The semiconductor industry is standing at a pivotal turning point as Diamond Semiconductor, a startup originating from Saga University, announced the commencement of commercial operations starting July 2026. This move marks the transition of diamond-based electronics from laboratory research to industrial reality. Operating from its dedicated facility in Saga City, the company will manufacture and sell both diamond epitaxial wafers and finished semiconductor devices.
Diamond is often hailed as the ultimate semiconductor material due to its extraordinary physical properties. Compared to traditional materials like silicon or even wide-bandgap alternatives such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride, diamond offers superior thermal conductivity and a massive breakdown electric field. These characteristics make it ideal for high-stress environments. Diamond Semiconductor is specifically targeting three high-growth sectors: next-generation communications, space exploration, and high-voltage power electronics.
The initial product lineup includes high-voltage Power Field Effect Transistors capable of handling between one to ten kilovolts. For the telecommunications sector, the company is developing high-frequency devices tailored for Beyond five-G and six-G infrastructure, as well as satellite communication systems. Furthermore, the company plans to provide evaluation boards for Field Effect Transistors and high-frequency power amplifiers to accelerate industry adoption. With the global power semiconductor market projected to reach tens of billions of dollars by twenty-thirty, this diamond-based innovation provides a critical solution for energy efficiency and extreme-environment reliability.
