TSMC is the world’s largest semiconductor foundry and has headquarters in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company was founded in 1987 by Morris Chang. It pioneered the dedicated foundry model, manufacturing chips designed by other companies instead of mainly selling chips under its own consumer brand. This arrangement allowed designers such as Nvidia, Apple, and many others to outsource production.
TSMC’s advanced manufacturing processes have made it strategically important to the global technology industry. Its scale, engineering expertise, and relationships with major chip designers have also helped make it one of the world’s most valuable listed companies.
TSMC is often confused with a chip designer. Nvidia designs many of its processors, while TSMC manufactures chips for Nvidia and other customers. TSMC has expanded manufacturing outside Taiwan, including facilities in Arizona, but its corporate headquarters remain in Hsinchu.