$250m CHIPS award for I-Pulse
I-Pulse has announced an agreement with the US Department of Commerce’s CHIPS Research and Development Office for a $250m award for the further development of I-Pulse’s proprietary SiC-based pulsed-power technology.
The CHIPS funding is for R&D to advance the company's semiconductor and pulsed-power drilling technology with the aim of unlocking untapped resources of geothermal power within the United States.
I-Pulse will develop SiC semiconductors in partnership with US national laboratories, universities, and specialised manufacturers. The company will also commercialise high-temperature, high-current, high-voltage solid-state switches designed for applications such as underground mining, rock crushing, manufacturing, and defence systems.
I-Pulse co-founder Robert Friedland said: “We are excited to partner with the US government to advance our unique, American technology suite to benefit our great nation. This award supports the development of world-leading critical components in the pulsed-power technology stack, with profound implications for energy security and national defence.”
