Japan’s BIH and Beijing Hoshikawa to mass-produce semi-solid batteries for BAIC hybrids in 2026

Japanese startup BIH and Chinese automotive battery firm Beijing Hoshikawa New Energy Battery Technology announced on November 26, 2025, the successful implementation of semi-solid lithium-ion battery technology in the mass production of batteries for hybrid electric vehicles (HEV). Beijing Hoshikawa has highlighted that the new batteries will be deployed in new vehicle models launched by BAIC in early 2026.

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Rapidus reportedly plans second Hokkaido fab for 1.4nm chips as funding gap widens, but company pushes back on timeline

Rapidus plans to begin construction on a second fabrication plant in Chitose, Hokkaido, in fiscal 2027 to produce 1.4nm and eventually 1nm chips, according to reports from Nikkei and Yomiuri Shimbun. The move underscores Japan’s push to return to the front of advanced logic manufacturing, even as Rapidus works to complete its 2nm process and secure the funding required to sustain its roadmap. However, the company has since denied this reported timeline.

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Cheng Mei delivers first CoPoS equipment to ASE

Competing with leading players, Cheng Mei Instrument Technology recently delivered the first CoPoS measurement and inspection equipment to the ASE Group, aiming to break KLA Corporation’s near-monopoly in the equipment market. Cheng Mei Chairman Tony Tsai stated that in recent years, the company has been aggressively entering the advanced packaging field. He estimates that in 2025, measurement and inspection equipment in the semiconductor sector will account for roughly 60–70% of revenue, with 2026 expected to exceed 70%.

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Liquid cooling opportunities bring optimism for Walrus Pump in 2026

Raymond Huang, chairman of water pump leader Walrus Pump, stated that 2026 will see four main growth drivers: this includes the launch of the new Kaohsiung Luzhu Global Factory, industrial water pumps entering the supply chains of major US and Japanese machine tool makers, shipments of server-grade technology pumps, and the launch of newly developed submersible pumps. The company is very optimistic about its 2026 business outlook.

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