The National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) has introduced a new program to finance research projects focused on “chiplet” technology. This initiative aims to advance semiconductor self-sufficiency in China amid US sanctions. The NSFC plans to allocate up to 46 million yuan (US$6.4 million) in funding for approximately 30 research projects over a period of three to four years. Applications for funding will be accepted from September 1 through 7.
Chiplets are pre-developed silicon dies that can be integrated into more complex processors. They have gained significant interest in China for their potential to reduce design costs and address the challenges posed by Moore’s Law. Moore’s Law refers to the doubling of transistors on an integrated circuit every two years.
The NSFC’s program aims to establish a research team with international influence to enhance China’s indigenous innovation capabilities in the semiconductor field. It seeks to discover new technology paths by making breakthroughs in chiplet assembly and integration. The NSFC expects the funded research projects to explore methods for disassembling, combining, and reusing chiplets, as well as semiconductor design, three-dimensional chip processing techniques, and the structure of high-performance integrated circuits.
This funding initiative reflects Beijing’s determination to enhance China’s self-sufficiency in semiconductors, given the impact of US-led trade sanctions on global supply chains. The country’s semiconductor development plans may face further challenges due to an executive order that US President Joe Biden is expected to sign this month. The order will limit critical US technology investments in China, specifically targeting semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing.
The NSFC, established in 1986, is responsible for utilizing the national natural science fund to support basic research. The foundation increased its funding to 33 billion yuan last year. Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, Wang Zhigang, stressed the importance of fostering a research environment that tolerates failure and encourages researchers to dedicate more time to basic research during the Two Sessions in March.
