Hong Kong’s First GaN Epitaxial Wafer Pilot Line

Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) inaugurated the city’s first Ultra High Vacuum “Third-generation Semiconductor Gallium Nitride (GaN) Epitaxial Wafer Pilot Line,” marking a pivotal advancement in the microelectronics sector and a significant step towards the region’s new industrialisation goals.

At the Hong Kong Science Park, a global research and development (R&D) centre for GaN epitaxy process technology, tailored to third-generation semiconductors, is being established. Additionally, a production-scale GaN epitaxial wafer pilot line utilising ultra-high vacuum technology is set to be developed at InnoPark. With an investment exceeding HK$200 million and a specialised R&D team in place, this initiative is expected to stimulate growth across the entire third-generation semiconductor industry chain. It is also poised to significantly enhance Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem, laying a robust foundation for the city’s ongoing industrial transformation.

The launch event saw participation from prominent figures, including the Secretary of the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, and the Vice President for Advanced Manufacturing and New Energy Technology at the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises. The event also featured leadership from HKSTP, who emphasised the alignment of this initiative with broader governmental strategies.

This development is closely aligned with the objectives outlined in the “Hong Kong Innovation and Technology Development Blueprint,” a strategic document recently unveiled by the HKSAR Government. A central goal of this blueprint is to enhance the I&T ecosystem and propel new industrialisation within Hong Kong. The government has committed to supporting advanced manufacturing sectors, with a particular focus on establishing or expanding production lines for the semiconductor industry.

According to the Secretary of Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Hong Kong must leverage its internationalisation advantages and substantial scientific research capabilities to cultivate “new quality productive forces.” Third-generation semiconductors have been identified as a key area of technological focus. In line with this, the government is advancing the microelectronics industry with a targeted, industry-oriented approach.

A key component of this strategy is the planned establishment of the Hong Kong Microelectronics Research and Development Institute, which is expected to feature pilot lines for both silicon carbide and gallium nitride. These pilot lines will provide crucial support to startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in areas such as prototyping, testing, and certification. The initiative aims to foster collaboration among industry, academia, and research sectors, particularly in the field of third-generation semiconductor technologies. The recent establishment of the GaN epitaxial technology base in Hong Kong is seen as a strategic move that aligns with these development goals, while also contributing to the expansion of the city’s I&T talent pool.

HKSTP has consistently worked in tandem with government initiatives to drive the development of the microelectronics industry. As Hong Kong’s largest I&T flagship, the Science Park hosts a thriving ecosystem that includes over 200 companies engaged in microelectronics. The Park provides world-class infrastructure, a comprehensive network of partners, and extensive experience in commercialising research outcomes. These resources play a crucial role in bolstering Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities and facilitating the industrialisation of microelectronics, supporting the city’s transformation into an international I&T hub.

The ongoing efforts to develop advanced third-generation semiconductor technology, particularly GaN epitaxial wafers, are seen as critical to enhancing Hong Kong’s original R&D capabilities and boosting new productive forces. This initiative is also expected to provide essential upstream wafer mass production technology support for the local semiconductor manufacturing industry. The establishment of a dedicated R&D centre and the initiation of a production-scale pilot line represent significant milestones in the advancement of Hong Kong’s new industrialisation and the development of its microelectronics sector.