Mersen Secures European Funding for Innovative Silicon Carbide Substrate Development

On March 11, 2024, Mersen announced it has received substantial funding exceeding €12 million as part of the Important Project of Common European Interest in MicroElectronics and Communication Technologies. This financial backing, emanating from the French government, falls under the "France 2030" initiative designed to heighten industrial competitiveness and futuristic technologies. Mersen's endeavor in developing and manufacturing p-SiC®, a polycrystalline silicon carbide substrate, is at the focal point of this funding.

The subsidized project not only encompasses the research and development aspect but also the manufacturing phase of the p-SiC®. Mersen plans to execute this at its Gennevilliers facility in France, with an investment of around €85 million from 2023 to 2025 and anticipates the recruitment of 80 to 100 new staff. This strategy aligns with Mersen's 2027 vision, aiming to achieve a manufacturing capability of 400,000 wafers by 2027.

Mersen’s p-SiC® is instrumental for SiC power semiconductor producers, enhancing transistor performance and production yields, thereby contributing to a reduced carbon footprint of devices. CEO Luc Themelin expressed his enthusiasm for the funding, highlighting Mersen's pivotal role in France's semiconductor industry and its commitment to growth as part of its 2027 strategic goal.