Core Insights - Black Semiconductor aims to integrate photonics directly into semiconductor production using graphene, creating a new type of chip that can communicate using both electronics and photonics [2][3] - The company is developing a new category of chips called EPIC (Electronic-Photonics Integrated Circuits), which simplifies the integration of these technologies without complex packaging processes [4] - Black Semiconductor is addressing challenges related to the quality, reproducibility, and scalability of graphene integration into chips [5] Group 1: Graphene and Its Applications - Graphene was initially thought to replace CMOS transistors due to its high mobility and conductivity, but its lack of a bandgap became an advantage for developing modulators and photodetectors [3] - The company has successfully demonstrated that graphene can absorb light effectively when layered on waveguides, leading to advancements in optical devices [3][4] - The integration of graphene allows for high-speed modulation and detection of light, which is crucial for future computing architectures [9] Group 2: Production and Development Challenges - Black Semiconductor faces significant challenges in integrating graphene into chips, particularly regarding the quality and reproducibility of the material [5] - The company is working on developing single-crystal graphene and scaling production from 200mm to 300mm wafers to enhance stability [5] - The transfer process of graphene to wafers is complex, and achieving the necessary reproducibility is critical for success [5] Group 3: Strategic Initiatives and Growth - The company has secured funding from the European Union's IPCEI initiative to build a 300mm integrated graphene photonics pilot production line, expected to be operational by mid-2026 [6] - Black Semiconductor has rapidly grown from 2 employees in 2022 to 130, with plans to reach 240 by next year, highlighting the challenges of talent acquisition and management [8] - The company aims to redefine computing by enhancing CMOS technology rather than replacing it, focusing on creating an active optical layer on the back of chips [11]