Strong AI and Advanced Node Demand to Propel Semiconductor Equipment Investments Beyond $150 Billion for the First Time

MILPITAS, Calif., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Worldwide 300mm fab equipment spending is expected to increase 18% to $133 billion in 2026 and 14% to $151 billion in 2027, SEMI reported today in its latest 300mm Fab Outlook. This strong growth reflects surging AI chip demand for data centers and edge devices, as well as the growing commitment to semiconductor self-sufficiency across key regions through localized industrial ecosystems and supply chain restructuring.

300mm Fab Equipment Spending

Looking further out, the report projects investment will continue to increase 3% to $155 billion in 2028 and another 11% to $172 billion in 2029, respectively.

“AI is resetting the scale of semiconductor manufacturing investment,” said Ajit Manocha, President and CEO of SEMI. “With global 300mm fab equipment spending projected to exceed $150 billion in 2027 for the first time, the industry is making historic, sustained commitments to the advanced capacity and resilient supply chains needed to power the AI era.”

Segment Growth

The Logic & Micro segment is expected to spearhead equipment expansion with $228 billion in total investments from 2027 to 2029 mainly due to strong foundry sector demand, driven by sub-2nm cutting-edge capacity investments. Advanced node technology is essential to enhance chip performance and power efficiency to meet rigorous chip design requirements for various AI applications. More advanced node technology is expected to enter volume production from 2027 to 2029. Additionally, AI performance improvements are anticipated to drive massive growth in various edge AI devices. Beyond advanced nodes, demand across all nodes and various electronics devices is anticipated to grow moderately, supporting investment in mature nodes as well.

The memory segment is projected to rank second in equipment spending, totaling $175 billion from 2027 to 2029. This period marks the start of a new growth cycle for the segment. Within the memory category, DRAM equipment spending is expected to reach $111 billion cumulatively from 2027 to 2029, while 3D NAND equipment spending is estimated to be $62 billion during the same time frame.

The demand for memory has significantly increased due to AI training and inference. AI training has notably driven up the demand for High Bandwidth Memory (HBM), while model inference has created substantial demand for storage capacity, thus boosting the growth of NAND Flash applications in data centers. This strong demand has led to sustained high levels of investment in the memory supply chain over the near and long term, helping to cushion potential downturns from traditional memory cycle fluctuations.

Regional Investment Trends

Global 300mm fab equipment investment is expected to remain broadly distributed across the major semiconductor manufacturing regions from 2027 to 2029, reflecting a mix of advanced-node expansion, memory capacity additions, and policy-supported supply chain localization. Mainland China, Taiwan, Korea, and the Americas are each expected to see substantial levels of spending during the period, while Japan, Europe & Middle East, and Southeast Asia also continue to expand investment from a smaller base.

In China, investment is expected to remain supported by ongoing domestic capacity expansion and national initiatives aimed at strengthening semiconductor manufacturing capabilities. In the Taiwan region, spending is projected to be driven primarily by continued expansion of leading-edge foundry capacity, including 2nm and sub-2nm technologies. Korea’s investment outlook remains closely tied to the memory sector, where AI-related demand is supporting another cycle of capacity and technology upgrades. In the Americas, spending is expected to be underpinned by advanced process expansion and broader efforts to strengthen domestic manufacturing ecosystems.

Japan, Europe & Middle East, and Southeast Asia are also expected to post meaningful growth through 2029. In these regions, equipment investment is supported by a combination of government incentives, supply chain resilience strategies, and targeted efforts to expand semiconductor manufacturing capacity.

Part of the SEMI Fab Forecast database, the SEMI 300mm Fab Outlook lists 404 facilities and lines globally. The report reflects 198 updates and 9 new fabs/lines projects since its last publication in December 2025. 

For more information on the report or to subscribe, please contact the SEMI Market Intelligence Team at mktstats@semi.org. Details on SEMI market data are available at SEMI Market Intelligence.

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About SEMI

SEMI^® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON^® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

Association Contacts

Sherrie Gutierrez/SEMI Corporate
Phone: 1-831-889-3800
Email: sgutierrez@semi.org

Stephanie Quinn/Kiterocket (Media Inquiries)
Phone: 1-480-316-8370
Email: squinn@kiterocket.com

WILMINGTON, Del., April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SweetNight, a modern sleep brand committed to making intelligent sleep solutions accessible to everyday families, today announced the launch of the CoolNest® Hybrid Mattress. As the second flagship model in the CoolNest® Collection, the mattress combines advanced thermoregulation with a responsive hybrid support system and a comfort top layer to address the needs of hot sleepers. This launch reinforces SweetNight’s focus on user-centric design, providing an optimized balance of temperature control and ergonomic support for families seeking high-quality rest at an accessible price point.

Engineered for Cooler Sleep All Night Long

The CoolNest® Hybrid Mattress is built around the CoolNest® System, a multi-layer cooling architecture designed for high-performance temperature regulation. At the surface, a cool‑to‑the‑touch ice silk cover, featuring over 10,000 micro‑pores per square centimeter, helps rapidly dissipate body heat and deliver an instant cooling sensation.

Beneath the surface, adaptive temperature‑regulation foams absorb and release heat as temperatures shift, helping maintain a stable sleep environment through out the night. Perforated foam layer, combined with a ventilated spring base, enhances airflow and heat buildup.

Reducing Sleep Disruptions with Motion Isolation and Temperature Stability

Recognizing that both temperature consistency and motion control are critical to uninterrupted sleep, the CoolNest® Hybrid integrates a dual-function hybrid design.

Individually pocketed Dynamic Coil™ springs respond independently to movement, helping minimize motion transfer between partners—making it an ideal choice for couples. At the same time, continuous airflow and efficient heat dissipation reduce the likelihood of nighttime overheating, a common cause of sleep disruption.

Ergonomic Support for Improved Sleep Quality

The hybrid support system combines cushioning foams with responsive coils to deliver a balance of comfort and structural support, making it well-suited for sleepers seeking relief from back discomfort.

Zoned coil configurations provide targeted support to promote proper spinal alignment.  Engineered for versatility, the mattress provides deep pressure relief for the shoulders and hips—essential for side sleepers—while maintaining the firm mid-section support required for healthy back sleeping. Reinforced edge support increases usable surface area and stability, offering consistent support across the entire mattress.

Designed for Couples and Versatile Sleep Styles

The DuoSense™ pillow top adds a plush, inviting surface while preserving the underlying support of the hybrid system. This combination of softness and stability accommodates a wide range of sleep preferences, making it especially suitable for couples with differing comfort needs.

Whether sleeping on the back, side, or in combination positions, the responsive design adapts to different body types and movement patterns, delivering consistent comfort throughout the night.

Designed to meet the needs of hot sleepers, busy households, and anyone seeking durable, high‑performance comfort, the CoolNest® Hybrid delivers effective cooling, reduced sleep disruptions, and enhanced overall sleep quality—at a price point designed for everyday accessibility.

Each mattress is backed by a 10-year warranty and includes free shipping, a 100-night home trial, and HSA/FSA eligibility for added convenience and peace of mind.

The CoolNest® Hybrid is now available nationwide at SweetNight Online, with pricing ranging from $399.99 to $799.99.

About SweetNight

SweetNight is a modern sleep brand dedicated to making high-quality, intelligent sleep solutions accessible to everyday families. The company addresses the biggest challenges in smart sleep by delivering technology that is simple, intuitive, and fairly priced. Its mission is to become the world’s leading Self‑Adjusting Sleep Wellness Partner, bringing thoughtful, health‑focused innovation to households everywhere.

SHANGHAI, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — WATERTECH CHINA 2026, the landmark 18th edition of the premier platform for process, drinking, and wastewater solutions, will take place from June 9–11, 2026, at the National Exhibition and Convention Center (Shanghai). Co-organized by Herui Group and Informa Markets, the event serves as a critical hub for water treatment technologies, digital management, and sustainable infrastructure.

Unprecedented Scale and Coverage

The 2026 edition will expand to a massive 180,000 sqm, hosting over 2,500 exhibitors and attracting more than 100,000 professional visitors from 175 countries and regions. Covering the entire water value chain, the exhibition serves 28 end-user industries—from municipal infrastructure to industrial manufacturing—acting as a high-efficiency B2B gateway for global procurement and strategic partnerships.

Leading the “Water 4.0” Revolution

A major highlight is the focus on digital intelligence. The Digital Water Innovation Summit will gather experts to explore AI, IoT, big data, and digital twin technology. Key focus areas include:

• Smart Monitoring: AI-driven analytics and 5G integration for operational intelligence.
• Sustainable Infrastructure: Innovations in smart metering and leak detection to reduce environmental impact.
• Global Export Pathways: Dedicated sessions on international cooperation for intelligent water solutions.

Specialized Industry Zones

The exhibition features targeted zones designed to address pressing global resource challenges:

• Industrial Water & Zero-Liquid Discharge (ZLD): Advanced membrane technologies and recycling solutions for high-pollution industries.
• Municipal Drinking Water: Purification, chemical dosing, and health-focused safety technologies.
• Seawater Desalination: Energy-efficient systems for water-scarce regions.
• Smart Pipe Networks: High-precision monitoring to optimize network performance and reduce water loss.

Strategic Global Matchmaking

To maximize business impact, the international matchmaking program will connect over 500 leading brands with 10,000 targeted international buyers. To facilitate global participation, the organizers provide comprehensive support, including invitation letters and visa assistance for eligible overseas attendees.

Call to Action

As water management continues to play an increasingly important role in public health, industrial development and sustainability, WATERTECH CHINA 2026 will offer a platform for industry professionals to discover new solutions, exchange insights and build international partnerships. Pre-registration is now open for visitors seeking to connect with the global water community in Shanghai.

SHANGHAI, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Smartee Denti-Technology today announced the addition of Material Choice and Trimline Selection features to its digital case management system SmarteeCheck. Available immediately at the case approval stage, these updates provide clinicians with greater flexibility to further customize treatment plans based on personal preferences and dental condition of individual patients.

Material Choice: Balancing Precision and Comfort

Clinicians can now select between Softer and Standard dental sheets when approving a case. This dual-option approach addresses the advanced clinical understanding that different phases of tooth movement require different mechanical properties.

Smartee’s Softer material is suited for treatment stages where patient comfort and initial compliance are priorities, while the Standard material provides the sustained force expression needed for robust control. This functionality allows clinicians to select the appropriate material for each treatment phase without having to switch aligner systems.

Trimline Selection: Evidence from Industry Studies

The update also allows clinicians to choose from three distinct trimline styles at case approval: Classic Scalloped, Scalloped Extended, and Straight.

This feature aligns with recent clinical studies on aligner biomechanics and aesthetics. A systematic review published in BMC Oral Health noted that trimline design influences orthodontic tooth movement efficacy by affecting force delivery and aligner retention. Additionally, an eye-tracking study in the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics (AJODO) confirmed that different trimline designs impact how aligners are visually perceived.

To meet diverse clinical requirements, the system offers:

• Classic Scalloped Trimline: Precisely conforms to the gingival margin for improved aesthetics and comfort.
• Scalloped Extended Trimline: Extends beyond the margin to enlarge the surface area in the maxillary posterior buccal region for enhanced retention.
• Straight Trimline: A straight horizontal trimming at the gingival zenith, delivering maximum retention force.

Clinical Flexibility
While some clear aligner systems offer a single standard trimline, Smartee’s update enables doctors to easily toggle between three distinct styles at case approval. This supports personalized treatment planning by allowing orthodontists to balance retention, force control, and gingival aesthetics according to each patient’s specific clinical profile.

Availability
The Material Choice and Trimline Selection features are available globally starting March 31, 2026, for all new case approvals through Smartee’s digital case management system.

Priorities Advance Infrastructure, Workforce and Regional Competitiveness

GREATER DES MOINES, Iowa, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Greater Des Moines Partnership has unveiled its 2026 Federal Policy Agenda, outlining key priorities to advance economic growth, talent development and national competitiveness across the Greater Des Moines region and the state of Iowa.

Developed by The Partnership’s Government Policy Council — representing more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members and over 400 Investors — and approved by its Board of Directors, the agenda reflects a unified regional approach. It brings together business and community leaders to advocate with one voice on priorities that support long-term growth.

As Greater Des Moines competes nationally for talent and investment, the agenda prioritizes policies that strengthen infrastructure, support workforce development and expand housing opportunities.

The Partnership’s 2026 Federal Policy Agenda focuses on the following priorities:

Regional Transportation
The Partnership supports investment in regional transportation projects that safely and efficiently move goods and people, advance economic growth and support job creation, including the Des Moines Airport Terminal Project, interstate designation of Highway 5/65 and expansion of the Ankeny Regional Airport.

Permitting Reform
The Partnership supports modernizing and improving our nation’s permitting process to expedite critical infrastructure projects and promote economic growth.

Workforce Funding and Programs
Strong workforce impacts every industry and area of the state. The Partnership supports investing in our nation’s workforce through the expansion of apprenticeships, accessible childcare and employer incentives to encourage workforce training and upskilling to help retain employees.

Housing
The Partnership supports the expansion of housing options through funding and policies that encourage communities and employers to invest in new and existing housing.

The Agenda also outlines additional priorities related to economic growth, energy, infrastructure, immigration, health care, education and community development — reflecting the broad policy landscape that supports business success and quality of life in Greater Des Moines.

“This agenda reflects the priorities we hear directly from our Investors and Regional Chamber Members from across Greater Des Moines and the policies needed to sustain growth and competitiveness,” said David Stark, Chair of The Partnership’s Government Policy Council and Chief of Government Affairs and Philanthropy at UnityPoint Health. “By aligning around shared priorities, we are able to advocate more effectively for investments that strengthen our workforce, infrastructure and economy.”

“Our Federal Policy Agenda provides a clear framework for engaging with federal partners and advancing policies aligned with the region’s long-term growth,” said Laura Book, Director of Government Relations and Public Policy at The Partnership. “Through ongoing collaboration with public, private and nonprofit leaders, we are able to bring forward priorities that support businesses, communities and future opportunities across Greater Des Moines.”

The Partnership’s team works year-round to connect regional leaders with policymakers and advance policies that support economic growth, business prosperity and talent development.

The Agenda will be advanced through The Partnership’s annual Washington, D.C. fly-in trip (DMDC) June 3-5, where regional business and community leaders meet directly with Iowa’s congressional delegation and federal officials to advocate for these priorities and strengthen relationships that support long-term growth.

View the full 2026 Federal Policy Agenda and register to attend DMDC by visiting DSMpartnership.com.

About the Greater Des Moines Partnership
The Greater Des Moines Partnership is the largest regional business, economic development and talent development organization in Iowa and the second-largest regional chamber of commerce in the country, serving multiple counties in Greater Des Moines. Together with more than 400 Investors and an Affiliate Chamber of Commerce network of more than 7,200 Regional Chamber Members, The Partnership helps businesses grow and advances quality of life in Greater Des Moines with one voice, one mission and as one region, contributing to a vibrant regional economy. Learn more at DSMpartnership.com.

Contact:
Metinka Slater
mslater@DSMpartnership.com
(515) 216-3989
Learn More About DSM USA

BEIJING, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A delegation from Xianyang City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, visited the embassies of Pakistan, Peru, Morocco, Türkiye and Fiji in Beijing from March 16 to 19, promoting Xianyang Fu Tea , a kind of Chinese dark tea with over 600 years of history, as part of efforts to expand the tea’s international presence.

The delegation was led by Shi Yaodong, vice chairman of the Xianyang Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference. He held talks with senior diplomatic representatives from five countries in four days.

Fu Tea is produced in Jingyang County of Xianyang, and is distinguished by a naturally occurring golden fungus called “Jin Hua” (Eurotium cristatum). The fungus, rich in amino acids, vitamins and trace elements, develops inside compressed tea bricks under specific conditions.

The tea’s production technique was inscribed on China’s national intangible cultural heritage list in 2021 and on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2022.

Xianyang Fu Tea currently comprises 65 products across five categories, with an annual production capacity exceeding 30,000 tonnes and a total output value of over 3 billion yuan. The tea has been exported to more than 40 countries, with an assessed brand value of 6.662 billion yuan.

During the visits, each country’s representative highlighted existing connections to Chinese tea culture.

Morocco’s Ambassador Abdelkader El Ansari noted that Morocco is one of the world’s largest importers of Chinese green tea. Türkiye’s Ambassador Selçuk Ünal pointed to tea as a key link along the ancient Silk Road. Pakistan’s Economic Minister Aslam Chaudhary drew parallels between Fu Tea and traditional teas from Pakistan’s northern regions. Peru’s counsellor Jorge García highlighted the country’s large Peruvian Chinese as a foundation for cultural and trade links. Fiji’s Ambassador Robert Lee said the country’s climate and soil may be suitable for growing Chinese tea.

“Tea is a symbol of peace, friendship and openness,” Shi said. “We hope Fu Tea can serve as a bridge between Xianyang and people around the world.”

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/349989.html

• Apollo Go launches a fully driverless commercial ride-hailing service in Dubai via the Apollo Go app, marking the platform’s first international app deployment.
• Collaboration with Dubai Taxi Company (DTC) powers Apollo Go’s autonomous mobility expansion in the emirate.

DUBAI, UAE, April 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Baidu Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888) today announced that its autonomous ride-hailing platform, Apollo Go, in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), has launched a fully driverless commercial ride-hailing service in Dubai via the Apollo Go app, marking the platform’s first international app deployment and a major milestone in the region. This comes alongside Apollo Go’s strategic collaboration with Dubai Taxi Company (DTC), the emirate’s leading mobility service provider, bringing strong local operational expertise to support the service.

The Apollo Go app is now available in Dubai, allowing residents and visitors to hail fully driverless rides. This launch represents a significant step forward in Apollo Go’s plan — announced in March 2025 — to deploy a fleet of more than 1,000 autonomous vehicles in Dubai over the next few years. The collaboration with DTC further strengthens local operations and underscores the commercialization of fully autonomous mobility in the emirate.

“Our partnership with DTC represents a new chapter for autonomous mobility in Dubai. By combining our cutting-edge technology with DTC’s local expertise, and through the launch of the Apollo Go app, our first international app deployment, we are creating a safe, efficient and scalable ride-hailing service that sets a new standard for the region. We are proud to contribute to Dubai‘s vision for smart, future-ready transportation,” said Nan Yang, Vice President of Baidu and General Manager of Overseas Business Unit, Intelligent Driving Group.

Mansoor Rahma Alfalasi, Group CEO, DTC, said, “Dubai Taxi Company is proud and excited to be among the first entities to roll out the operations of driverless taxis in Dubai, marking a significant milestone in advancing the emirate’s vision for smart and sustainable mobility. This initiative is in line with DTC’s innovation-driven strategy and its commitment to delivering future-ready services that elevate the customer experience. We are grateful to our strategic partner, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), for their unwavering support and the development of a comprehensive infrastructure that enables the seamless deployment of driverless taxis, aligned with the ambition of transforming 25% of all transportation trips into smart and driverless journeys by 2030.”

“We are equally proud to partner with Baidu Inc. to bring this future-forward technology to life, combining global innovation with Dubai‘s pioneering spirit. The successful trials conducted over the past few months have demonstrated the vehicles’ readiness, particularly in terms of safety, reliability, and operational efficiency, reinforcing our confidence in scaling this initiative,” he added.

This commercial launch follows a key milestone earlier this year. In January 2026, Apollo Go received Dubai‘s first-ever driverless testing permit for fully autonomous vehicles without a safety driver. This regulatory approval enables Baidu to operate fully autonomous ride-hailing services in Dubai in the first quarter of 2026, positioning the city as a strategic hub for autonomous mobility innovation. Also in January 2026, Baidu inaugurated the Apollo Go Park in Dubai, which serves as the company’s first overseas operations and management hub, supporting plans for a fleet of over 1,000 autonomous vehicles in the coming years.

Dubai marks a key strategic hub in Apollo Go’s growing global network, as it continues to expand its footprint worldwide. As of February 2026, Apollo Go has completed over 20 million rides worldwide, with weekly rides peaking at more than 300,000 during Q4 2025. Its fleets have accumulated over 300 million autonomous kilometers, including more than 190 million kilometers of fully driverless operations, with an outstanding safety record.

About Baidu

Founded in 2000, Baidu’s mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong internet foundation, trading on the NASDAQ under “BIDU” and HKEX under “9888.” One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.

About DTC

DTC was recognised as a public joint stock company under Law No. (21) of 2023. The Company is a leading provider of comprehensive mobility solutions in Dubai, operating a fleet of more than 11,000 vehicles, including more than 6,200 taxis. DTC was established in 1994 to operate a fleet of taxis and has since expanded to offer an extensive range of integrated mobility solutions across four key business lines: taxis, VIP limousines, buses and last mile delivery bike services. DTC is the number one taxi operator by fleet size in Dubai with approximately 45% market share. In 2025, the Company’s taxis and limousines completed 53 million trips.

Media Contact
intlcomm@baidu.com