NextGO Epi, a Berlin-based deep-tech startup spun out of Leibniz-Institut für Kristallzüchtung (IKZ), has raised €2 million to scale Gallium Oxide epitaxial wafers for next-generation power electronics. The round was led by Vireo Ventures, with participation from Ultratech Capital Partners, IBB Ventures and angel investor Boris Habets. The funding will support product development, team growth and commercial expansion across Europe and international markets.
Advancing Gallium Oxide Semiconductors
NextGO Epi produces industrial-quality Gallium Oxide epitaxial wafers up to four inches, used as the electrically active layer in advanced power semiconductor devices. Compared with conventional semiconductor materials, Gallium Oxide can support higher voltages, greater energy efficiency and lower manufacturing costs, with potential applications across EV charging, renewable energy, AI data centres, grid infrastructure and defence.
“Ta-Shun and his team at NextGO Epi have a fantastic future ahead of them. They combine deep technical expertise with advanced manufacturing capabilities to produce Gallium Oxide semiconductors that will help revolutionize next-generation electronics. We are delighted to back them at the start of their journey to becoming the go-to supplier of this increasingly important capability,” said Damian Perl, Founder and General Partner of Ultratech Capital Partners.
Building European Semiconductor Capacity
The founding team brings more than a decade of expertise in Gallium Oxide research and epitaxy, supported by two international patents and more than 30 scientific publications. NextGO Epi aims to strengthen Europe’s domestic semiconductor supply chain as demand grows for advanced materials powering energy, mobility and computing infrastructure.
“Gallium oxide is to power electronics what silicon was to compute, and Europe should own that value chain,” said Dr. Ta-Shun Chou, CEO and co-founder of NextGO Epi. “We’re building the material layer that makes the next energy revolution possible, and we’re building it in Europe.”
Stephan Schulze, Investment Director at IBB Ventures, added: “NextGO Epi is commercializing a technology that is unique on the continent. Developed in Berlin and rooted in the city’s strong research ecosystem and decades of semiconductor expertise, the company is well-positioned to become a key European supplier of Gallium Oxide epiwafers.”
From Research to Commercial Production
NextGO Epi is already generating revenue and supplying customers across three continents. Gallium Oxide technology could enable faster EV charging while improving efficiency across renewable energy systems, AI data centre power supplies, grid infrastructure and other high-power applications.