I-Pulse Inc., co-founded by billionaire mining magnate Robert Friedland, has secured $250 million in federal CHIPS funding to develop silicon-carbide semiconductors and pulsed-power technology.
The grant represents a significant investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing as the US seeks to reduce reliance on foreign chip production. I-Pulse will use the funds to advance silicon-carbide chip development and pulsed-power systems, technologies critical for power electronics and high-performance applications.
Friedland, known for his mining ventures, has increasingly invested in advanced technology sectors. The CHIPS and Science Act, passed in 2022, allocated $39 billion for semiconductor research and manufacturing incentives.
Silicon-carbide chips offer advantages over traditional silicon in efficiency and heat management, making them valuable for electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and industrial applications. Pulsed-power technology has military and civilian applications in areas requiring rapid energy delivery.
The award underscores the Biden administration's push to strengthen US semiconductor competitiveness and domestic supply chains amid ongoing global chip shortages and geopolitical tensions.
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