News: Microelectronics
30 August 2023
SweGaN gains former Ericsson CEO as senior advisor
SweGaN AB of Linköping, Sweden, which develops and manufactures custom gallium nitride on silicon carbide (GaN-on-SiC) epitaxial wafers (based on a unique growth technology) for telecom, satellite communications, defense and power electronics applications, says that former Ericsson CEO Sven-Christer Nilsson – who is an investor and board member in leading tech companies – has joined it as a senior advisor.
Known for his strategic leadership abilities in high-tech industries, Nilsson is currently on several boards, including signal processing, sensor fusion and artificial intelligence (AI) processing firm CEVA Inc. Previously roles include: president & CEO of the Ericsson Group, chairman of the Swedish National Defense Materiel Administration, chairman of Swedish ICT Research AB, and chairman of The Public Service Broadcasting Foundation. He also served on the board of directors of telecom operators Sprint Inc and Telia AB. Nilsson is a member of The Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences and The Royal Swedish Academy of War Sciences.
“With significant interest in our GaN-on-SiC epitaxial solutions for RF and power components, SweGaN is on a strong trajectory to become a major player in the global GaN markets,” reckons the firm’s CEO & co-founder Jr-Tai Chen PhD. “Tapping Sven-Christer’s extensive leadership and vast network, we believe he will add significant value and insights to our growth strategy.”
Following an investment round in third-quarter 2022 led by global semiconductor investors and strategic partners and spurred by what is described as significant interest in volume orders from major customers, in early March SweGaN announced the construction of a new production facility in Linköping. The firm’s strategy is closely aligned with the accelerated global demands for GaN-on-SiC epiwafers used in 5G telecoms infrastructure, satellite communications and high-voltage power for devices such as electric vehicles (EVs).
”As the European Union signals the need for developing a robust European semiconductor supply chain, SweGaN is poised to play a critical role in this eco-system,” comments Nilsson. “SweGaN has a strong vision aimed at building a competitive and sustainable semiconductor company with their benchmark technology and continuous innovation,” he adds. “I look forward to contributing to and being part of the SweGaN journey for this exciting yet geopolitically dynamic semiconductor era.”
SweGaN to build new HQ and GaN-on-SiC epiwafer production facility
SweGaN adds chief operating officer as it scales up GaN-on-SiC epi manufacturing
SweGaN raises €12m in Series A financing to expand production capacity
