George Zaidan and Sajan Saini: How are microchips made?

How are microchips made?

Globally, we produce more than a trillion computer chips every year. Which means about 20 trillion transistors are built every second— and this process is done in fewer than 500 fabrication plants. How do we build so many tiny, intricately-connected devices, so incredibly fast? George Zaidan and Sajan Saini explore how photolithography helps build these devices and its environmental impact. [Directed by Kozmonot Animation Studio, narrated by George Zaidan, music by Tolga Yıldız, Kozmonot Animation Studio].

Photolithography lets factories produce more than a trillion computer chips each year, building up to 20 trillion transistors every second with astounding precision. These chips power modern life, yet their production relies on enormous quantities of electricity, water, and chemicals. As demand grows, the process strains environmental limits, leading to water rationing and hazardous waste. Making future technology sustainable will require cleaner, smarter manufacturing that matches the intelligence of the chips themselves.