD’s transfer of used equipment is a win-win cooperation model in which the public and private sectors join forces to create a virtuous cycle within the semiconductor ecosystem,” adding, “We will upgrade the public nanofab research support infrastructure and actively support technological innovation and the training of specialized personnel.”