I-Pulse Group co-founders CEO Robert Friedland and CTO Laurent Frescaline have announced a definitive agreement with the US Department of Commerce for a US$250 million ($363 million) award through the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) Research and Development Office.
The funding will support the development of I-Pulse’s advanced silicon-carbide semiconductor technologies and high-power pulsed-power drilling technology, strengthening US semiconductor innovation and supply chain resilience.
The CHIPS Act is a US$50 billion US Government initiative to support semiconductor development in the US as a matter of national and supply chain security.
This funding will be used to advance I-Pulse’s next-generation semiconductor components capable of operating in demanding, high-temperature environments. These technologies are intended for pulsed-power applications across sectors including geothermal energy, mining, manufacturing, and defence.
I-Pulse says pulsed power is one of the most efficient ways to use electrical energy and believes its proprietary technology could transform a range of industries.
Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick says the investment strengthens America’s capabilities and enhances its national and energy security goals.
Robert Friedland says the award will support the future development of the technology in the US.
“This award supports the development of world-leading critical components in the pulsed-power technology stack, with profound implications for energy security and national defence,” Friedland says.
“The CHIPS award will be utilised by our team at I-Pulse Albuquerque, headed by Dr Rick Spielman and Dr Randy Curry, who will lead the largest concentration of experts in pulsed-power assembled at any American company.
“Albuquerque, the home of Sandia National Laboratories and the US Air Force Research Laboratory, is the global centre of pulsed power research. It was at Sandia National Laboratories, located adjacent to our laboratories, that Dr Spielman led the development of the ‘Z Machine’, the world’s most powerful pulsed-power accelerator.”
I-Pulse is a private US company co-founded by Robert Friedland and Laurent Frescaline to bring high pulsed-power technology into civilian sectors. The company says its technology has the potential to address critical global challenges.
Write to Amy Rotman at Mining.com.au
Images: I-Pulse
