News: Microelectronics
13 January 2025
Sivers signs CHIPS Act contracts with Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub
Sivers Semiconductors AB of Kista, Sweden (which supplies RF beam-former ICs for SATCOMs and photonic lasers for AI data centers) has signed contracts for both the electronic warfare and 5G/6G chip development awards with the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub through the US CHIPS and Science Act. Funding is provided under the Microelectronics Commons program, executed through the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane Division and the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL).
Established in 2023 as one of eight regional Microelectronics Commons Hubs working to expand the USA’s leadership in microelectronics and accelerate domestic semiconductor prototyping, the NEMC Hub is a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative comprising a network of 200+ organizations including commercial and defense companies, leading academic institutions, federally funded R&D centers (FFRDCs), and startups concentrated in eight Northeast US states.
Sivers reckons that the awards further validate its wireless innovation as a critical enabler for mmWave technology adoption across markets. In these projects, Sivers will work with industry giants like BAE Systems, Raytheon and Ericsson and lead the commercialization of RF and beam-forming technology for defense and dual-use applications.
Advance payment of about half of the first-year value of both programs is expected to occur in January. If renewed over three years, under the discretion of future awards under the Microelectronics Commons program, the overall funding of both programs is expected to amount to about $30m.
“We are honored and grateful for these first two US CHIPS and Science Act funding awards and appreciate the support from the NEMC hub in helping find the right balance on associated contract structure and milestones,” says Sivers Semiconductors’ CEO Vickram Vathulya. “As we move forward with these critical portfolio projects, we remain committed to optimizing cash flow across all our development contracts, ensuring efficient working capital management while scaling our engagements.”
“We’re proud to collaborate with our partners on advancing RF technology for 5G/6G FR3 and electronic warfare,” says Harish Krishnaswamy, managing director of Sivers Semiconductors’ Wireless Division. “FR3 represents the next leap in cellular innovation, merging the superior range of sub-6GHz with the high-speed capabilities of millimeter-waves. Additionally, we’re excited to broaden our portfolio with cutting-edge solutions for defense and electronic warfare, establishing a strong third pillar for our Wireless Division alongside SATCOM and 5G,” he adds.
“Sivers Semiconductors is a key partner as we work to expand microelectronics lab-to-fab capabilities across the Northeast,” comments NEMC Hub director Mark Halfman. “We are excited to collaborate on the development of critical technologies with opportunities for sustainable, positive impacts on our national security.”
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