# TSMC begins 1.4nm pilot wafer runs ahead of 2028 volume ramp

*The foundry accelerated trial activity across Hsinchu and Taichung as it pre-empts rival nodes from Intel and Samsung for next-generation artificial intelligence accelerators.*

**Published:** September 27, 2026  
**By:** Mina Okoro  
**Section:** Semiconductors & AI Hardware — Cross-border  
**Format:** Breaking  
**Confidence:** medium  
**Source:** https://eastasiabrief.com/semiconductors/tsmc-begins-1-4nm-pilot-wafer-runs-ahead-2028-391  
**Publisher:** East Asia Brief (https://eastasiabrief.com/)

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## What to know

- TSMC advances 1.4nm A14 test wafer runs ahead of planned 2028 volume production
- Fab 25 in Taichung represents a NT$1.5 trillion ($49 billion) four-phase capital commitment
- Fab 25 Phase 1 construction completes in April 2027 before autumn tool installation

![Silicon wafers rest inside specialized machinery as cleanroom workers in protective suits conduct semiconductor manufacturing trials. (AI-generated image)](https://eastasiabrief.com/media/2026-09-27-141b481f3d89.webp)
*Silicon wafers rest inside specialized machinery as cleanroom workers in protective suits conduct semiconductor manufacturing trials. (AI-generated image)*

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. initiated early pilot wafer runs for its 1.4-nanometer A14 process on Sept. 25, 2026, advancing foundry tooling preparation ahead of commercial volume production scheduled for 2028.

The foundry operator is conducting initial wafer trials across facilities in Hsinchu and Taichung. The tests evaluate transistor performance and defect density before dedicating multi-billion-dollar production lines to volume customers.

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Cite as: East Asia Brief, "TSMC begins 1.4nm pilot wafer runs ahead of 2028 volume ramp," September 27, 2026. https://eastasiabrief.com/semiconductors/tsmc-begins-1-4nm-pilot-wafer-runs-ahead-2028-391