Diamfab SA, a startup based in Grenoble, France, established in 2019 and specializing in the production of diamond epitaxial wafers, has successfully secured a €8.7 million round of funding.
The company aims to foster the development of an ecosystem to bolster the diamond semiconductor industry. Diamond, recognized as an allotrope of carbon, is theoretically considered a superior material to silicon-carbide in the context of power applications.
Diamfab's unique expertise, backed by four patents, centers on the cultivation and doping of thin diamond layers, and the design of diamond electronic components.
Asterion Ventures, Bpifrance, Fonds Régional Avenir Industrie Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, along with other investors, contributed to the funding round. BPIFrance's investment stems from the French Tech Seed fund, which it manages on behalf of the French government as a part of France 2030, along with support from Grenoble Alpes Métropole.
The raised capital is earmarked for the establishment of a clean room and a pilot line, with completion slated by the end of 2024.
Collaboration efforts are underway between Diamfab and industry leaders Soitec, Murata, STMicroelectronics, CEA, and Schneider Electric to explore the potential of the technology. Gauthier Chicot, Chairman of Diamfab, anticipates that "the pilot project will catalyze many discussions with our partners and strengthen our relationships" as the initiative progresses.
