Leading science and technology company Merck has highlighted the need for digital transformation of data in the semiconductor business, suggesting a way for semiconductor suppliers and customers to collaborate and digitally transform the vast amounts of data provided by fabs and raw material suppliers.

Merck shared its perspectives on artificial intelligence and machine learning, as well as trends in the semiconductor industry, at the ADeKo joint academic conference, held under the theme of “Discussing future cooperation plans between the two countries” to commemorate the 140th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Korea and Germany.

Merck is applying digital solutions to accelerate semiconductor innovation and optimize product development, quality, and manufacturing.

Mr. Steven Ulick, Director, Head of Business Development for Digital Solutions, Merck Electronics Steven Eulig, in his presentation titled “Utilizing AI and Machine Learning in Semiconductor Manufacturing,” emphasized that “in order to respond nimbly to the rapidly changing semiconductor environment, sustainable digital transformation is necessary,” and that “digitalization and data sharing are more important than anything else in order to build a system to maintain semiconductor quality and improve supply chain resilience in the global market.”


Woo-Kyu Kim, CEO of Merck Korea, who invited Dr. Steven for this academic conference, said, “Currently, artificial intelligence and machine learning are experiencing unprecedented acceleration and creating tremendous value not only in Merck’s business but also across all industries. Therefore, we expect Steven’s presentation to suggest new collaboration plans for the Korean semiconductor industry.”

The alternative proposed by Steven is 'smart data collaboration', which allows semiconductor suppliers and customers to collaborate and digitally convert the vast amounts of data provided by fabs and raw material suppliers.

This will be a cutting-edge solution that will efficiently respond to the continuously increasing demand for semiconductors and ultimately help improve product quality.

"Solutions through smart data collaboration" can help predict and minimize semiconductor supply and demand imbalances caused by various variables, such as heightened global trade tensions and natural disasters.

On the other hand, developing optimized innovative solutions requires the entire value chain within the industry.Trust and collaboration across the board are the keys to success.

Meanwhile, sustainability is a global challenge that the entire semiconductor industry is striving to address. Merck, which has been in business for 355 years, has incorporated sustainability into its business strategy and is developing various sustainable solutions to manufacture microchips for a better future.

The recently released report, "Investing in a Sustainable Semiconductor Future," outlines the company's goals to create a semiconductor manufacturing environment that incorporates green technologies, including developing materials solutions that slow global warming, reducing waste, investing in renewable energy, and improving energy efficiency. The event took place on Tuesday, September 19th, at the Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry.