Enabling compound semiconductor manufacture on silicon

Manufacture anywhere

Compound semiconductors offer transformational performance but are limited by the requirement for native substrates. Epilayers makes silicon the universal platform.

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Why compound semiconductors
need silicon

Transformational performance

Compound semiconductors deliver breakthrough performance in power electronics, photonics, and advanced computing, but today they require expensive, fragile native substrates that limit their adoption.

Native substrates hold them back

Native substrates cost up to 100× more than silicon, have poor thermal conductivity, are mechanically fragile, and face supply chain concentration in a handful of countries.

Silicon is the answer

Silicon is up to 100× cheaper, thermally superior, mechanically stronger, and backed by massive global manufacturing infrastructure. Epilayers makes silicon the universal platform.

Ultra-thin crystal templates that
make it possible

Conventional graded buffers are 1–10 µm thick, introducing thermal resistance, mechanical stress, and defect propagation. Epilayers' proprietary crystal templates are just 10–200 nm: thin enough to preserve silicon's thermal and mechanical advantages whilst providing the lattice structure for high-quality epitaxial growth. Cutting-edge materials science innovation is at its core.

  • No native substrates needed: Grow compound semiconductors directly on silicon, eliminating up to 100× substrate cost, supply chain risk, and fragility
  • Thermal performance preserved: Ultra-thin template means heat flows directly to the silicon heat sink, unlike thick conventional buffers that act as thermal barriers
  • Existing fab infrastructure: Silicon wafers process in standard fabs worldwide. No specialist equipment, no new supply chains
  • Mechanical strength: Silicon is stronger and available in larger wafer sizes, reducing breakage and increasing throughput
  • Platform technology: Adaptable for multiple compound semiconductor systems across power, photonics, and advanced electronics
Conventional buffer
1–10
micrometres
VS
Epilayers template
0.01–0.2
micrometres

Application pathways

One platform technology. Multiple application pathways, each offering transformative benefits to development partners.

Power Electronics

Next-generation power devices on silicon

Enable higher breakdown voltages and greater power density. Smaller, lighter power converters for EVs, grid infrastructure, and renewable energy, grown directly on silicon for thermal performance and cost.

Photonics & Communications

Optical integration on silicon

Monolithic integration of photonic devices with CMOS processing. Data centre interconnects, LiDAR, and optical sensing on silicon, eliminating complex hybrid bonding steps.

Advanced Electronics

Emerging devices on silicon

Next-generation memory, sensing, and novel electronic devices grown on silicon substrates. Enabling performance premiums in rapidly growing market segments.

One platform technology. Multiple application pathways.

Technology developed at the University of Cambridge · Department of Materials Science & Metallurgy

Uniquely positioned

Deep technical knowledge meets commercial execution experience and world-class academic guidance.

SD

Dr Seb Dixon

Co-founder & CTO
  • Chemist by training (EngD)
  • Chartered Chemist, RAEng Industrial Fellow
  • Industry experience in materials deposition and thin-film technologies
  • Materials and epitaxy researcher, University of Cambridge
WS

Will Smith

Co-founder & CEO
  • Chemical engineer by training
  • Corporate finance across large caps to startups
  • Led private capital team at Royal Bank of Canada
  • Advised early-stage companies on structuring, execution, and financing
JD

Prof Judith Driscoll

Advisor & CSO
  • Fellow of the Royal Society
  • Professor at the University of Cambridge
  • Materials science authority
  • Strong links to industry
Technical inventor + Financial structuring expertise + Academic credibility = Execution capability

Get in touch

Interested in learning more about our technology?

Or email us directly at will@epilayers.com