ELECTRONIC NEWS HIGHLIGHT W19.2025​

1. IBM warns of chip supply risks, highlights Japan’s Rapidus as key alternative

IBM CEO Arvind Krishna has warned that the global chip supply chain is increasingly vulnerable to over-reliance on a few major players, citing geopolitical tensions. He highlighted Japanese foundry startup Rapidus as a strategic emerging force in addressing these risks. 

“It’s no longer feasible to rely on one country or supplier,” Krishna said, pointing to the current dominance of TSMC, Samsung and Intel. He called for public policy to support new entrants like Rapidus. 

Rapidus launched its pilot plant in Chitose, Japan, on April 1, 2025, and is currently installing testing equipment and systems. The Japanese government has pledged an additional 802.5 billion yen ($5.71 billion) in subsidies, bringing the total to 1.7225 trillion yen for advanced packaging R&D and production lines. 

IBM has partnered with Rapidus since 2023 to jointly develop 2nm technology, aiming for large-scale production by 2027. The collaboration also includes workforce development to support next-generation chip manufacturing.  

Krishna added that IBM’s AI initiatives have generated more than $3 billion in productivity gains, and the company is expanding hiring in R&D and sales to support growth.  

He concluded that a sustainable chip ecosystem depends on technology transfer, skilled talent, and diversified supply – areas where Rapidus will play a key role. 

Learn more: IBM warns of chip supply risks, highlights Japan’s Rapidus as key alternative

 2. Micron Establishes New Cloud Storage Unit to Target AI Data Centers and HBM Growth

Micron Technology has reorganized its business structure and launched a new “Cloud Storage Business Unit” to address the growing demand from hyperscale cloud service providers for memory products suited for AI workloads, especially high-bandwidth memory (HBM) chips. 

The newly established unit will focus on providing products for large-scale data centers and accelerating data-intensive AI processing through HBM technology — a key component for AI GPUs, especially those from Nvidia. Micron is one of the three major HBM suppliers globally, along with SK Hynix and Samsung Electronics. 

Raj Narasimhan, who previously headed Micron’s computing and networking business unit, will head the new cloud division. His previous unit included memory products for data centers, PCs, graphics, and networking. 

All units will continue under the leadership of current Micron executives. The company said in March that its revenue forecast exceeded Wall Street expectations, driven by growing demand for HBM used in AI servers—underscoring the strategic relevance of the restructuring. 

Learn more: Micron Establishes New Cloud Storage Unit to Target AI Data Centers and HBM Growth

 3. Yageo Raises Bid for Shibaura, Intensifies Takeover Battle with MinebeaMitsumi

Yageo has raised its bid for Japan’s Shibaura Electronics to 5,400 yen per share, up 25.6% from its previous offer and above the 4,500 yen MinebeaMitsumi offered earlier this month. The move escalates the takeover battle for a key player in advanced temperature-sensing technology. 

Shibaura is a global leader in precision thermistors, essential for electric vehicles, industrial robots, wind turbines and hybrid vehicles — making it a strategic target in the semiconductor sensor segment. 

Yageo first announced its intention to acquire all of Shibaura’s shares in February and has expressed a desire to proceed unilaterally if necessary, with the tender expected to begin on May 7. Founder and Chairman Pierre Chen has reiterated the company’s determination, despite Shibaura’s current support for the rival tender. 

MinebeaMitsumi made a competing offer on April 10, positioning itself as a white knight to keep Shibaura’s advanced sensor technology under Japanese ownership. Shibaura’s board of directors has confirmed that offer while rejecting Yageo’s. 

“We believe we are the best partner to fully exploit Shibaura’s growth potential and we continue to seek approval from Shibaura’s board of directors and special committee,” Yageo said in a statement. 

Learn more: Yageo Raises Bid for Shibaura, Intensifies Takeover Battle with MinebeaMitsumi

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May. 05, 2025 - By admin

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