South Korean company KCC Glass (KRX: 344820) has announced its entry into the next-generation semiconductor packaging materials market by launching the development of semiconductor glass substrates. This move signals a major shift in the company's focus, as it diversifies from its traditional architecture and automotive glass business into high-value-added advanced materials.

Glass substrates act as intermediaries between semiconductor chips and substrates, typically referred to as "interposers" or "substrates." These materials are gaining attention for their superior properties, such as high-temperature stability, flatness, and power efficiency, making them strong alternatives to silicon and plastics. Their performance in fine circuit implementation makes them especially suitable for high-performance chip packaging, including for AI semiconductors.

As demand in AI and high-performance computing (HPC) markets grows, the importance of semiconductor packaging technology has increased, driving global interest in glass substrates. Major companies, including Intel, AMD, and Samsung, are reportedly evaluating the adoption of this technology.

According to industry sources and the National Science & Technology Information Service (NTIS), KCC Glass has been selected as the lead company for a national project, "Development of Low Dielectric Loss Glass Substrate Materials and Processing Technologies for Next-Generation Packaging," organized by the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy. The project, running through 2028, aims to localize key materials for glass substrates and develop advanced processing technologies.

The R&D scope includes developing materials with optimal thermal expansion coefficients and mechanical strength, as well as advancing TGV (Through Glass Via) process technologies, which involve micro-hole drilling and metal plating. TGV is essential for creating vertical electrodes that connect the top and bottom of the glass substrate.

As the project lead, KCC Glass will manage technology development, coordinate among participating organizations, and strategize commercialization efforts. Industry experts predict that leveraging its extensive glass production expertise will enable KCC Glass to secure a competitive edge in the growing glass substrate market.