Germany-based GaN-on-Si wafers manufacturer Azzurro Semiconductors, has received Euro 2.6 million in government funds from the European Regional Development Fund and the Free State of Saxony.

The funds will be used to drive Azzurro’s GaN on 200mm silicon wafer technology forward and strengthen its competitive position. “Based on the technology grant, we can execute the strategic development of our 200mm technology platform for power semiconductors and LEDs and quickly attend to the strong customer demand,” said Stephan Lutgen, Vice President Technology at Azzurro.

With GaN-on-Si technology, Azzurro addresses two huge growth markets, LEDs and and power semiconductors. The company asserts that its large diameter wafers allow the industry to fabricate power semiconductors and LEDs using existing, standard semiconductor production sites, thereby cutting costs. According to the company, its performance data on 150mm wafers is “already unique” and it will now extend its lead to 200mm substrates.