Global semiconductor chip giants are gathering in Taiwan for Computex, a top tech expo showcasing "the next frontier" for the AI-dominated industry. Nvidia's Jensen Huang will deliver a keynote address, highlighting collaborations, new projects, technologies, and initiatives. Top executives from Qualcomm, MediaTek, and Foxconn will also speak at the event.

Computex will spotlight advances in moving AI from data centers into laptops, robots, and cars. According to Counterpoint, the show maps out the next frontier, from Agentic AI driving smarter personal devices to Physical AI reshaping autonomy. Paul Yu of Witology Markettrend Research Institute noted that the industry is at a critical juncture for AI hardware development, with 2025-2026 being crucial for transitioning AI model training into profitable applications.

While US tariffs are a significant concern, companies at Computex may avoid addressing them directly due to the uncertain situation, according to Eric Smith of TechInsights. Washington recently announced a national security probe into semiconductor technology imports, potentially subjecting the industry to tariffs. Taiwan, heavily reliant on exports, has pledged to increase investment in the United States to avoid a 32 percent US tariff on its shipments.

Concerns exist that Taiwan could lose its dominance in the chip sector, which serves as a "silicon shield" against potential actions from China and incentivizes US defense. TSMC plans to invest an additional $100 billion in the US, supplementing the already pledged $65 billion. GlobalWafers also intends to increase its US investment by $4 billion, opening a wafer facility in Texas. Huang remains optimistic about Taiwan's future, expecting it to thrive and remain at the center of the technology ecosystem.

Taiwan produces the bulk of the world's most advanced chips, including those needed for the most powerful AI applications and research.