AetherCore (Ultra-Clean Gas Filtration Technology, IDeas Co., Ltd.)

Basic Information

Company Name: IDeas Co., Ltd.

Company Website:https://the-ideas.co.kr/

Korean Company: Global (DB: is_korean_company = false)

Original Link:https://www.ces.tech/ces-innovation-awards/2026/aethercore-ultra-clean-gas-filtration-for-next-gen-semiconductor-manufacturing/

One-Line Product Definition: AetherCore, ultra-clean gas filtration technology for next-generation semiconductor manufacturing

Problem Definition

Purity limitations in semiconductor processes: In advanced semiconductor manufacturing, even 0.000001% of impurities in process gases can cause product defects. However, existing gas filters are made of uniform particle materials with fixed pore sizes, resulting in filter efficiency of only about 99.99999% (5~6N level), which does not guarantee perfect purity. This has led to increased defect rates and reduced yields in advanced processes.

Dilemma of current technology: To increase filter efficiency, pore sizes must be reduced, but this increases gas flow resistance, slowing down the process and increasing energy consumption. Conversely, increasing the flow rate reduces efficiency. It has been difficult to achieve both purity and flow rate with existing filter technologies.

Operating costs and environmental issues: High-efficiency filters are more expensive and have shorter lifespans, requiring frequent replacement. Filter replacement requires stopping the line, resulting in production losses and labor costs, as well as environmental burdens such as disposal of used filters. These inefficiencies pose problems in terms of semiconductor manufacturing costs and the environment.

Key Differentiators

Flake-shaped powder technology: AetherCore is the first in the world to use irregular, thin plate (flake) shaped metal powder as a filter medium. By laminating flake particles with a thickness of several tens of nanometers to precisely control the pore size, it has overcome the limitations of existing uniform powder filters. This customized flake technology improves filtration efficiency to 99.9999999% (9N). This represents a 100-fold improvement in impurity removal performance compared to existing filters, meeting the **semiconductor process requirements (100 times stricter purity)**.

40% increase in flow rate: Through proprietary internal structure optimization, the gas flow rate is improved by 40% at the same pressure. Increasing the flow rate without sacrificing filter efficiency is a groundbreaking achievement. This allows maintaining the highest purity without slowing down the process.

Easy replacement & maintenance: The filter cartridge is designed for easy replacement every 3 weeks, reducing downtime due to maintenance by 10%. Anyone can perform the work in a short time with a tool-free quick replacement mechanism and modular cartridges. In addition, the increased replacement cycle reduces the annual number of replacements (20% reduction in operating labor costs).

Proven IP and industry linkage: Spun off from SK Hynix, it holds domestic and international patents for the technology and has already been performance-certified through testing at SK Hynix fabs. This signifies quality approval from a major semiconductor company and is a strong point in appealing to other global fabs.

Key Adopters (Buyer)

B2B (Semiconductor Manufacturers): Global semiconductor fabs such as Samsung Electronics, TSMC, and Intel are major customers. Since improving process yield and productivity directly translates into profits, they are willing to pay a premium for high-performance filters like AetherCore. It can be prioritized in lines operating ultra-fine processes such as EUV.

Specialty Gas Suppliers: **Industrial gas companies (e.g., Linde, Air Liquide)** that manufacture and supply specialty gases for semiconductor processes can integrate this filter into their gas supply to provide cleaner gas as a value-added service.

Other Ultra-Precision Manufacturing: It can also be purchased in industries that use high-purity gases, such as OLED, pharmaceutical synthesis, and fine chemicals. However, semiconductors are currently the largest source of demand.

Scalability

Advanced Semiconductor Line Distribution: Dozens of new semiconductor fabs are built worldwide every year, and AetherCore has the potential to become the standard filter for these new lines. It is expected to occupy a significant portion of the DUV/EUV process filter market within 5 years.

Other Filter Markets: The technology can be expanded and applied to ultra-pure liquid chemical filters, medical gas filters, etc. The flake particle filtration platform technology is expected to be developed into ultra-fine dust collection, high-efficiency air conditioning filters, etc., in addition to process gases.

Regulation/Permits: The product itself is a consumable part, so there are no special regulations, but safety certification is required when applied to semiconductor processes. There is no major problem as reliability has already been secured through on-site verification in collaboration with a large company. Regulations such as ITAR do not apply to international exports.

Judges' Evaluation

Highlighting Hidden Innovation: AetherCore was mentioned as a B2B sector star that is not noticeable among the CES Innovation Awards. CTO Ledger stated, "Innovation in unseen places like semiconductors ultimately drives the development of all electronic devices in the world," and cited AetherCore as a prime example of such innovation. The judges also gave high scores despite it being an industrial base technology because they judged that the economic and environmental ripple effects were significant.

Technological Completeness: Thanks to the performance proven at the SK Hynix fab, it has gained trust as a "verified solution, not a laboratory idea." The 9N efficiency and 40% flow rate improvement figures are very impressive, and the fact that they are not exaggerated figures in the industry is even more highly appreciated. However, some experts recommend additional long-term testing on the stability of the powder layer (possibility of fine deformation of flake particles due to gas flow) during long-term use.

Market Expectations: The semiconductor industry is paying attention to the immediate yield improvement effect. A 100-fold improvement in purity directly leads to a reduction in defect rates and an increase in profits, so it is evaluated as worth adopting for each core process. In addition, the increased replacement interval is in line with ESG management in terms of reducing waste and gas waste, which is positive for customers. In fact, the Edison Awards also nominated AetherCore as a candidate for manufacturing innovation. It is also said that the barriers to market entry are low (compatible with existing filter form factors) and supply is key compared to demand.

Analyst Insights

📌 Solution limited to a specific niche: It is an essential innovation in the specialized industrial field of cutting-edge semiconductor manufacturing, but it is not a general consumer product. Although it is highly likely to become the de facto standard in the niche market, the scope of influence is limited to within that industry.