Gyeonggi Innovation Center Supports Eight Semiconductor Startups’ U.S. Market Entry in Portland

Promising semiconductor startups from Korea have established a foothold in Portland, Oregon, known as the "Silicon Forest," laying the groundwork for collaboration with global companies and expansion into the U.S. market.

The Gyeonggi Center for Creative Economy & Innovation announced on June 30 that it had successfully completed the "2026 U.S. Portland Expansion Program" for eight promising semiconductor startups supported by Creative Economy Innovation Centers across Korea.

The most notable outcome of the program was the direct collaboration achieved with global companies. Following the on-site program held from May 11 to 15, six of the eight participating companies signed non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) with Intel Foundry, marking a significant achievement.

In addition, the startups agreed to pursue NDAs and proof-of-concept (PoC) projects with Lam Research, discussed PoC assignments with Tokyo Electron, and held investment discussions with the U.S. asset management firm Welington, thereby building a foundation for local commercialization.