Berlin-based semiconductor startup NextGO Epi has secured €2 million in pre-seed funding to accelerate the development of gallium oxide epitaxial wafers for next-generation power semiconductors.
The company, which was spun out of the Leibniz Institute for Crystal Growth (IKZ) in 2025, said the investment will support product development, team expansion and growth across European and international markets.
Funding to support semiconductor development
The financing round was led by Vireo Ventures, with participation from Ultratech Capital Partners, IBB Ventures and business angel Boris Habets.
NextGO Epi said it is currently the only European manufacturer producing industrial-grade gallium oxide epitaxial wafers with diameters of up to four inches.
The wafers serve as the electrically active layer in next-generation power semiconductors designed for applications including electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, renewable energy systems and data centres.
The company’s founders have more than a decade of research experience in gallium oxide technology and hold two international patents. NextGO Epi is also supported by Jochen Linck, former chief operating officer of semiconductor equipment manufacturer Aixtron.
Gallium oxide targets next-generation power electronics
Gallium oxide belongs to the ultra-wide-bandgap semiconductor family and is being explored as an alternative to silicon carbide (SiC) and gallium nitride (GaN), which are widely used in today’s high-performance power electronics.
According to NextGO Epi, the material has the potential to deliver higher voltage tolerance and lower energy losses while reducing production costs for future semiconductor devices.
The company believes gallium oxide technology could enable faster charging for electric vehicles and improve the efficiency of high-power electrical systems. However, these performance advantages still need to be demonstrated in commercially manufactured components and real-world automotive applications.
NextGO Epi said it is already supplying customers across Europe, North America and Asia.
Growing investment in semiconductor innovation
The funding comes as Europe increases investment in semiconductor manufacturing and advanced materials.
The European Commission recently introduced the Chips Act 2.0, aimed at strengthening the region’s technological independence in strategic semiconductor technologies.
At the same time, established manufacturers continue expanding production of silicon carbide and other advanced semiconductors. Bosch recently announced plans to increase silicon carbide production in California with support from the US CHIPS and Science Act, while Infineon is coordinating European research into future power electronics based on silicon, silicon carbide and gallium nitride.
NextGO Epi is positioning gallium oxide as another potential material platform for future high-efficiency power semiconductor applications, subject to successful industrial validation.