Applied Materials opens its $5 billion EPIC Center in Silicon Valley as a shared research and development facility for semiconductor innovation. The 600,000-square-foot center includes nearly four acres of cleanroom space and brings Applied engineers together with chipmakers including TSMC, Intel, Samsung, Micron and SK hynix, alongside innovation partners and university researchers. CEO Gary Dickerson says the center aims to cut development cycle time by at least 30%, focusing on technologies such as 3D architectures, advanced packaging, low-resistance wiring and hybrid bonding.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi courts global investors at India’s Semicon event as the country pursues a $30 billion chipmaking bet. The event draws pledges of billions of dollars in investment from Applied Materials and Lam.
Sep 2026 · Bloomberg TechNews article
Meta and data, chips and dips, crypto and meltdowns
Equity covers Meta’s record fine over its handling of EU user data, chip industry developments, and startup funding rounds. The episode notes China’s ban on some Micron products, Applied Materials’ investment in the United States, and labor concerns around expanding semiconductor projects. It also highlights Patient21’s $108 million raise and additional funding for Infinite Uptime’s predictive-maintenance business.
