NEMC announces $1.43m for US start-ups
The US Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub has announced $1,432,373 in awards to 19 startups and small businesses to accelerate commercialisation of AI, quantum and radar technologies.
The money comes from the Powering Regional Opportunities for Prototyping Microelectronics (PROPEL) Operations Program, which helps companies reach commercial readiness by reducing day-to-day costs that include software licensing, employee training, securing patents and cybersecurity services.
Four companies involved with compound semiconductors are on the awardees list. They are: Analog Photonics, which specialises in LiDAR, optical phased arrays, tuneable lasers, datacom transceivers, and free space optical comms; Astrabeam, which makes wireless sensors with mmWave and sub-terahertz devices; Finwave Semiconductor, a developer of GaN-based transistors and process technology including GaN FinFETs, E-mode MISHEMTs and RF switches; and Impact Nano which manufactures materials for use in the semiconductor, green energy and automotive industries.
“Massachusetts has a strong innovation economy because of the work the NEMC Hub is doing to build a dynamic microelectronics ecosystem,” said Massachusetts Interim economic development secretary Ashley Stolba. “Lowering barriers of entry for companies will help accelerate innovation and expand operations across the region allowing the state to more effectively compete globally.”
“The PROPEL Program is an ambitious effort to help startups bridge the ‘valley of death’ by reducing the high cost of microelectronics product development,” said NEMC Hub director Mark Halfman. “This round of awardees demonstrates enormous potential to break new ground in several emerging markets.”
