TSMC is the Taiwan-based semiconductor maker commonly ranked among the world's most valuable companies by market capitalization.
TSMC stands for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Founded in 1987, it pioneered the dedicated foundry model: it manufactures chips designed by other companies rather than selling mainly chips under its own consumer brand. That role makes TSMC a crucial supplier to the global technology industry.
Its customers and technology partners have included companies designing processors for smartphones, computers, data centers, and artificial-intelligence systems. TSMC's advanced manufacturing processes and enormous capital requirements have helped create a powerful competitive position, which is reflected in its market value.
TSMC is often confused with Samsung Electronics or Intel. Samsung designs and manufactures many products, including memory chips and phones; Intel designs processors and operates manufacturing facilities; TSMC is best known for contract chip manufacturing. TSMC's main corporate headquarters are in Hsinchu, Taiwan.