OSRAM Receives Over 300 Million Euro Investment From Germany To Develop Next-generation Optoelectronic Semiconductor Technology

Recently, smart sensor and transmitter developer Osram (ams Osram) announced that it expects to receive more than 300 million euros in funding from the German federal government and the Free State of Bavaria over the next five years.
The funding is intended to advance Osram's development of next-generation optoelectronic semiconductor technology in Regensburg, Germany. This planned IPCEI funding ("Important Projects of Common European Interest") will support the company's own investments, research and development of innovative optoelectronic components there.
In a recent announcement, OSRAM said it is "working to strengthen its development and manufacturing site in Regensburg for future investments. "On September 18, the company presented the projects it has initiated within the scope of the IPCEI Microelectronics and Communications Technology at an event associated with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action.
With regard to the planned public funding, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action emphasized that the project is of considerable significance in the European context and supported the relevant investments in cooperation with the Bavarian Ministry of Economic Affairs, Regional Development and Energy. The statement said, "The 300 million euros will be invested primarily in research and development activities for innovative optoelectronic semiconductors and their manufacturing processes, thereby creating 400 new high-tech jobs."
In addition, OSRAM will invest in new clean room and laboratory facilities for research, development and pilot production that will be used for applications such as UV-C LEDs for disinfection, near-infrared emitters for LIDAR for autonomous driving, as well as applications in the context of Industry 4.0.
Another special focus will be on microLEDs for completely new types of displays. osram notes that "automation and artificial intelligence play an important role in Regensburg, enabling us to break new ground with our production facilities." The first pilot assembly line for the production of 8-inch wafers is currently under construction for the cost-effective mass production of highly innovative microLEDs to be launched in the near future.
Aldo Kamper, CEO of OSRAM, said, "By expanding our development activities in the field of optoelectronic semiconductors, we can create room for innovation and accelerate the time-to-market of our products. At the same time, our investment is a clear commitment to Regensburg as an industrial center, Bavaria as a high-tech location, and Europe as a hotbed of innovation."
He added: "In Regensburg, we create new, energy-efficient products and production processes that drive digitization in support of the European Green Deal and European ownership in the semiconductor sector. Under our future-oriented 'Re-Establish the Base' program, we will continue to build on our market-leading core competencies and shape the future of the semiconductor market from this Bavarian city."
Hubert Aiwanger, Bavarian Minister of Economic Affairs, said, "OSRAM stands for high technology made in Regensburg. As the Bavarian State Government, we are interested in participating in the financing of the IPCEI project. This is perfectly in line with our intention to further expand Bavaria as a top international location for the semiconductor industry. Every euro is well invested and will create new jobs in a highly innovative environment."