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In the dynamic landscape of high-tech startups, Black Semiconductor, based in Aachen, Germany, specializes in developing photonics interconnects for microchips to enable revolutionary performance capabilities. To meet the increasing market demand for their innovative technology, they partnered with Belgian cleanroom supplier ABN Cleanroom Technology to kick-start their production facilities. In this article, we delve into the collaborative venture between Dr. Cedric Huyghebaert, CTO of Black Semiconductor, and MSc Jo Nelissen, CEO of ABN Cleanroom Technology, to explore the evolving trends in the high-tech startup ecosystem.
Black Semiconductor is a pioneering deep-tech startup, headquartered in Aachen, Germany. They specialize in creating photonic interconnects for microchips, offering performance levels far beyond conventional technologies. According to Cedric Huyghebaert, the CTO of Black Semiconductor, their breakthrough solution relies on harnessing the potential of 2D material graphene to leverage the advantages of optical technology in symbiosis with electrical signals. This innovative approach allows for the creation of microchips that bridge the gap between logical operations and data transmission, unlocking vast possibilities for cutting-edge applications, including AI and autonomous driving.
“Our solution is based on light, which is a much better carrier for information than electrical signals. The capacity of optical fibres appears almost unlimited compared to copper wires. The distance that information can travel in fibres ranges from centimetres to thousands of kilometres. Electronics are extremely good at performing logical operations, which is at the core of our processors and memories. Black Semiconductor combines the advantages of both technologies to connect chips. It is a layer of carbon atoms that makes the difference as we leverage the potential of the 2D material graphene for our technology”, says Cedric Huyghebaert, CTO of Black Semiconductor.
Cedric Huyghebaert, CTO of Black Semiconductor
ABN Cleanroom Technology is a leading provider of modular and productized cleanroom solutions, with headquarters in Belgium. Their innovative approach to cleanroom construction has gained popularity across various industries. Jo Nelissen, CEO and founder of ABN Cleanroom Technology, emphasizes their commitment to configuring high-quality cleanrooms tailored to the needs of their customers. Their off-the-shelf and ready-to-configure cleanroom solutions are preferred by world-leading organizations in life sciences, healthcare, biotechnology, high-tech, manufacturing and food processing sectors.
Jo Nelissen, CEO of ABN Cleanroom Technology
“As the demand for quick and efficient cleanroom solutions escalated, we initiated the development and engineering of standardized building blocks. This strategic move allowed us to move away from conventional cleanroom approaches and mitigate the potential risk of failure associated with starting every project from scratch. Instead, we harnessed the advantage of configuring our building blocks to create high-quality cleanrooms tailored to our customers’ needs”, says Jo Nelissen, CEO and founder of ABN Cleanroom Technology. “This means that we can provide cleanroom solutions at very short delivery times with the highest degree of adaptability for future changes.”
The collaboration between Black Semiconductor and ABN Cleanroom Technology was initiated by the need for a cleanroom environment to support the production of photonic interconnects. Black Semiconductor’s search for a suitable cleanroom partner began with a Google search, which led them to ABN Cleanroom Technology’s website. Their decision was further solidified by positive recommendations from ABN Cleanroom Technology’s previous customers, some of whom Black Semiconductor already knew and trusted.
Expectations for the collaboration were high, driven by the positive testimonials and endorsements from previous clients of ABN Cleanroom Technology. The collaboration exceeded these expectations. Communication was swift, information was comprehensive, and project timelines were meticulously adhered to. The entire process, from setting up the cleanroom location to qualification, was completed in an efficient and impressive timeframe. Construction of the cleanroom on-site took approximately 10 days, with immediate qualification following. Cedric Huyghebaert expressed great satisfaction with the collaboration’s outcomes, highlighting the professionalism and efficiency displayed throughout the project.
This successful partnership between Black Semiconductor and ABN Cleanroom Technology exemplifies the potential of collaborative efforts in the high-tech startup ecosystem, ensuring the seamless expansion of innovative technologies and products. It underscores the significance of productized cleanroom solutions in facilitating the growth of startups like Black Semiconductor in the high-tech industry.
Legolisation means standardisation. Standardisation causes a shift in production. Work is carried out in conditioned spaces such as factory halls. our cleanrooms are manufactured partly or entirely off-site, which means huge savings on transport costs and reduction of inconvenience on-site