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Revolutionizing Semiconductor Technology: Our Investment in Akash Systems

Article by Ryan Engel, Isabel Glass

Aug 21, 2024

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and semiconductor innovation, we're thrilled to announce our investment in Akash Systems, a pioneering company that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in chip design and thermal management.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology and semiconductor innovation, we're thrilled to announce our investment in Akash Systems, a pioneering company that's pushing the boundaries of what's possible in chip design and thermal management.


The Diamond Difference


At the heart of Akash Systems' groundbreaking technology is a simple yet revolutionary idea: using diamond as a thermal conductor in semiconductors. This concept, born from the PhD research of co-founder and CEO Felix Ejeckam, has the potential to transform multiple industries.


The problem Akash Systems is addressing is fundamental to all semiconductor technology: heat. As chips process more data and perform more complex tasks, they generate increasing amounts of heat. This heat not only limits performance but also significantly reduces the lifespan of the chips. Traditional cooling methods have struggled to keep pace with the demands of modern computing, especially in challenging environments like space.


Enter Akash's GaN-on-Diamond technology. By bringing the hottest part of a transistor within nanometers of synthetic diamond – the most thermally conductive material known to man – Akash has achieved a dramatic reduction in waste heat. Unlike traditional cooling methods that often involve bulky heat sinks or active cooling systems, diamond cooling technology is inherently more efficient, allowing for more compact designs and lower energy consumption while achieving superior cooling performance.


The results are staggering:

  • 10x performance improvement for only twice the cost

  • 1600% greater power density compared to traditional GaN-on-SiC chips

  • Ability to operate at 1/6th the temperature of conventional solutions


Akash Systems is propelled to success by an all-star team with both scientific excellence and entrepreneurial precedence, led by Co-founder and CEO Felix Ejeckam, Co-founder and Managing Director Ty Mitchell, and CTO Kris Kong.  With 70+ patents and a team with the combination of technical brilliance, industry experience, and an entrepreneurial track record, Akash Systems is well-positioned for the challenges and opportunities ahead.


A Multi-Industry Opportunity, Impacting Cade’s Ecosystem


This technology provides a combination of benefits that’s valuable across industries. While Akash Systems initially focused on the satellite communications market, they have since expanded their offerings, including: AI/Deep Tech, Data Centers, Space, Cell Comms., Electric Vehicles, Radar, and Clean Energy - all industries that directly benefit from cheaper and more efficient thermal management.


Supercharging GPU cooling, the single greatest limitation on AI’s potential, will impact the technology industry widely and significantly, and will ultimately transform all sectors that Cade Ventures invests in. Specifically, improving thermal management will directly contribute to the infrastructure that supports connected devices globally, and will enable emerging forms of IoT devices that require high performance in small form factors. This tech is also poised to revolutionize consumer tech, leading to more powerful smartphones, laptops, and wearables; Enhanced satellite communications could improve global internet coverage, benefiting consumer tech worldwide. Similarly, there are numerous potential long-term applications in health tech, including improved medical imaging devices that require high-performance low-heat chips, enhanced wearable health monitors with greater processing power and longer battery life, and better connectivity for remote health monitoring and telemedicine, especially in underserved areas. As a result, Akash Systems will and has begun to create synergies across Cade’s entire portfolio, unlocking key insight and partnerships. 


Beyond our own portfolio, Akash Systems multi-industry impact opens the door to government initiatives focused on domestic semiconductor production. To-date, Akash has been awarded a $20 million tax credit from the state of California for a proposed manufacturing facility, received pre-approval for funding ($150M) under the CHIPS act, and received strong political support. This alignment with national priorities not only provides potential funding avenues but also positions Akash as a key player in the effort to strengthen the US semiconductor industry.


Looking Ahead


In a world increasingly reliant on advanced computing and communication technologies, innovations in thermal management and chip efficiency are not just incremental improvements – they're the key to unlocking the next generation of technological capabilities. Akash Systems is at the forefront of this innovation, and we're proud to be part of their story.


We look forward to sharing more updates as Akash Systems continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in semiconductor technology.


Learn more at: akashsystems.com




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