Elon Musk to speak at ASML’s virtual technology conference amid employee backlash

Elon Musk is slated to appear at ASML’s private annual technology conference on June 9-10, joining CEO Christophe Fouquet for a virtual fireside chat. The conversation will center on Terafab, a joint venture between SpaceX and Tesla that aims to build a cutting-edge semiconductor fabrication facility in Texas.

The project carries a price tag of at least $55 billion.

What is Terafab and why does it matter

Terafab was announced in March 2026 as a collaboration between Musk’s two flagship companies, SpaceX and Tesla. The goal is to manufacture advanced chips purpose-built for AI, robotics, and adjacent technologies.

The $55 billion cost estimate surfaced in May 2026, making it one of the most expensive semiconductor projects ever proposed on US soil.

ASML, headquartered in the Netherlands, is the world’s sole manufacturer of extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, the only equipment on the planet capable of printing the tiniest, most advanced chip circuits. Without ASML’s machines, Terafab simply cannot function.

Employee resistance clouds the event

Not everyone inside ASML is rolling out the welcome mat. Some employees have threatened to boycott the conference over Musk’s invitation, reflecting broader unease about his public persona and political activities.

The conference is an internal affair, closed to the public and designed to foster technical discussion among ASML’s employees and partners.

The semiconductor landscape is shifting

Tesla’s AI ambitions, from full self-driving to its 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 their dependence on external foundries like TSMC and gain tighter control over chip design and production timelines.

The fireside chat is expected to cover AI, robotics, space exploration, and semiconductor manufacturing.

What this means for investors

Each EUV lithography 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.

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