News: Suppliers
2 August 2024
MassPhoton to establish Hong Kong’s first GaN epi wafer pilot line at InnoPark
After a launch ceremony co-hosted with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), MassPhoton Ltd is set to establish the region’s first R&D center for GaN epitaxy process technology at the Hong Kong Science Park as well as developing Hong Kong’s first production-scale 8-inch gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxial wafer pilot line at InnoPark. With a projected investment of at least HK$200m and the establishment of a dedicated R&D team, the initiative aims to stimulate Hong Kong’s ‘third-generation’ semiconductor industry supply chain, as well as creating more than 250 jobs.
The collaboration agreement between HKSTP and MassPhoton was formally signed by Eric Or (acting chief corporate development officer, and head of Ecosystem Development, at HKSTP) and MassPhoton’s chief marketing officer Even Zhao. The signing was witnessed by professor Dong Sun (Secretary of Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government), Lillian Cheong (Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry), Benjamin Wong, VP Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technology (Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises), HKSTP’s CEO Albert Wong, MassPhoton’s CEO Dr Eason Liao, and Alex Ng (MassPhoton board member and investor).
Picture: Signing ceremony to establish Hong Kong's first GaN epiwafer pilot line, hosted by HKSTP and MassPhoton.
In the ‘Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint’ announced by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government, one of the key strategic aims is to enhance the microelectronics innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and promote ‘new industrialization’ in Hong Kong. “We are committed to supporting the growth of leading technology sectors in the city, with third-generation semiconductors being a key area of technological development,” says professor Dong Sun. “The Hong Kong Microelectronics R&D Institute is set to be established within the year, featuring pilot lines for silicon carbide and gallium nitride. This will assist startups and SMEs in prototyping, testing and certification, fostering collaboration among industry, academic and research sectors in core third-generation semiconductor technologies. The landing of MassPhoton in Hong Kong precisely aligns with our strategic development objectives and simultaneously supports the expansion of our I&T talent pool,” he adds.
“As Hong Kong’s largest flagship for I&T, we host a thriving microelectronics ecosystem with over 200 companies in the Park engaged in this sector,” notes HKSTP’s CEO Albert Wong. “HKSTP provides top-tier infrastructure, complemented by an extensive network of partners and substantial experience in commercializing research outcomes. These resources enhance Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities and industrialization in microelectronics,” he adds. “The decision by MassPhoton to establish its operations in the Science Park and InnoPark, bringing its cutting-edge technology and experience to Hong Kong, will mark a significant milestone in the development of our local microelectronics industry and new industrialization initiatives.”
“As the first company to establish GaN epitaxial technology in Hong Kong, we are committed to advancing the R&D as well as the mass production of high-end third-generation semiconductor wafers,” states MassPhoton’s CEO Dr Eason Liao. “This effort not only injects significant momentum into enhancing Hong Kong’s original R&D capabilities and new quality productive forces but also provides crucial upstream wafer mass-production technology support to Hong Kong’s semiconductor manufacturing industry chain.”
MassPhoton was founded by Dr Eason Liao, dedicated to developing new GaN products. Liao has transformed research results from tertiary institutions in the USA into commercialized and mass-produced semiconductor component technologies. He holds over 40 patents in fields such as GaN epitaxy and deep ultraviolet LED devices. The firm’s production of GaN epiwafers, devices and other compound semiconductor epiwafers by the firm is intended to reduce the dependence on traditional silicon-based materials and devices, as well as critical equipment, achieving a more independent and controllable supply chain.
