Sou Hu Cai Jing·2026-01-12 09:11Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the life and contributions of Zhang Rujing, the founder of SMIC, emphasizing his sacrifices and relentless pursuit of advancing China's semiconductor industry despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks throughout his career [1][16]. Group 1: Early Career and Sacrifices - Zhang Rujing faced a difficult choice when leaving TSMC, where he had significant stock options, which he forfeited to pursue his dream of establishing a semiconductor company in mainland China [2][3]. - His decision was driven by personal motivations, including his father's wish to return to the homeland and his mother's desire to spend her later years in China, which he valued more than financial wealth [3]. Group 2: Challenges in Establishing SMIC - Upon arriving in Shanghai, Zhang encountered significant obstacles, including a lack of advanced equipment due to international embargoes, forcing him to source second-hand parts and assemble them into functional production lines [4][5]. - Despite the challenging environment, he and his team successfully established an 8-inch wafer production line within thirteen months, achieving technology nodes from 0.25 microns down to 90 nanometers [5]. Group 3: Legal and Competitive Struggles - As SMIC began to gain traction, it faced aggressive legal challenges from competitors, which were perceived as targeted attacks against China's semiconductor ambitions [6][8]. - In 2009, SMIC was forced to pay $200 million in damages and relinquish 10% of its shares, along with a non-compete clause that required Zhang to leave the company he founded [9]. Group 4: Resilience and Continued Contributions - After a three-year non-compete period, Zhang returned to the semiconductor industry, focusing on upstream materials, particularly domestic production of 300mm silicon wafers, which had been heavily reliant on imports [12]. - He successfully led a new venture, achieving breakthroughs in technology that addressed long-standing gaps in the domestic semiconductor supply chain [13]. Group 5: Ongoing Impact and Legacy - Zhang continued to innovate and support the semiconductor industry by founding multiple companies aimed at reducing costs for small design firms and addressing challenges in automotive chips [15]. - His philanthropic efforts included establishing numerous schools and promoting semiconductor education, reflecting his commitment to nurturing talent in the industry [15][16].