WISeKey International Holding Ltd. ("WISeKey") ((SIX: WIHN, NASDAQ:WKEY), a leader in cybersecurity, AI, Blockchain, and IoT operating as a holding company, today announced that will be initiating a awareness campaign to promote a major semiconductor fabrication facility (fab) project in Switzerland which marks a crucial step in the country's journey toward self-reliance in chip production and positions Switzerland as an emerging hub in the semiconductor industry.
For many years, WISeKey has been at the forefront of such efforts and has built an extensive expertise in semiconductors. Via its subsidiary. SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:LAES), which focuses on semiconductors, PKI, and post-quantum technology products, WISeKey offers countries the opportunity to develop their own semiconductor personalization centers through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). This initiative aims to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor manufacturing, thereby enhancing global supply chain security.
The development of a ab in Switzerland will require a careful balance of incentives, support, R&D, innovation, and access to capital. As highly advanced facilities, semiconductor fabs face escalating costs due to various factors, and each project presents unique requirements and cost considerations. WISeKey aims to raise awareness of the essential role a Swiss-based fab will play in building the foundations for the country's innovation landscape. Given the project's complexity and cost, establishing a close partnership and a solid investment case is crucial to its success.
The project's objective in Switzerland is to start with a mini fab (a smaller-scale semiconductor fabrication facility) and gradually expand it into a full-scale semiconductor fab over the next 10 years. This phased approach allows for manageable investment, initial production capabilities, and flexibility to scale operations in line with technological advancements and market demands. Starting with a mini fab can cost between $100 million to $1.5 billion, depending on the desired technology node and production capacity. Over time, the facility can be expanded with the latest equipment and processes, eventually reaching the scale and capability of a full fab, which may involve a total investment of several billion. This gradual growth strategy aligns with Switzerland's goal of fostering a domestic semiconductor ecosystem and innovation cluster.
Currently, Switzerland heavily relies on imports to meet its semiconductor needs. This new fab project is set to mitigate that dependence, enhance the domestic chip production ecosystem, create new jobs, and attract further investments in the technology and space sector. Locally produced chips will become essential for various industries within Switzerland, contributing to a more resilient global supply chain.
