TSMC, or Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, is among the world's largest companies by market capitalization.
TSMC is the world’s largest dedicated semiconductor foundry, meaning it manufactures chips designed by other companies rather than primarily selling chips under its own consumer brand. This business model makes it a crucial supplier for advanced processors used in phones, computers, vehicles, and artificial-intelligence systems.
The company was founded in Taiwan in 1987 by Morris Chang. Its rise helped establish the modern division between chip design and chip manufacturing, allowing customers to outsource production while retaining control over their designs.
TSMC is often confused with Samsung Electronics or Intel because all three are major semiconductor businesses. However, TSMC’s defining specialty is contract manufacturing for outside chip designers, including leading technology companies.