IQT Explains: Breakthroughs in Microelectronics

Welcome to another episode of IQT Explains! Today, we are joined by Dr. Yan Zheng, IQT’s Chief of Staff, and Michael Falcon, Investment Partner, to discuss the importance of microelectronics.

Microelectronics are crucial to modern technology, impacting devices we rely on every day — cell phones, computers, automotives, and medical systems. U.S. manufacturing has declined due to offshoring, but initiatives like the CHIPS Act aim to bring production back.

Today, we’ll discuss the importance of onshoring production as well as investing in emerging trends like advanced packaging (chiplets), photonics (light-based electronics), and using materials beyond silicon like gallium nitride and silicon carbide.

Join us for a conversation on how the U.S. can maintain leadership in this domain and why doing so is critical to preserving national security.

Key Topics
● Supply Chain Complexity & Innovation
● Future of Microelectronics Innovation
● Microelectronics Significance
● Challenges & Opportunities in Microelectronics
● Investment and Market Trends

Featured in this Episode
Farid Nemri
Program Manager

Dr. Yan Zheng
IQT Chief of Staff

Michael Falcon
Investment Partner

Chapters
00:00 - Introduction
02:29 - Microelectronics Overview: Evolution of the Technology & Moore's Law
06:00 - Recent Market Trends
10:23 - Gaps in the U.S. Microelectronics Industry
12:16 - Taking a Closer Look at the Value Chain: Funding for Inputs vs. Outputs
14:55 - National Security Impact
19:00 - What Are the Risks Associated with Relying on Foreign Manufacturing Capabilities?
21:20 - IQT's Guiding Principles When Investing in Microelectronics: Disrupt, Protect, Insights
25:33 - A Snapshot of IQT's Microelectronics Investments
30:09 - Reimagining Our National Approach to Microelectronics
32:27 - Outro