Department of Commerce Announces Definitive Agreement with I-Pulse for a $250 Million CHIPS R&D Award to Develop Novel Silicon-Carbide Semiconductors

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Research & Development Office has finalized a $250 million award agreement with I-Pulse to advance the development of novel silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors. This investment aims to bolster U.S. technology leadership in semiconductors designed for extremely harsh operating environments, including high-temperature and high-voltage applications. The initiative is expected to enhance national and energy security by enabling innovations in pulsed power systems for industries such as geothermal energy, mining, and advanced manufacturing.

The $250 million award, funded through the CHIPS and Science Act, supports I-Pulse’s efforts to develop next-generation SiC semiconductors for high-temperature, high-current, and high-voltage solid-state switches. This project will be executed in collaboration with industry-leading Federal Laboratories, universities, and specialized manufacturers. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick emphasized that the investment is a strategic move by the Trump Administration to strengthen domestic capabilities and secure national energy goals.

A primary focus of the research is the application of SiC power semiconductors in pulsed power, which involves the rapid firing of high-energy pulses at nanosecond intervals. By integrating these SiC-based electronics into pulsed-power drills, I-Pulse aims to improve the efficiency and reduce the costs associated with geothermal drilling and critical minerals mining. Bill Frauenhofer, Executive Director for Semiconductor Investment and Innovation, noted that the technology's ability to withstand harsh shocks and extreme temperatures allows critical industries to surpass current technical limits.

Beyond energy and mining, the technology is expected to have dual-use and commercial applications in advanced manufacturing, medical devices, and fusion power. As part of the definitive agreement, the Department of Commerce has received a minority, non-controlling equity stake in I-Pulse, a move intended to provide additional benefits to U.S. taxpayers. This award is part of a broader effort by the CHIPS Research and Development Office to solicit proposals that advance microelectronics technology and domestic prototyping capabilities.