TAIPEI, Oct 9 (Reuters) - TSMC, the world's

largest contract chipmaker, reported on Thursday third-quarter

revenue of T$989.92 billion ($32.48 billion), beating market

forecasts, and up 30% on the year ago period on surging interest

in artificial intelligence applications.

An LSEG SmartEstimate, drawn from 22 analysts, had predicted

third-quarter revenue of T$973.26 billion.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co ( TSM ) is a

major supplier to companies including Nvidia ( NVDA ) and Apple ( AAPL )

.

($1 = 30.4740 Taiwan dollars)