AI drives high-speed optics shift as LuxNet, TrueLight scale 800G and CW lasers by 2026

As AI workloads intensify and data centre architectures evolve, optical communications vendors are positioning co-packaged optics (CPO) and silicon photonics (SiPh) as core mid- to long-term growth markets. LuxNet expects 800G products to surpass 400G as the market mainstream in 2026, with 1.6T products entering initial shipments and supporting growth over the next two to three years. TrueLight is moving into the AI high-performance computing (HPC) supply chain via continuous-wave (CW) laser foundry services and expects the foundry revenue share in 2026 to exceed 2025 levels.

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Taiwan’s energy transition at risk as solar grid connections see historic low, foreign divestment

Taiwan’s energy transition is facing unprecedented challenges. In 2025, domestic solar power grid connection capacity plunged to an all-time low, squeezed by the dual pressures of policy instability and tightening regulations. Industry leaders warn that if the current administrative stalemate continues, achieving 2026 policy targets will be unrealistic, risking not only a single sector downturn but also international doubts about Taiwan’s energy resilience as a whole.

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YF Capital backs InnoStar Semiconductor, extending Jack Ma’s China memory chip push

YF Capital, the private equity firm founded by Jack Ma, has taken a stake in China’s memory chip sector, renewing market focus on semiconductor investment trends. As the US tightens technology restrictions, domestically developed Chinese chips are increasingly seen as strategically critical, driving a rise in related investment activity.

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China surges ahead of US in drone patents, heightening pressure on Taiwan

China has maintained a clear lead over the US in drone-related technology patents since 2016, highlighting a widening technology gap as Taiwan seeks to expand its domestic drone industry and reduce reliance on China-centric supply chains. The divergence underscores the scale of the challenge facing Taiwan at a time when governments worldwide are accelerating procurement of unmanned systems and reassessing supply chain security.

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Taiwan’s Shinkong to open autonomous vehicle innovation hub in 2027

Eric Wu, founder of Shinkong InnovHUB, announced on December 23, 2025, that the facility is scheduled to open in 2027, offering a dedicated testing and demonstration site for autonomous vehicles. Wu simultaneously revealed the formal launch of Gaia Capital, a NT$5 billion (US$158 million) fund designed to help Taiwanese startups in the autonomous vehicle sector expand into global markets.

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