Taiwan sets new standard with cutting-edge 2-nanometre microchip

Taiwanese semiconductor leader TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company) has unveiled the world's most advanced microchip: the 2-nanometre (2nm) chip.

Announced on April 1, 2025, the company is set to begin mass production later this year, promising that the new chip will dramatically enhance performance and efficiency, marking a significant leap forward in the tech industry, according to a scientific website.

Microchips are at the heart of all modern electronic devices, including smartphones, computers, and even household appliances. These chips are made by layering and etching materials such as silicon to create intricate circuits with billions of transistors, the tiny switches that control electrical flow. Generally, the more transistors a chip contains, the faster and more powerful it is.

The 2nm chip from TSMC is poised to offer major improvements over its predecessor, the 3nm chip. It is expected to increase computing speed by 10-15 per cent without using more power or reduce power consumption by 20-30 per cent at the same speed. The new chip also features a 15 per cent increase in transistor density compared to the 3nm chip, which will result in faster processing, better energy efficiency, and the ability to manage more complex tasks.

TSMC’s microchip innovations hold immense strategic value for Taiwan. As a global leader in semiconductor manufacturing, the country’s dominance in the industry has made it a key player in international security, often referred to as the "silicon shield." TSMC’s recent $100 billion deal to establish new factories in the US highlights the growing geopolitical implications of its technology.

Despite the promising capabilities of 2nm chips, the advanced manufacturing process, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography, presents challenges. The complexity and high cost of production, along with heat management issues, pose potential obstacles for widespread adoption. Nevertheless, the new chips are expected to push the boundaries of computing, powering everything from smartphones and AI systems to data centers and autonomous vehicles, ultimately paving the way for a more powerful, energy-efficient, and sustainable future in technology.

By Naila Huseynova