Leveraging the “DeepSeek of the semiconductor equipment industry” label, Sicarrier has skyrocketed to prominence.
At SEMICON China 2025, the world’s largest semiconductor industry exhibition, Sicarrier’s booth emerged as the most sought-after attraction. Even at noon on March 28th, with merely half a day remaining before the event’s closure, Sicarrier’s exhibition space remained densely packed with visitors.
On-site observation:
At the exhibition site, journalists noted that unlike many exhibitors showcasing physical equipment prototypes, Sicarrier densely displayed over 30 devices on its backdrop panels. A staff member explained, “The company, established just over three years ago, is launching products for the first time, and all exhibited equipment has entered mass production.” They emphasized, “Our distinctiveness lies in the self-developed components across most devices.”
Key highlight:
Sicarrier Booth: A Bold Display of 30+ Devices
Sicarrier emerged as the unequivocal “dark horse” of SEMICONChina 2025. Even during the final half-day of the event, crowds continued to flock to its booth.
Photo-seeking visitors, inquiry-driven attendees, collaboration-focused delegates… Every Sicarrier booth staff member was swarmed by crowds, repeatedly explaining device specifications and fielding technical questions.
In front of the large screen showcasing promotional videos, visitors spontaneously formed an arc-shaped crowd, watching the promotional video while capturing footage on their phones.
Journalists observed that Sicarrier’s on-site display of over 30 device images was categorized into two series: process equipment and metrology/inspection equipment. Product models included:
- Diffusion systems
- Thin-film deposition tools
- Optical inspection products
- Optical metrology systems
1.Naming Convention & Product Status:
Notably, Sicarrier’s 30+ devices are named after China’s iconic mountains (e.g., Wuyi, Emei, Sanqing, Putuo, Changbai, Ali, Tianmen, Yimeng), reflecting a symbolic branding strategy.
On-site staff remarks: All exhibited tools are mass-produced, with some initially designed for specific process nodes, achieving “world-leading” performance in critical metrics.
Technical caveat: A staffer clarified that while tools are deployed at client sites, certain processes (e.g., thin-film deposition via PVD/Physical Vapor Deposition) remain in validation. Current mass production covers 7–8 film types, with 20–30 variants still under testing.
2. Media Access Restrictions:
Sicarrier staff declined further interviews or filming requests, citing “lack of authorization.” 14
3. Corporate Mission (Official Statement):
Per Sicarrier’s website, the company focuses on:
Resolving continuity gaps in domestic semiconductor manufacturing
Accelerating maturity of ancillary industries
Promoting advanced manufacturing/test solutions to enhance sector-wide capabilities 15
4. Shenzhen HQ Site Visit:
Registered address: Longgang District, Shenzhen (Shanxia Community Office Building, Room 510).
On-site findings (March 28): Room 510 was unoccupied, with labels removed and an “Out for Business” sign posted.
A “城市更新办” (Urban Renewal Office) label was affixed next to Room 511, while other rooms on the same floor displayed tags at their entrances. Notably, Room 510 lacked any signage. Staff on-site confirmed the building as the Shanxia Community Committee Office but clarified that Sicarrier did not operate there.
Recruitment postings for Sicarrier, including an “Order Fulfillment Engineer” role with a salary range of 25,000–50,000 yuan, were identified on job platform Zhiyouji. The listed work address was specified as “Sicarrier Park” in postings dated January 20.
Subsequently, the reporter visited Sicarrier Park in Shenzhen’s Longgang District. At the park’s reception area, multiple suppliers were observed registering at the front desk, with entry permitted only via SMS verification code or invitation. The park comprises 16 buildings, including offices, apartments, R&D facilities, production workshops, and warehouses, spanning a significant area.
Shenzhen Advances in Integrated Circuits, Guangdong Addresses “Manufacturing Weakness”
Behind Sicarrier’s prominence in the semiconductor equipment industry lies Shenzhen’s sustained efforts to strengthen integrated circuit (IC) manufacturing, aiming to overturn Guangdong Province’s stereotype of “strong design but weak manufacturing” in the chip sector.
Sicarrier operates under the Shenzhen Major Industry Investment Group, a state-owned enterprise directly managed by the Shenzhen Municipal State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC). This group serves as a strategic platform for the city’s “20+8” industrial clusters, focusing on cutting-edge technologies, advanced manufacturing, and strategic emerging industries. Its investments span six key areas: “source innovation,” “strategic support,” “silicon-based catch-up,” “lane-changing overtaking,” “sensor leap,” and “market expansion.” The group has already spearheaded major IC projects, including the National Third-Generation Semiconductor Technology Innovation Center and Chongtou Tianke.
In recent years, Shenzhen has accelerated investments in chip manufacturing. Companies like SMIC, CR Micro, Pengxin Micro, and Founder Microelectronics have secured land to build IC production lines. On December 31, 2024, Runpeng Semiconductor’s 12-inch IC production line officially commenced operations, marking Shenzhen’s second 12-inch line after SMIC.
The first phase of Runpeng Semiconductor’s project, with a total investment of 22 billion yuan, targets 40-nanometer and above analog specialty processes. Once completed, it will produce 480,000 12-inch power chips annually for automotive electronics, renewable energy, industrial control, and consumer electronics.
Shenzhen has bolstered IC development through education and policy support. The 2025 Shenzhen Government Work Report highlights progress in 2024: 26 new doctoral programs in IC and materials science, 34 national-level R&D projects in high-end chips and precision instruments, and breakthroughs in IC and advanced materials.
The report also outlines 2025 goals, including the completion of CR Micro’s 12-inch IC production line. It emphasizes fostering innovation clusters for semiconductors, biopharmaceuticals, and high-performance medical devices.
At the 2024 Greater Bay Area Semiconductor Industry Expo, Zhu Yun, Deputy Director of Shenzhen’s Development and Reform Commission, noted that the city has established 38 IC-focused funds, totaling over 100 billion yuan, through public-private partnerships. Shenzhen is also accelerating a 10-billion-yuan semiconductor and IC industry fund and securing special bonds for key projects.
A Guangdong-based semiconductor executive told Securities Times that the province’s historical “strong design, weak manufacturing” imbalance stemmed from early national strategies and regional positioning. However, rapid growth in other industries has exposed manufacturing gaps as economic bottlenecks, necessitating aggressive investments in cities like Shenzhen and Guangzhou.
The executive explained: “Take Shenzhen’s thriving consumer electronics sector. Some chip flaws only emerge after prolonged market use. Without local manufacturing capabilities, communication and adjustments with suppliers become sluggish. Local production drastically shortens this cycle.”
Today, industries like consumer electronics, EVs, and robotics rely on synchronized IC development. As the adage goes, “a barrel’s capacity depends on its shortest plank.” Shenzhen is now racing to transform its semiconductor manufacturing “short plank” into a strength, driving toward a more balanced and resilient industrial ecosystem.
