(Hong Kong, 30 July 2024) — Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) and MassPhoton Limited (MassPhoton) hosted a launch ceremony today for Hong Kong's first Ultra High Vacuum "Third-generation Semiconductor Gallium Nitride (GaN) Epitaxial Wafer Pilot Line." This initiative represents a significant advancement in the microelectronics industry and marks an important milestone in Hong Kong’s journey towards new industrialisation.
MassPhoton is set to establish its first global research and development (R&D) centre for GaN epitaxy process technology for third-generation semiconductors at the Hong Kong Science Park. Additionally, it will develop the first ultra-high vacuum production-scale GaN epitaxial wafer pilot line at InnoPark. With a projected investment of at least HK$200 million and the establishment of a dedicated R&D team, this initiative is poised to stimulate the entire third-generation semiconductor industry chain, significantly enhance Hong Kong's microelectronics innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, and strengthen the foundation of the development of new industrialisation.
The collaboration between HKSTP and MassPhoton was witnessed by Professor Dong Sun, Secretary of Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Ms Lillian Cheong, Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Mr Benjamin Wong, Vice President (Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technology), Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, Dr Eason Liao, Chief Executive Officer, MassPhoton Limited and Mr Alex Ng, Board of MassPhoton and Investor of MassPhoton. While Mr Eric Or, Acting Chief Corporate Development Officer, Head of Ecosystem Development of HKSTP and Mr Even Zhao, Chief Marketing Officer of MassPhoton formally signed the agreement.
In the “Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint” announced by the HKSAR Government, one of the key strategic directions is to enhance the I&T ecosystem and promote “new industrialisation” in Hong Kong. The Government is committed to strongly supporting the advanced manufacturing industries, including establishing or expanding advanced manufacturing production lines for the semiconductor industry in Hong Kong. Professor Dong Sun, said, “To cultivate 'new quality productive forces' adapted to local conditions, Hong Kong must fully utilise our internationalisation advantages and substantial scientific research capabilities. We are committed to supporting the growth of leading technology sectors in the city, with third-generation semiconductors being a key area of technological development. The HKSAR government is advancing the development of the microelectronics industry with an industry-oriented approach. The Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute is set to be established within the year, featuring pilot lines for silicon carbide and gallium nitride. This will assist startups and SMEs in prototyping, testing, and certification, fostering collaboration among industry, academic, and research sectors in core third-generation semiconductor technologies. The landing of MassPhoton in Hong Kong precisely aligns with our strategic development objectives and simultaneously supports the expansion of our I&T talent pool."
Mr Albert Wong, CEO of HKSTP, said, "We have consistently aligned with the government to vigorously develop the microelectronics industry. As Hong Kong's largest flagship for I&T, we host a thriving microelectronics ecosystem with over 200 companies in the Park engaged in this sector. HKSTP provides top-tier infrastructure, complemented by an extensive network of partners and substantial experience in commercialising research outcomes. These resources enhance Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities and industrialisation in microelectronics, aiding in our mission to transform Hong Kong into an international I&T hub. The decision by MassPhoton to establish its operations in the Science Park and InnoPark, bringing its cutting-edge technology and experience to Hong Kong, will mark a significant milestone in the development of our local microelectronics industry and new industrialisation initiatives.”
Dr Eason Liao, Chief Executive Officer, MassPhoton Limited, said: "As the first company to establish GaN epitaxial technology in Hong Kong, we are committed to advancing the R&D as well as the mass production of high-end third-generation semiconductor wafers. We actively engage in the global semiconductor competition by leveraging Hong Kong's international market position. This effort not only injects significant momentum into enhancing Hong Kong's original R&D capabilities and new quality productive forces but also provides crucial upstream wafer mass production technology support to Hong Kong’s semiconductor manufacturing industry chain."
MassPhoton was founded by Dr Eason Liao, an expert in GaN epitaxial technology dedicated to developing new GaN products. Dr Liao has successfully transformed research results from prestigious tertiary institutions in the US into commercialised and mass-produced semiconductor component technologies. He holds over 40 patents in fields such as GaN epitaxy and deep ultraviolet LED devices. The company possesses leading global expertise in third-generation semiconductor core processes. Its production of high-quality GaN epitaxial wafers, devices, and other compound semiconductor epitaxial wafers significantly reduces the semiconductor industry’s dependence on traditional silicon-based materials and devices, as well as critical equipment, thereby achieving a more independent and controllable supply chain.
MassPhoton plans to establish Hong Kong’s first global R&D centre for third-generation semiconductor GaN epitaxial growth process technology at the Hong Kong Science Park this year. The centre will focus on developing an advanced 8” GaN epitaxial wafer process and equipment platform for manufacturing GaN optoelectronic and power devices. Furthermore, the company will initiate cutting-edge third-generation GaN research projects in collaboration with tertiary institutions and partners in Hong Kong.
MassPhoton will also establish the first ultra-high vacuum production-scale GaN epitaxial pilot line in InnoPark for small-batch production. Once the pilot line is completed and the construction of Hong Kong's GaN epitaxial mass production line is initiated, it is expected to create over 250 jobs related to microelectronics, including epitaxial wafer and equipment design, and production process development, thereby generating substantial economic value. This breakthrough technology will also accelerate the development towards factory establishment and mass production, positioning it as a leading global project and solidifying the foundation of Hong Kong's new industrialisation, advancing towards a significant new milestone.
HKSTP is committed to promoting new industrialisation in Hong Kong and has established a leading global microelectronics ecosystem. Hong Kong Science Park is home to over 14,000 R&D personnel across 1,800 companies, with more than 200 of these companies engaged in microelectronics-related businesses. HKSTP provides first-class microelectronics hardware infrastructure and laboratories. The Microelectronics Centre (MEC) in Yuen Long InnoPark is set to be in operation this year. The MEC will host two pilot lines developed by the Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, offering comprehensive support for enterprises at all stages of the supply chain—from design and prototyping to trial production, facilitating an end-to-end process.
Currently, five universities in Hong Kong are ranked among the top 100 globally, with over 100 professors engaged in microelectronics research, annually cultivating a significant number of talents. MassPhoton's establishment of its base in Science Park brings capital, leading technology, and valuable experience. Moreover, it generates synergistic effects with other companies in the Hong Kong Science Park, the academic community, and the industry, thereby promoting the vigorous development of Hong Kong's microelectronics ecosystem.
