IBA and Wallonie Entreprendre International Secure 30% Stake in mi2-factory to Boost Silicon Carbide Device Efficiency

In a strategic move to support the development of more efficient and sustainable power electronic systems, IBA (Ion Beam Applications S.A.) and Wallonie Entreprendre International have secured a 30% stake in mi2-factory, a start-up specializing in nitrogen implantation in silicon carbide (SiC). This investment aligns with both companies' long-term strategic goals and is expected to bring significant synergies and advancements in the field of power electronics.

mi2-factory, a spin-off from the University of Applied Sciences Jena, Germany, focuses on high-energy nitrogen implantation in SiC to improve the efficiency of SiC power semiconductor chips. These chips are essential components in modern power electronic systems, serving various sectors such as electric mobility, energy generation from wind and solar, and renewable energy grids.

IBA, the world leader in particle accelerator technology, is proud to support mi2-factory in advancing its lab-proven process towards an industrial-grade solution. IBA's advanced compact particle accelerator technologies are ideally suited to meet mi2's ambitions of enabling SiC devices that combine the best attributes of quality, cost, and production capacity.

Wallonie Entreprendre International, the international branch of the Walloon public investment company, is dedicated to financing Walloon companies with projects abroad that generate significant economic benefits for the Walloon region. By co-investing alongside IBA, WE International aligns perfectly with its mission to support high-value-added initiatives that foster Walloon expertise in cutting-edge sectors like semiconductor in power electronics.

The development of mi2-factory is further supported by a grant from the Important Project of Common European Interest for Microelectronics and Communication Technologies (IPCEI ME/CT) and equity investment from the company's current shareholders, bringing its total additional resources to approximately EUR 40 million. This financial support, combined with the strategic partnership with IBA and WE International, positions mi2-factory to advance its technology and strengthen European expertise in the strategic and rapidly growing field of power electronics.

Prof. Dr. Michael Rüb, CEO & Managing Director of mi2-factory, commented on the partnership: "mi2-factory was seeking not only strategic and technological partners but also co-investors to strengthen our position in IPCEI projects. Partnering with IBA, the world leader in particle accelerator technologies, and Wallonie Entreprendre International, a reputable institutional partner, reinforces our expertise and know-how, positioning us as the best in class in high-energy nitrogen implantation in silicon carbide as we look to advance towards an industrial grade solution."

Henri de Romrée, Deputy Chief Executive Officer of IBA, added: "Investing in promising companies like mi2-factory is part of our entrepreneurial DNA and could lead to potential new applications for our accelerators. We look forward to collaborating with the talented mi2-factory team and contributing to this project to help grow European expertise in power electronics, which is an important and strategic sector."

Laurence Glautier, General Manager of WE International, commented: "We are proud to make this co-investment alongside IBA, a long-standing partner with a proven track record of innovation and a strong impact on the Walloon region. This investment in a European project, backed by IPCEI, aligns perfectly with our mission to support high-value-added initiatives that foster Walloon expertise in cutting-edge sectors like semiconductor in power electronics. By encouraging IBA's diversification into this strategic domain, we not only reinforce technological advancements but also ensure long-term economic growth and skilled employment opportunities in Wallonia."



In conclusion, the strategic investment by IBA and Wallonie Entreprendre International in mi2-factory is set to drive advancements in the field of power electronics, with a focus on improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of SiC power semiconductor chips. This partnership aligns with the long-term strategic goals of all parties involved and is expected to strengthen European expertise in this rapidly growing field.