According to the latest news, MassPhoton plans to build the region's first gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxial process technology R&D center in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, and develop Hong Kong's first 8-inch gallium nitride epitaxial wafer pilot production line in the InnoPark campus. The investment plan is huge, with an estimated investment of at least HK$200 million and a professional R&D team. Through this initiative, MassPhoton aims to promote the development of the third-generation semiconductor industry in Hong Kong and is expected to create more than 250 jobs.
The cooperation agreement between HKSTP and MassPhoton has been duly signed by senior officials from both parties. Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation's Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer and Head of Ecosystem Development, Mr. Ke Wenzhe, and MassPhoton's Chief Marketing Officer, Zhao Wenjing, signed the agreement on behalf of their respective organizations. The signing ceremony was solemnly held in the presence of government officials of the Hong Kong S.A.R. and senior officials of both sides.
In the Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint released by the Hong Kong SAR Government, it is clearly stated that improving the microelectronics innovation and technology ecosystem is one of the important strategic objectives, aiming to promote Hong Kong's "new industrialisation". Professor Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government, said that the Government will fully support the development of Hong Kong's technology industry, especially in the field of third-generation semiconductor technology. He mentioned that the Hong Kong Microelectronics R&D Center will be established soon, which will be equipped with pilot production lines for silicon carbide and gallium nitride, to support start-ups and SMEs in prototyping, testing and certification, and to promote in-depth cooperation between industry, academia and research in the core technology of third-generation semiconductors. Professor Sun believes that MassPhoton's choice to settle in Hong Kong is not only in line with Hong Kong's strategic development goals, but will also help expand the local I&T talent pool.
Pictured: Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and MassPhoton jointly hosted the signing ceremony for Hong Kong's first GaN epitaxial wafer pilot line. (Source: Semiconductor Today).
Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, emphasised that as Hong Kong's largest innovation and technology hub, HKSTP is home to more than 200 companies engaged in the microelectronics sector, forming a thriving microelectronics ecosystem. He pointed out that the top-of-the-line infrastructure provided by HKSTP, combined with an extensive network of partners and extensive experience in commercialising research results, will further enhance Hong Kong's R&D and industrialisation capabilities in the field of microelectronics. Albert Wong said MassPhoton's decision to establish a presence in the Hong Kong Science and Technology Park and InnoPark to bring its cutting-edge technology and experience to Hong Kong will be an important milestone in the development of the local microelectronics industry and its new industrialization plans.
Dr. Yichen Liao, CEO of MassPhoton, said that as the first company in Hong Kong to establish GaN epitaxy technology, the company is committed to promoting the R&D and mass production of high-end third-generation semiconductor wafers. He believes that this effort not only provides a strong impetus to enhance Hong Kong's original R&D capabilities and productivity, but also provides key upstream wafer mass production technical support for Hong Kong's semiconductor manufacturing industry chain.
MassPhoton was founded by Dr. Yichen Liao and focuses on the development of novel GaN products. Dr. Liao translates research from United States universities into commercial and mass-produced semiconductor technologies. He holds more than 40 patents in the fields of gallium nitride epitaxy and deep ultraviolet LED devices. MassPhoton manufactures GaN epitaxial wafers, devices, and other compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers designed to reduce reliance on traditional silicon-based materials and devices, as well as critical equipment, and enable a more independent and controlled supply chain.
