Chilean startup qScire has secured a partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturer. The agreement allows TSMC to utilize qScire’s innovative software in its chip production process.
Founded in 2019 by Claudio Arenas, Joaquín Figueroa, Sebastián Brugnoli, and Edson Contreras, qScire developed Quantum Interconnect Explorer (QIE). This software predicts electrical resistance in chip manufacturing, aiming to reduce failure rates in the production process.
qScire’s technology stems from Arenas’ doctoral thesis in physics, focusing on calculating electrical resistance in nanoscopic structures considering quantum mechanics effects. The startup received funding from three angel investors and validated its technology through a research agreement with Applied Materials.
In 2022, qScire participated in the TIE Awards in Taiwan, winning the software innovation category. This event led to their connection with TSMC executive Edward Chen. The following year, during a softlanding program in Taiwan, qScire finalized the agreement with TSMC.
TSMC began officially using qScire’s technology in March 2024. The Chilean software will be integrated into TSMC’s product ecosystem, potentially revolutionizing the chip manufacturing process. Arenas revealed that a second major player in the industry has expressed interest, possibly leading to another agreement within a year.
This partnership marks a significant achievement for qScire, providing them access to Taiwan’s semiconductor industry, which accounts for 65% of global chip manufacturing and plays a crucial role in artificial intelligence development.
