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US Backs Advanced Chip Tech with $150M Equity
2 Dec
Summary
- US government invests up to $150 million in xLight.
- Investment secures an equity stake in the semiconductor startup.
- xLight aims to develop particle accelerator lasers for chip manufacturing.
The Trump administration has committed up to $150 million to xLight, a startup focused on advanced semiconductor manufacturing. This significant investment will grant the U.S. government an equity stake, potentially making it the largest shareholder. The funding, sourced from the 2022 Chips and Science Act, underscores a growing trend of government equity participation in private companies.
This initiative supports xLight's ambitious goal to develop particle accelerator-powered lasers for chip production. If successful, their technology could rival ASML's established extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, promising greater precision and efficiency in chipmaking. The startup aims for a 2-nanometer wavelength, significantly smaller than current industry standards.
While the strategy has drawn some criticism from those wary of government intervention in the free market, proponents argue it is essential for national security and technological leadership. The U.S. aims to maintain its edge in a critical industry, especially in light of global competition and the industrial policies of other nations.
