K1 Semiconductor Joins Chicago Quantum Exchange to Advance Wafer Technology.

K1 Semiconductor, a startup originating from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Booth School of Business, is collaborating with the Chicago Quantum Exchange to advance a novel wafer-splitting technique designed to improve the cost-efficiency and scalability of semiconductor manufacturing. The process, applicable to high-performance materials including diamond, silicon carbide, lithium niobate, and gallium nitride, reportedly enables up to 20x wafer reuse, addressing critical supply chain challenges for advanced technologies. This collaboration, highlighted by David Awschalom, Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics at UChicago and founding director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, exemplifies the burgeoning Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana quantum ecosystem’s capacity for domestic quantum supply chain development and academic commercialisation.

K1, a recent recipient of second place in both the UChicago Polsky New Venture Challenge and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge, intends to leverage the Chicago Quantum Exchange Founder Platform to identify laboratory facilities, recruit talent, and pursue commercial partnerships, with initial work already underway with corporate partner Great Lakes Crystal Technologies, a manufacturer of diamond substrates for quantum sensing applications; this collaboration is viewed by Kate Timmerman, CEO of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, as a positive step towards establishing a sustainable and scalable quantum supply chain anchored by specialised suppliers and manufacturers within the region, which encompasses the University of Chicago, Argonne National Laboratory, Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University.

Wafer Splitting Innovation

This innovation addresses a critical need in the production of high-performance materials such as diamond, silicon carbide, lithium niobate, and gallium nitride, materials increasingly vital for applications ranging from quantum computing to power electronics. The technology’s core lies in its ability to enable up to 20x wafer reuse, a substantial increase compared to conventional methods and a key factor in establishing a resilient domestic manufacturing supply chain.

The wafer-splitting process, developed by a team founded by students from the University of Chicago’s Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering and Booth School of Business, represents a departure from traditional wafer processing. Conventional methods often involve destructive material removal, limiting reuse and increasing costs; K1 Semiconductor’s approach aims to minimise material loss through a precise and repeatable splitting mechanism.

While specific details of the proprietary process remain undisclosed, the implications for reducing manufacturing waste and improving material utilisation are considerable, potentially lowering the barrier to entry for advanced semiconductor production. This innovation is particularly relevant given the growing demand for these specialised semiconductor materials, driven by advancements in quantum technologies and other deep tech sectors.

Connor Horn, K1’s co-founder and CEO, emphasises the company’s strategic alignment with the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), stating the partnership is designed to bridge cutting-edge semiconductor materials research with scalable, US-based manufacturing. Collaboration with CQE partners, including Great Lakes Crystal Technologies – a manufacturer of diamond substrates – will facilitate access to facilities, talent, and commercial opportunities, accelerating the development and deployment of this crucial technology.

The significance of K1 Semiconductor’s work is underscored by David Awschalom, Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics at UChicago and founding director of the CQE, who highlights the company as an example of the role of Midwest-grown startups in developing essential components of a domestic quantum supply chain. Kate Timmerman, CEO of the Chicago Quantum Exchange, further elaborates on the necessity of integrating specialised suppliers and manufacturers to create a sustainable and scalable quantum ecosystem, and the significant contribution of academia to the commercialisation of quantum technology.

Furthermore, K1 is already collaborating with CQE corporate partner Great Lakes Crystal Technologies, a manufacturer of diamond substrates for quantum sensing and other applications, demonstrating an immediate synergy within the established network. This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced quantum devices and sensors.