“If AI semiconductors are the faucets, interconnects are the pipes through which the water flows.”

Lee Yong-gu, CEO of WithWave Co., Ltd., locates the core competitiveness in the age of artificial intelligence (AI) in “connection.” No matter how powerful an AI semiconductor may be, if it cannot reliably connect chip to chip and server to server, the entire system cannot deliver its full performance. As the industry enters the era of AI data centers, next-generation communications, and quantum computing, “interconnect” technology, which transmits data quickly and accurately, is emerging as a key technology that determines industrial competitiveness.

● “People matter more than technology”

WithWave, headquartered in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, is an innovation company specializing in the development of such interconnect technologies. Although it may be somewhat unfamiliar to general consumers, it produces indispensable core components for building AI infrastructure. In AI data centers, where hundreds of gigabits (Gbps) of massive data flow every second, connection technologies that minimize signal loss and transmit data reliably determine the success or failure of the entire system.

WithWave’s unrivaled technological capabilities are already recognized in the global market. The company has successively developed the world-class “145 GHz ultra-high frequency connector,” “224 Gbps interconnect” for AI data centers, and “cryogenic connector” for quantum computers. By establishing a one-stop production system that covers all processes from design to ultra-precision machining, assembly, and testing/measurement in-house, the company has strengthened its competitiveness, with overseas sales now accounting for more than 60% of total revenue.

WithWave’s solid growth was made possible by CEO Lee’s valuable experience of failure and renewed challenge as a founder. In 2001, he established GigaLane, an RF and microwave specialist, with KRW 30 million from his severance pay and led it to a KOSDAQ listing in 2013. However, after the listing, he unexpectedly had to leave the company, an experience that was painful for him. Lee recalled, “My first startup was a success, but at the same time I also experienced my greatest failure,” adding, “Through that harsh process, I learned painfully that in the end, people matter more than technology.”

This management philosophy was fully reflected in WithWave, established in 2014. The company name itself combines “Wave,” which refers to radio-wave technology, with “With,” representing the goal of joint growth among customers, employees, and the industrial ecosystem. WithWave continues to regard its R&D personnel as its most valuable asset and practices a culture of co-prosperity that transparently shares results.

● Leading the race to secure future supply chains

WithWave is also moving quickly to secure future markets beyond AI. The company is currently developing cryogenic connectors and superconducting cables for quantum computers and is promoting the establishment of the “Quantum Campus,” a dedicated production hub for quantum technology, in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province.

Lee said, “Korea has secured world-class competitiveness in the memory semiconductor field, but there is still much room for growth in the system sector,” adding, “In future high-tech industries such as AI, quantum computers, and the space industry, competitiveness can only be secured when systems that connect diverse technologies in a stable manner are in place.” He further emphasized, “Ultra-high frequency interconnect technology is directly linked to supply chain competitiveness not only in semiconductors but across the defense and telecommunications industries,” stressing that “radio-wave technology is national power.”

To accelerate growth, WithWave is pursuing a “technology-special listing (IPO)” this year to secure an investment base for expanding R&D and production infrastructure. The funds raised will be reinvested in developing next-generation interconnect technologies and expanding production facilities, thereby speeding up the company’s advance into the global market.

● From startup to growth…solid support from GBSA

Behind WithWave’s steep growth trajectory lies the systematic startup support of the Gyeonggido Business & Science Accelerator (GBSA). In the past, GigaLane started at GBSA’s startup incubation center and went on to achieve a successful KOSDAQ listing. WithWave likewise was able to establish a stable R&D foundation through GBSA’s startup incubation programs.

Lee expressed his appreciation, saying, “In the early stages of a startup, what matters most is an environment where one can focus solely on research,” and “GBSA’s full support provided a solid foundation that allowed us to concentrate on technology development.” Kim Hyun-gon, President of GBSA, stated, “We will further expand field-oriented, customized support so that innovative companies like WithWave, whose unrivaled technologies are recognized in the global market, can continue to achieve sustainable growth.”

Lee also offered advice to younger aspiring entrepreneurs. He said, “Rather than flocking to trendy sectors where everyone rushes in, there is a better chance of success by conducting in-depth, long-term research on technologies that no one else is pursuing,” adding, “Instead of going fast alone, companies should aim to go far together with the ecosystem.”

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