Core Insights - Samsung Electronics will join Applied Materials' new $5 billion EPIC Center in Silicon Valley, which aims to be the world's largest facility for semiconductor process technology and manufacturing equipment R&D [1][2][6] - The EPIC Center is designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of next-generation semiconductor technologies through enhanced collaboration and innovation [3][4][6] Company Collaboration - The partnership between Samsung and Applied Materials is expected to deepen technological collaboration, focusing on advanced semiconductor equipment technologies [2][4] - Co-development programs at the EPIC Center will target new materials and process technologies for chips that are multiple nodes ahead of the current generation [2][6] Facility Details - The EPIC Center will feature over 180,000 square feet of cleanroom space and is set to become operational in spring 2026 [4] - The facility aims to reduce the traditional chip development cycle, which can take 10 to 15 years, by enabling parallel development and agile handoffs [4][6] Industry Impact - The EPIC Center represents the largest-ever U.S. investment in advanced semiconductor equipment R&D, aiming to significantly shorten the time from R&D to commercialization [3][6] - The focus on energy-efficient chips is driven by the global demand for AI infrastructure, necessitating a rethinking of collaboration in semiconductor manufacturing [2][6]