Sivers Semiconductors Secures Contracts Under CHIPS Act for Advanced Chip Development in Northeast

Sivers Semiconductors Secures Major Contracts for Advanced Chip Development

On January 13, 2025, Sivers Semiconductors announced a significant milestone with the signing of contracts under the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. This agreement includes funding for Electronic Warfare and 5G/6G chip development as part of the Microelectronics Commons program managed by the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub. The funding will enable Sivers to receive part of the initial $11.6 million earmarked for microelectronics innovation, expected to enhance both wireless technology capabilities and national defense systems.

Sivers Semiconductors' participation in this initiative underscores its essential role in pioneering wireless innovations critical for the adoption of millimeter-wave (mmWave) technology across various sectors. With these new contracts, the company aims to collaborate with major industry players such as BAE Systems, Raytheon, and Ericsson. Together, they will focus on advancing Radio Frequency (RF) and beamforming technologies, which are crucial for both defense operations and broader commercial applications.

CEO Vickram Vathulya expressed gratitude toward the NEMC hub for their support in navigating the contract structure and defining important milestones for the projects. The expected advance payment, which will be about half the first-year value of these contracts, is set to arrive by the end of January 2025. If discussions extend over three years and renew under future awards, total funding for these collaborative efforts could reach an impressive $30 million.

Harish Krishnaswamy, Managing Director of Sivers' Wireless Division, highlighted the significance of this collaboration in enhancing RF technology specifically for the upcoming FR3 standard in 5G/6G networks. He emphasized that FR3 represents a pivotal transition in cellular technology, combining the extensive range offered by sub-6 GHz frequencies with the high throughput capabilities of millimeter waves. Furthermore, new developments in electronic warfare solutions will expand Sivers' product portfolio, establishing vital areas of focus alongside SATCOM and 5G.

The NEMC Hub, formed in 2023, comprises over 200 organizations spanning commercial and defense sectors, educational institutions, and federally funded research centers across eight northeastern states. Tasked with amplifying the U.S.'s leadership in microelectronics, the hub aims to propel domestic semiconductor prototyping while fostering workforce development via accessible lab-to-fab transitions. Mark Halfman, Director of the NEMC Hub, acknowledged Sivers as a critical partner in promoting microelectronics capabilities, indicating the sector’s potential to significantly enhance national security.

This contract aligns with Sivers Semiconductors’ broader mission to drive innovation and sustainability within the semiconductor landscape, particularly in areas such as data centers, telecommunications, and defense. Their commitment to energy-efficient photonics and wireless solutions is evident in their ongoing projects, aimed at resolving significant performance challenges while contributing to a greener data economy.

As this partnership progresses, industry stakeholders and observers will undoubtedly be keen to see how these developments unfold. The emphasis on collaboration between high-tech firms and defense organizations marks a promising shift toward innovative solutions capable of addressing contemporary challenges in telecommunications and national security.

For further information about Sivers Semiconductors, visit Sivers Semiconductors website.