Elon Musk is set to take part virtually in ASML's annual technology conference on Thursday to discuss Terafab, his proposed large chipmaking project intended to supply Tesla and SpaceX, which is preparing for a potential initial public offering. The pricing for SpaceX's IPO, which could be among the largest ever, is expected later on Thursday.
In a statement, an ASML spokesperson said: "Musk will share his vision on AI, robotics, space, and semiconductor manufacturing." ASML characterizes the one-day conference as an "internal event for employees only" and declined to provide the precise timing of Musk's remarks. The conference is scheduled to conclude at about 5 p.m. (1500 GMT).
ASML's chief executive, Christophe Fouquet, confirmed last month that he has held talks with Musk regarding Terafab, which could become a significant new customer for ASML. The Dutch company leads the market for lithography equipment - the machines used to "print" the tiny circuitry on chips.
Details released previously by Musk indicate that SpaceX will work with Intel on Terafab, and Musk has said the facility will ultimately supply chips for SpaceX and for Tesla's Optimus robots. In March, Musk outlined an initial phase in which a development plant in Texas would produce lithography masks - which contain the pattern for chips "printed" by ASML tools - enabling rapid prototyping of both logic and memory chips under one roof.
ASML emphasized the broader collaborative aspect of the initiative, stating: "Musk and his team are becoming part of the broader semiconductor ecosystem, and many companies, including ASML, will collaborate on this initiative."
The planned appearance comes as market attention focuses on both the Terafab project and the timing of SpaceX's IPO pricing. Musk has also publicly praised ASML; in a June 6 post on X he called ASML "arguably the greatest company in Europe" and said it should be "treasured and supported."
For ASML, a potential large-scale customer such as Terafab would represent a notable development given the company's market position in lithography tools. For Tesla and SpaceX, Terafab is presented as a way to prototype and eventually produce chips tailored to their robotics and space applications.
Conference logistics
- The ASML event is a one-day, employee-only technology conference ending around 5 p.m. (1500 GMT).
- ASML would not specify when during the program Musk will speak.
Project scope and partnerships
- Musk has indicated cooperation with Intel on Terafab.
- An initial Texas development plant would focus on lithography masks to speed prototyping of logic and memory chips.