Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent B-round financing of semiconductor materials company "Zhongke Zhuoer," highlighting its advancements in the production of quartz mask substrates and the urgent need for domestic production capabilities in China due to heavy reliance on imports [5][6]. Group 1: Company Overview - "Zhongke Zhuoer" was established in 2018 and is led by Yang Weibao from the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The company has made significant breakthroughs in precision polishing and coating technologies for semiconductor mask substrates [5][7]. - The company is involved in a national project aimed at developing the semiconductor blank mask industry chain and has a product range that includes blank masks for 130-250nm processes, with ongoing R&D for 28-90nm products [5][6]. Group 2: Market Context - The global market for blank masks is projected to reach approximately $3.6 billion in 2024, with China's demand estimated at around 10 billion RMB. Currently, the domestic supply of high-end blank masks is heavily reliant on imports, with a domestic production rate of less than 1% [6]. - The production of blank masks is constrained by export controls on essential equipment from the US and Japan, limiting domestic expansion [6]. Group 3: Technological Advancements - "Zhongke Zhuoer" has achieved three key technological breakthroughs: ultra-precision polishing with a surface roughness better than 0.2 nanometers, uniformity in magnetron sputtering coating of ±2%, and a defect detection system capable of identifying defects at 0.3 micrometers [7]. - The company has validated its blank masks with several downstream enterprises, and its pilot production line in Chengdu has completed process and product verification [7]. Group 4: Investment Insights - The lead investor, Zhongyin International Investment, recognizes "Zhongke Zhuoer" as having a unique technological edge and strategic positioning within the semiconductor materials sector, aligning with national goals for high-end manufacturing autonomy [8]. - Investors have observed the company's growth from angel investment to becoming a leading domestic player in the blank mask sector, emphasizing its potential in the domestic market for high-end blank masks [8].