WASEDA University Ventures invests JPY 100 million in Power Diamond Systems, a start-up focused on developing diamond semiconductor devices, to advance sustainable electronics technology.

Information on the Target

Power Diamond Systems, Inc. (PDS) is an innovative fabless start-up that specializes in the research and development of diamond semiconductor devices, specifically p-channel field effect transistors (p-FETs). These devices are designed for high-frequency operations and high-voltage switching applications. PDS aims to revolutionize power electronics by developing complementary power inverter systems that combine diamond p-FETs with wide bandgap semiconductor n-channel FETs.

The foundation of PDS's technology relies on groundbreaking inventions by Professor Hiroshi Kawarada from Waseda University's School of Science and Engineering. Among these technologies are hydrogen-terminated diamond FETs, an original method developed in 1994, and silicon oxide-terminated diamond FETs introduced in 2020, along with advanced vertical diamond FET fabrication techniques—establishing PDS at the forefront of diamond semiconductor research.

Industry Overview in Japan

The semiconductor industry in Japan holds a significant position in the global market, noted for its advanced technologies and innovative research. Japan's focus on cutting-edge materials, including diamond semiconducto