Core Viewpoint - Major South Korean electronics companies, including Samsung, SK, and LG, are competing to commercialize next-generation semiconductor glass substrates, facing significant challenges such as technical difficulties and market uncertainty [2][4]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The glass substrate technology aims to replace traditional PCB materials to enhance power efficiency and thermal resistance, with a notable advantage in reducing warping [2][3]. - The demand for glass substrates is expected to rise due to the increasing size of AI semiconductors, which are more sensitive to warping [2][3]. - Samsung Electro-Mechanics has established a trial production line for glass substrates and plans to deliver initial samples to a global tech giant [3]. - SKC's Absolix is constructing a glass substrate factory in Georgia, with an initial capacity of 12,000 square meters and a future expansion to 72,000 square meters [3][4]. - LG Innotek is also building a trial production line, aiming to produce prototypes by the end of the year and start mass production by 2027 or 2028 [4]. Group 2: Technical Challenges - The processing of glass substrates is more complex than traditional materials, with risks of micro-cracks during cutting and drilling that can lead to overall substrate failure [4][5]. - Issues with reliability and compatibility of glass substrates remain unresolved, leading to skepticism in the packaging industry regarding their exclusive use [4][5]. - The lack of clear demand sources for glass substrates is a concern, as major tech companies are still in the sample testing phase without formal commercialization announcements [4][5]. Group 3: Market Potential and Predictions - Opinions on the market potential for glass substrates vary, with some predicting explosive growth driven by AI semiconductors, while others believe demand will be limited to ultra-high-performance applications [6][7]. - The semiconductor packaging market is estimated to be worth between 10 trillion to 20 trillion KRW, with glass substrates potentially capturing 10% of this market, equating to a value of 1 trillion KRW [6]. - Yole Group forecasts that the high-performance IC substrate market will reach approximately 40 trillion KRW by 2028, with glass substrates accounting for only 58 billion KRW, or 0.14% [6][7]. - A representative from a glass substrate equipment company acknowledges skepticism but suggests that rapid adoption could occur with technological advancements and market changes, estimating a 50% chance of success for glass substrates [7].