Intel Innovation Taipei 2023: 4 Key Highlights
On November 7th, Intel hosted its Intel Innovation Taipei 2023 Technology Forum in Taipei. The event featured Intel's CEO, Pat Gelsinger, as the keynote speaker, with a notable audience that included Acer's Chairman, Chen Junsheng, Gigabyte's Vice Chairman, Liang Cizhen, UMC's General Manager, Yang Qiling, ASE Group's General Manager, Cai Zhi'an, and WeiYing's Chairman, Hong Lining.
1. The Pervasiveness of AI: The Silicon Economy Era
Gelsinger underscored that "AI PCs (Artificial Intelligence Personal Computers) are poised to be a pivotal moment in the resurgence of the PC industry." Over the past five years, devices related to the silicon economy have witnessed a fivefold growth, with an anticipated fifteenfold growth over the next decade. Intel is committed to ensuring AI's seamless integration across various domains, spanning from client devices to edge computing, network infrastructure, and cloud services, making workloads more accessible and versatile.
Gelsinger emphasized that AI PCs represent a significant development trend with numerous innovative applications. Collaboration with OEMs, independent software vendors, and developers is expected to revolutionize the user experience, facilitating the incorporation of AI into both work and entertainment. Intel provides a Developer Cloud development environment to empower developers to deploy solutions for AI and high-performance computing applications.
In response to competition from the Arm ecosystem, Gelsinger observed that while Arm had contemplated entering the personal computer market several years ago, little change has transpired in the market. He expressed optimism that many proficient companies are now venturing into the AI PC sector, expanding its scope. Intel, he believes, will lead the AI PC market by delivering exceptional products, with expectations of shipping over 100 million units within the next two years.
Post-event, Liang Cizhen of Gigabyte commented that AI PCs are potent products, although it is too early to determine when they will be available in substantial quantities. He remains hopeful that AI PCs will yield positive results for the market and reinvigorate the PC industry.
2. Progressing as Planned Toward the 5nm Process Goal
Gelsinger highlighted Intel's remarkable progress in meeting its technology node objectives. He affirmed that Intel remains on schedule with its plans, a journey of two and a half years thus far.
Gelsinger expounded that Intel's 7nm process technology is in mass production, the 4nm process is already in production, and the 3nm process is preparing for production. The 20A process is set to commence production in 2024, and the 18A process represents the ultimate goal in the 5nm process paradigm. Design rules have been confirmed, and production is slated for the latter half of the upcoming year. He believes that, once these goals are achieved, Moore's Law will continue to extend.
Gelsinger asserted that Moore's Law has not yet reached its culmination. He presented a glass substrate developed by Intel, allowing direct optical integration into products beyond the 18A process. He conveyed that exciting developments lie ahead, and Intel will persistently introduce new products to foster growth in the industry ecosystem.
3. Sustaining Uninterrupted Operations at Israeli Fabs
Addressing the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict, Gelsinger reassured that all local fabs in Israel are maintaining normal product delivery schedules, expressing hope for a swift return to peace in the Middle East. Intel was the pioneer major tech firm to invest in Israel, with next year marking half a century of investment and a steadfast relationship. The local teams have displayed unparalleled execution and resilience, ensuring that all fabs continue their regular product deliveries.
In regard to collaboration between Israel and design teams, Gelsinger noted progress and potential for further advancement.
Previously, Intel had stated its close monitoring of the situation in Israel, implementing measures to safeguard and support its employees. Analysts have pointed out that Intel is Israel's largest semiconductor manufacturer, and any escalation in the conflict may affect them first. Nevertheless, since the semiconductor production center is primarily located in Asia, the overall impact on the semiconductor industry is expected to be minimal.
4. Revisiting Expansion of Foundry Services
Gelsinger acknowledged that Intel's previous attempts to expand its semiconductor foundry services fell short of expectations due to overconfidence. However, Intel has learned from its past errors, re-established discipline, and realigned its approach to be more customer-centric. With a diverse technology portfolio and a strong commitment to innovation, Intel aims to attract a broader customer base to its foundry services.
Gelsinger pointed out that Intel's long-standing perception as an industry leader may have led to the perception of arrogance when pursuing foundry business. Since taking the helm, he has worked to reshape the company's culture, drawing inspiration from the culture of discipline and technological development championed by Intel's co-founder and former CEO, Andy Grove. This shift toward a customer-centric approach has resulted in significant transformations within the company.
Gelsinger highlighted that Intel's expertise in advanced packaging can aid numerous AI chip companies in developing highly efficient products. Intel has released its advanced packaging platform for adoption by AI chip manufacturers, receiving positive responses and expecting to witness tangible results in the coming two to three quarters.
