Ranging from electric vehicles (EVs) in automotive to 5G in telecommunications, GaN materials are driving innovation in at least seven industries, according to recent data from Technology Foresights, an innovation intelligence platform by GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.
The journey of GaN began in optoelectronics, where it found applications in daylight-visible light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and laser diodes for Blu-ray discs over the past two to three decades. However, the discovery of new properties has led to more diverse applications, with the first GaN transistors becoming available in the 2010s. Ongoing research into its unique characteristics, including its ability to be used in combination with other gallium-based semiconductors is opening up new possibilities across various industries.
Sourabh Nyalkalkar, Practice Head of Innovation Products at GlobalData, comments: “Recent VC investments in GaN technologies have reached nearly $600 million, as seen in GlobalData’s Deals database, with US-ITF, Intel Capital, and Khosla Ventures among the top investors who are known for making early bets in cutting-edge technologies. Investments aside, the all-around innovation in GaN by multiple industries as seen in Technology Foresights strongly signals the disruptive nature of this technology.”
While the semiconductor industry leads GaN research, potentially looking to replace silicon as the ideal material for integrated circuits (ICs) and transistors, new applications are emerging in multiple industries. In the telecom sector, GaN’s rise parallels the growth of 5G networks, with industry leaders such as Huawei employing it to power base stations in extreme conditions. The defense sector is exploring GaN’s power amplification properties for military-grade radars, with companies like Boeing, GE, and Thales leading the innovation, while consumer electronics companies, including Apple, are working with GaN in LEDs and device displays.
Nyalkalkar continues: “Th most exciting innovation in GaN is happening in the automotive industry right now. The industry, which is already undergoing disruption by EVs and autonomous vehicles, is finding immense potential in GaNs. Over 40% of all the companies innovating in this area belong to the automotive sector, according to Technology Foresights.”
As EVs become more mainstream, automotive companies are on the lookout for alternative battery materials and electricity sources. GaN is being explored as a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries, offering higher energy density and a lighter weight.
Leading automotive players like Hyundai-Kia, Toyota, and Renault-Nissan are at the forefront of GaN innovation, primarily focusing on electrode components for EV batteries. Additionally, auto OEM suppliers such as Lear Corp, Valeo, and Bosch are exploring the use of GaN for building charging units, leveraging its fast-charging capabilities and energy efficiency.