- Performance briefing on Semiconductor R&D Support Program held on January 19

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) has implemented an R&D support program to foster technology independence and reinforce the infrastructure of Incheon-based semiconductor companies, yielding visible results.

The city hosted the “Semiconductor R&D Support Program Performance Briefing” on January 19 at the Orakai Songdo Park Hotel. The event was organized to share the achievements of the semiconductor R&D cooperation support program jointly carried out in 2025 by Incheon Metropolitan City and Korea Institute of Industrial Technology (KITECH), and to discuss future policy directions.

The city has systematically provided comprehensive, full-cycle support to strengthen the technological competitiveness and market responsiveness of semiconductor materials, components, and equipment (MCE) companies in the Incheon region. Leveraging KITECH’s expert personnel and research equipment, the initiative has covered R&D, demonstration, equipment and technical assistance, and workforce training.

This Semiconductor R&D Support Program was implemented across three areas: ▲ support for root technologies specializing in semiconductor back-end processes (17 companies); ▲ identification and validation of MCE companies linked to packaging partner firms (8 companies); and ▲ identification and validation of innovation partner companies (2 companies). A total of 27 companies participated in the program.

Key achievements include developing recycling process technology for precious metals (Pt, Pd) generated during semiconductor manufacturing, laying the groundwork for cost reduction and transition to resource-circulating processes, and establishing core back-end process technologies ready for on-site application such as diamond chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) disks, lightweight wafer ring frames, highly heat-dissipating spacer components, and laser-based precision processing and bonding technologies.

Building on these technological accomplishments, applications have expanded to advanced packaging fields including amorphous thermal interface materials for semiconductors, multi-socket automatic alignment systems for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), and flip-chip packaging technology for image sensors. The program also laid the foundation for responding to demand for high-output, high-reliability products in the power semiconductor sector by developing lead-frame manufacturing technology, double-sided cooling (DSC) package mold technology, and sintering bonding technology.

Notably, Namdong-gu-based Magtron developed a magnet collet technology that reduces the use of rare earths by approximately 70%, demonstrating the potential to localize key components for back-end process equipment that previously relied on overseas imports. This technology has already been applied to actual semiconductor back-end equipment, generating new sales of approximately KRW 50 million. It is expected to contribute to the greater adoption of domestically produced components in the growing semiconductor back-end equipment market.

Meanwhile, Pavonine, which is also based in Namdong-gu, achieved approximately 47.7% weight reduction compared to conventional products through its wafer-ring-frame lightweighting technology. Such advancement has improved logistics efficiency in semiconductor manufacturing processes and enhanced workplace safety, gaining recognition as a technology aligned with global semiconductor manufacturers’ drive for greater process efficiency. Their competitive edge stretches beyond product supply to create indirect revenue through process improvements and other tangible business outcomes.

“This performance briefing went beyond simply sharing research results and focused on technological outcomes that companies can immediately apply in the field. We will keep expanding demand-driven R&D and demonstration support to foster Incheon as a key hub for the semiconductor back-end process and MCE industries,” said Lee Nam-ju, Director of Incheon's Future Industry Bureau.

Meanwhile, Incheon Metropolitan City plans to continue strengthening the competitiveness of the regional semiconductor industry by providing tailored R&D and technical support along with product demonstration linkages, centered on MCE companies in the semiconductor back-end process sector.