India moved to reinforce domestic PCB manufacturing with a $2.4B investment aimed at reducing import dependence, while Europe’s semiconductor policy remains focused on advanced nodes even as automotive and industrial sectors face growing exposure to mature-node shortages.

Meta has agreed to acquire Singapore-based AI startup Manus for more than $2B, bolstering its push into AI agents and advanced research tools as competition with Google, Microsoft and OpenAI intensifies.

An AI-guided robotic system targets the recovery of legacy electronic components extracting intact chips and PCB parts from discarded hardware.

Cadence has introduced Conformal AI Studio to address escalating SoC verification complexity.

PCEA reports that PCB East 2026 exhibition space is more than 70% booked and on track to sell out, with the event moving to the DCU Center in Worcester for its April 28–May 1 conference and April 29 exhibition.

Entries for Circuits Assembly's 2026 NPI Awards, recognizing innovations in electronics assembly equipment, material and software, are due Jan. 9.

PCB West 2026 booth sales are now open to all exhibitors, with more than 60 percent of the floor already reserved following early access for returning companies.

Looking for networking opportunities? Join the PCEA Discord server, bringing together engineers and designers from around the world on a private channel for discussing technical questions and career opportunities.

India targets PCB self-reliance with $2.4B investment, aiming to attract 10–12 major producers, cut import reliance from 88 percent, and support a threefold industry expansion.

Europe’s semiconductor policy faces a disconnect, as efforts prioritize advanced nodes while automotive and industrial supply chains remain heavily exposed to shortages in mature-node chips.

China has mandated that chipmakers source at least 50 percent of equipment domestically for new capacity.

The US has approved annual licenses allowing Samsung and SK Hynix to ship chipmaking equipment to their China fabs through 2026.

Shanghai Megaforce has broken ground on a 44,700-square-meter flagship manufacturing and R&D base in Qingpu.

South Korea’s PNT has secured its first mass-production copper foil order in China.

Nationgate expands automotive electronics footprint by acquiring Valeo Malaysia for about $13.3M, adding PCB assembly capabilities.

Israel has launched a national space R&D lab, offering launch, testing and in-orbit services.

Meta Platforms is projected to be the first new $2T company in 2026.

Metallium has begun commissioning its Texas Technology Campus, targeting processing of 8,000 tons per year of PCB e-waste to recover gold, copper, silver and tin.

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PCB Update is a digital newsletter for PCB design, fabrication and assembly professionals, brought to you by Printed Circuit Engineering Association™. E-mail industry press releases or links to the editors of CIRCUITS ASSEMBLY or PCD&F: pr@pcea.net.