Sivers initiates foundry capacity project
Sivers Photonics, a business unit of Sivers Semiconductors, is evaluating how to expand its capacity to meet volumes of more than 1000 wafers per week.
For almost five years, Sivers Photonics have been working with significant customers which are now getting closer to possible volume production. So far, these customers have spent more than $15 million in development to secure the path to volume production.
For Sivers Photonics to reach volume production with one or several of these customers, the company needs to expand its capacity and production capabilities. Sivers Semiconductors has formed a strategic project to look at a possible new fab site within EU or the US including strategic partnerships in the photonics space. Sivers has hired a new advisor to lead this project and the current photonics MD William McLaughlin will join the project to capture what Sivers believes is a significant market opportunity. Andrew McKee, CTO and co-founder of Sivers Photonics will assume the role as interim managing director of Sivers Photonics.
The project will also look at possible funding alternatives including Chip Act funding that has been announced by both EU in the EU Chips EUR 43 billion to boost EU chip production within EU, as well as the US government with the CHIPS and Science Act including USD 39 billion for chip manufacturing on US soil.
“With the first order of approximately 30.000 chips that will be delivered in this quarter we are now seeing a clearer path towards volume production. By forming a strategic project, hiring an advisor, and giving Billy the possibility to focus on developing capacity and capabilities of the Photonics business unit, we believe that we have the best possibility to secure the right solution for the next phase. In addition, Andy McKee will secure the stability and performance of the existing Photonics business”, said Anders Storm, Group CEO, Sivers Semiconductors.
