Ceramics

Korea funds Naver AI data center to boost domestic AI sovereignty The Republic of Korea’s National Growth Fund decided to lend 400 billion won at a low interest rate in the 3% range for Naver’s artificial intelligence data center expansion and graphics processing unit server adoption project. Naver has independently developed HyperCLOVA X, a Korean language-based AI model, to reduce dependence on U.S.-made AI models.

Be a part of the ceramic and glass revolution by using these proven channels to reach ACerS members and paid subscribers.

HWI officially opens state-of-the-art Fulton lightweight monolithics facility HWI, a member of Calderys, celebrated the opening of its lightweight monolithics production facility in Fulton, Mo. Built on existing HWI property at the company’s Rotary Kiln complex, the state-of-the-art facility has direct access to high-quality local clay reserves, enabling true vertical integration for greater supply security.

Micron to break ground on $100B New York semiconductor fab Micron announced it will officially break ground January 16 on its $100 billion megafab in Onondaga County, N.Y. Construction activity at the site had been moving in fits and starts until this point.

For ceramics manufacturers, consistently achieving high material quality while meeting specific functional needs is a key challenge. The traditional way of achieving these objectives is through trial and error. But this approach is often time-consuming and expensive, leading to inefficiencies that cut productivity and profits.

University of Buffalo launches new quantum institute The University at Buffalo announced the creation of the UB Quantum Institute, which will unite university scholars across physics, engineering, materials science, computer science, chemistry and other fields to create a leading-edge hub of innovation and education in quantum science.

Center for Glass Research launched to revitalize innovation in glass science Building on a legacy of excellence in glass science and engineering, the new Center for Glass Research was recently launched at The Pennsylvania State University. It brings together researchers from Penn State, Alfred University, and Missouri University of Science and Technology in a strategic collaborative initiative.

SCHOTT breaks ground on €40 million electric furnace SCHOTT broke ground on its first electrified melting tank in Mitterteich, Germany. The €40 million investment is partially funded by the German government. Using 100% green electricity, the tank will produce SCHOTT’s FIOLAX Pro Optimized Carbon Footprint tubing.

Large-scale wind energy technology production facility to be built in Kundziņsala The Freeport of Riga Authority in Latvia started active development of a wind technology production complex in Kundziņsala with an investment of €85 million.

US Critical Materials reports highest-grade neodymium deposit in the US U.S. Critical Materials reported what it calls the highest-grade neodymium deposit in the U.S. at its flagship Sheep Creek project in Montana. With China currently controlling around 90% of global neodymium supply, U.S. Critical Materials says its discovery could offer the U.S. a long-sought foothold in rare earth production.