Elon Musk is set to appear virtually at ASML's private annual technology conference on June 9-10, joining CEO Christophe Fouquet for a fireside chat. The discussion will focus on Terafab, a joint venture between SpaceX and Tesla aimed at building a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facility in Texas. The project carries a price tag of at least $55 billion.
Terafab was announced in March 2026. The goal is to manufacture advanced chips purpose-built for AI, robotics, and other emerging technologies. ASML, headquartered in the Netherlands, is the world's sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, the only equipment capable of printing the most advanced chip circuits. Without ASML's machines, Terafab cannot function.
Not everyone inside ASML is welcoming Musk. Some employees have threatened to boycott the conference over his invitation, reflecting broader unease about his public persona and political activities. The conference is an internal affair, closed to the public, designed to foster technical discussion.
Tesla's AI ambitions, from full self-driving to the Optimus humanoid robot, require enormous volumes of custom silicon. SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation and future Mars missions demand radiation-hardened, high-performance chips. By manufacturing in-house, Musk's companies could reduce dependence on external foundries like TSMC.
The fireside chat is expected to cover AI, robotics, space exploration, and semiconductor manufacturing. Each EUV machine costs upwards of $200 million, and a fab at Terafab's scale would require dozens of them. ASML's order book could see a meaningful boost if Terafab moves from planning to procurement.