Foundry semiconductor company SK Key Foundry (CEO Lee Dong-jae) is accelerating its development of silicon carbide (SiC) based compound power semiconductor technology, pushing forward its entry into the global power semiconductor market. The company has recently strengthened its technological competitiveness by acquiring SK Powertech, which possesses core technology in the SiC field, based on its proficient process capabilities across semiconductor manufacturing and extensive intellectual property (IP).

SK Key Foundry has accumulated various process optimization technologies and yield improvement know-how, based on a high level of manufacturing understanding from wafer processing to post-processing. Through this acquisition, by securing SK Powertech's SiC process and design technology, it is expected to create unparalleled synergy in the SiC-based compound semiconductor field. SK Key Foundry has firmly established a foundation for technological independence in the SiC power semiconductor sector by acquiring SK Powertech, a company recognized for securing commercialization and core process technology of SiC power devices, which is rare domestically.

Furthermore, SK Key Foundry aims to provide SiC MOSFET 1200V process technology by the end of 2025 and to launch its SiC-based power semiconductor foundry business in the first half of 2026. The company plans to expand its process technology, focusing on high-voltage and high-efficiency application fields such as electric vehicle drive systems, industrial power conversion devices, and renewable energy inverters. To this end, SK Key Foundry is enhancing process optimization and reliability evaluation processes while establishing a specialized organization to provide customized SiC solutions for clients.

Recently, there has been a rapid increase in demand for compound power semiconductors, including SiC, in the global market. The adoption of SiC is accelerating across industries where energy efficiency has emerged as a key competitive factor, such as electric vehicles, energy storage systems (ESS), 5G infrastructure, and data centers. According to market research firm OMDIA, the global SiC market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of over 24% from 2025 to 2030. Amid these market changes, SK Key Foundry plans to use the SiC power semiconductor sector as a next-generation growth engine, expanding cooperation with domestic and international clients to increase its global market share.

SK Key Foundry CEO Lee Dong-jae stated, "The acquisition of SiC specialist SK Powertech has been a crucial turning point for SK Key Foundry in securing independent technological competitiveness in the compound semiconductor field." He added, "By launching high-efficiency SiC power semiconductor process technology and products that combine the core development capabilities of both companies, we will establish differentiated technological leadership in the rapidly growing high-voltage and high-efficiency compound power semiconductor application fields in the global market."

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