Anand Nambiar, right, chief commercial officer of Merck’s Electronics business sector, and Kim Woo-kyu, managing director of Merck Korea, pose during SEMICON Korea in Seoul in this undated photo. Courtesy of Merck Korea
By Nam Hyun-woo
Merck, a global leader in science and technology, showcased artificial intelligence (AI) driven materials solutions and digitalization capabilities through its materials intelligence platform at tech fair SEMICON Korea 2025. The company emphasized its comprehensive product portfolio, highlighting next-generation materials for advanced logic, memory and packaging.
"Without materials, AI wouldn’t be possible. To power AI, we need powerful, compact and energy-efficient chips, which increases complexity in both chip architecture and manufacturing processes. This is where materials solutions can play a critical role in addressing the physical and economic challenges faced by chipmakers,” Anand Nambiar, chief commercial officer of Merck’s Electronics business sector, said.
“Through our materials intelligence platform, we combine materials science with AI to develop new materials solutions for AI-enabling technologies, such as Gate-All-Around, high-density memory and HBM (high bandwidth memory) chips.”
At SEMICON Korea, Merck focused on materials for advanced logic and 3D densification in DRAM and 3D NAND chips. The company showcased enhanced features in atomic layer deposition for advanced nodes, spin-on dielectrics (SOD) materials for gap-fill technology, organometallic solutions for FinFET architecture DRAM and an expanded portfolio of specialty gases.
Merck also highlighted advancements in chemical mechanical planarization and directed self-assembly technology, which aims to improve device performance by addressing random pattern errors, known as semiconductor stochastic defects, and enhancing electrical reliability.
Additionally, Merck presented turnkey delivery systems and services designed to meet the growing demand for scalable precursors in memory applications. The company also introduced sustainability solutions, including new materials and sustainable alternatives for the semiconductor industry.
Merck Korea has expanded its presence in Korea since 1989. The electronics sector operates nine facilities across the country, featuring localized production and research and development (R&D) capabilities in thin films, formulations, specialty gases, delivery systems and services and optronics for displays.
"Korea continues to play a critical role in the global semiconductor supply chain, and Merck views the country as a key hub for R&D and production of essential materials," Kim Woo-kyu, managing director of Merck Korea, said.
"We have been an innovation partner to our Korean customers for 36 years, and we are committed to supporting their future growth. This includes the recently inaugurated Korea SOD Application Center in Anseong and ongoing investments in new product lines at our Eumseong site. We will continue to fulfill our investment commitment to enhance our local capability and capacity for faster and more responsive support and services."
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