IVworks

IVWorks Co., Ltd. is a South Korean deep-tech firm specializing in the production of Gallium Nitride (GaN) epitaxial wafers, a critical material for next-generation semiconductors. Founded in July 2011 by Dr. Young-kyun Noh, an expert in single-crystal growth equipment and III-V compound semiconductors, the company was established to address the growing demand for high-performance power and radio-frequency (RF) devices. Dr. Noh leveraged his Ph.D. research in semiconductor physics and patented technologies to pioneer GaN epiwafer production in a market with a high barrier to entry.

The company operates as a specialized foundry, manufacturing customized GaN epiwafers for global semiconductor companies and integrated device manufacturers. Its business model centers on producing and supplying these foundational materials, which constitute a significant portion of the final device cost. IVWorks' products are essential for applications demanding high efficiency and power density, such as 5G and 6G communication base stations, electric vehicle (EV) power conversion systems, high-speed chargers for consumer electronics, data center power supplies, and advanced defense radars. The firm has successfully mass-produced GaN epiwafers in various sizes, including 4-inch, 6-inch, and 8-inch diameters, and has installed a 12-inch production facility, a first in South Korea.

A key differentiator for IVWorks is its proprietary artificial intelligence (AI) epitaxy platform, named DOMM™. This system integrates deep learning algorithms with the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) process. It enables real-time monitoring and control at the atomic level, which optimizes the crystal growth process, reduces defect density, and significantly enhances production yield and cost-effectiveness. This technology allows the company to provide high-quality, price-competitive wafers. The company has pursued strategic growth through acquisitions, such as the purchase of Saint-Gobain's GaN wafer business in 2022, which expanded its technological capabilities and product portfolio to include GaN-on-GaN epiwafers for high-power applications. IVWorks has received substantial venture funding, including investments from Samsung Venture Investment, and is preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) on the KOSDAQ.

Keywords: Gallium Nitride, GaN epiwafer, semiconductor materials, epitaxy foundry, wide-bandgap semiconductors, RF power devices, DC power devices, 5G communications, electric vehicles, AI-powered manufacturing, molecular beam epitaxy, compound semiconductors, Young-kyun Noh, GaN-on-Si, GaN-on-SiC, deep learning manufacturing, semiconductor foundry, power electronics, radio frequency electronics, advanced materials, KOSDAQ IPO, DOMM platform, defense radar systems, EV chargers, data center power