US to award $389 million in R&D funds for power semiconductors, critical materials
SMH•The Commerce Department plans to award $389 million in research and development funding to four companies working on power semiconductors and critical materials. The awards include up to $175 million for Helion, $85 million for Commonwealth Fusion Systems, $73 million for Vertical Semiconductor and $56 million for Sibelco North America.
1. Four planned awards
The US Commerce Department said it plans to award $389 million in research and development funding to four companies working on power semiconductor devices and critical materials, including technologies for commercial fusion. The government will receive minority, non-controlling and non-voting equity stakes as a condition of funding.
2. Funding details
Helion is set to receive up to $175 million to develop high-voltage power semiconductors and energy power modules for fusion power generation; the company said the award will be accompanied by $50 million in new private investment. Commonwealth Fusion Systems is set to receive up to $85 million for semiconductors for plasma heating, power electronics, fusion diagnostics and radiation-hardened electronics. Vertical Semiconductor is set to receive up to $73 million to advance gallium nitride power semiconductors for AI data center racks, while Sibelco North America is set to receive up to $56 million to develop purification for ultra-high-purity quartz used in the semiconductor supply chain.
3. Broader program
The department has awarded 19 research and development grants to semiconductor firms in recent months from a $10 billion fund approved by Congress in 2022. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said the new awards would “accelerate American semiconductor innovation to enhance our domestic energy and power resources.”
