Marianas, USA Showcases Investment Opportunities at SEMICON Taiwan 2026, Generating Global Interest in Technology and Advanced Manufacturing

SAIPAN, CNMI (September 2026) – The Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) announced the successful completion of its investment promotion mission to SEMICON Taiwan 2026, one of the world's premier semiconductor industry trade shows and conferences.

CEDA Executive Director Derek Sasamoto and Economic Development Manager Richard Villagomez represented the Marianas, U.S.A. at the event, engaging companies, investors, researchers, educational institutions, government agencies, and industry leaders from across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia.

Participating for the second consecutive year by invitation from the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), CEDA used the event to promote the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“The Marianas, U.S.A.”) as a strategic U.S. investment destination positioned at the crossroads of Asia and the United States. SEMICON brought together leading organizations involved in semiconductor manufacturing, advanced materials, photonics, MEMS technologies, artificial intelligence, cleanroom technologies, automation, and next-generation electronics.

The Marianas, USA exhibit booth was located within the U.S. Pavilion, organized by AIT and the American State Offices Association (ASOA). The pavilion included economic development organizations and industry representatives from multiple states (e.g. Arizona, California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Idaho) providing an opportunity to showcase the Marianas, U.S.A. alongside some of America's leading technology and manufacturing regions. The booth served as a platform where CEDA actively conducted extensive outreach, distributing investment materials and engaging one-on-one with over two dozen organizations throughout the three-day event.

"Our objective was clear: position the Marianas, U.S.A. on the radar of companies and institutions shaping the future of technology, manufacturing, and innovation," said Derek Sasamoto. "The response we received demonstrated growing interest in the Marianas, U.S.A.'s strategic advantages, unique trade benefits, exceptional tax environment, and opportunities for investment."

Prior to the event, CEDA developed a targeted outreach strategy focused on emerging companies operating in semiconductor manufacturing, photonics, MEMS, advanced materials, cleanroom technologies, artificial intelligence, and related sectors. During the mission, CEDA conducted meetings and follow-up discussions with companies including xMEMS Labs, Nicslab, Oculi.ai, SiliconAuto, Lync Semi, Texwipe, Filtrafine Corporation, GTi, OSS Technology, Swagelok, Last Nautical Mile, and numerous other organizations.

A major highlight of the mission was CEDA's participation in the TechXPOT Innovation Stage, where Derek Sasamoto delivered a presentation introducing the Marianas, USA to an audience of semiconductor executives, technology innovators, investors, researchers, and industry decision-makers. The presentation provided direct exposure for the Marianas, U.S.A. before a global audience actively seeking locations for future investment, partnerships, workforce development initiatives, and business expansion opportunities.

In addition to private-sector outreach, CEDA engaged universities, workforce development organizations, and research institutions to explore future partnerships involving student exchanges, technical education, internships, workforce training, and research collaboration. These discussions reflected the growing importance of talent development within the global semiconductor and advanced manufacturing industries. According to information provided during the event, demand for electrical engineers and related technical professionals is expected to increase substantially as semiconductor manufacturing capacity expands.

CEDA also met with media organizations, trade publications, and communications professionals covering technology, manufacturing, investment, and public policy. The delegation distributed investment information packets highlighting the Marianas, U.S.A.'s economic advantages, strategic location within the Asia-Pacific region, and opportunities for future technology-related investment. These efforts significantly expanded awareness of the Marianas, USA among industry audiences unfamiliar with The Marianas.

Prior to the start of SEMICON, CEDA attended a market briefing hosted by AIT that focused on semiconductor trends, artificial intelligence, defense technologies, drones, global supply chains, and the strategic relationship between the United States and Taiwan. The briefing provided valuable market intelligence that formed CEDA's discussions throughout the event.

Following SEMICON, CEDA conducted extensive follow-up outreach. Several companies and institutions have already expressed interest in exploring potential opportunities involving advanced manufacturing, research partnerships, educational collaboration, broadband development, and trade-related initiatives within the Marianas, U.S.A.

The mission identified opportunities across multiple sectors, including semiconductor supply-chain support services, cleanroom technologies, advanced manufacturing, digital infrastructure, research and development, workforce training, technology commercialization, and educational partnerships. CEDA believes these relationships have established a strong foundation for future investment and economic diversification efforts throughout The Marianas.

"As global companies seek resilient supply chains, access to U.S. markets, and strategic locations in the Asia-Pacific region, the Marianas, USA offers a unique value proposition," said Richard Villagomez. "SEMICON Taiwan provided an outstanding platform to share that message with some of the world's most innovative companies and institutions. We are excited about the relationships established during this mission and look forward to continuing discussions that may lead to future investment opportunities in the Marianas, U.S.A."

About the Commonwealth Economic Development Authority | The Commonwealth Economic Development Authority (CEDA) serves as the Marianas, U.S.A.'s lead economic development agency and is responsible for promoting investment, supporting business growth, administering economic incentive programs, and advancing sustainable economic diversification throughout the Commonwealth. Through initiatives such as the Marianas, U.S.A. investment promotion program, CEDA works to attract new industries, strengthen workforce opportunities, and enhance long-term economic prosperity for the people of the Northern Mariana Islands.