SVTC Technologies
 | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Semiconductor, MEMS, Nanotechnology, Microfluidics |
| Founded | 2004 |
| Fate | Operations ended October 15, 2012 |
| Headquarters | San Jose, CA United States |
Key people | Bert Bruggeman (CEO) |
| Services | Development, Production, Analytical Services, Wafer Services |
| Divisions | San Jose, Austin |
SVTC Technologies was a firm providing technology services focused on the development and commercialization of semiconductor process technologies. The company operated from 2004 until ceasing activities in October 2012, maintaining locations in San Jose, California, and Austin, Texas.
Its portfolio included development and manufacturing services for MEMS, microfluidics, high voltage devices, and Through-silicon via (TSV) technologies. SVTC served multiple sectors such as semiconductor manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and defense, consumer mobility, and clean energy markets.
The company's fabrication expertise encompassed CMOS and MEMS processing equipment, complemented by sophisticated microscopy tools—including Scanning electron microscope, Transmission electron microscopy, Atomic Force Microscope, and Focused ion beam systems—along with failure analysis capabilities.
History
Established in 2004 as a division of Cypress Semiconductor named Silicon Valley Technology Center, SVTC originated from Cypress’s Fab 1 facility. It transitioned into an independent private entity in 2007 with investment from Oakhill Capital Partners and Tallwood Venture Capital.
In December 2007, SVTC expanded by acquiring the Advanced Technology Development Facility (ATDF), previously part of SEMATECH, subsequently rebranding to SVTC Technologies.
By May 2011, the company secured ISO 13485 certification for quality management systems tailored to emerging life science products and obtained registration under ITAR, critical for defense manufacturing compliance.
SVTC discontinued operations on October 15, 2012, following a general assignment for the benefit of creditors.
Grant from U.S. Department of Energy to build nation's first photovoltaic manufacturing development facility
On April 10, 2011, SVTC Solar—a subsidiary of SVTC Technologies—received a $25 million award from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) through the SunShot Initiative. This funding supported establishing the first U.S. photovoltaics (PV) manufacturing development facility (MDF), designed to lower costs and accelerate innovation within the PV sector.
By August 3, 2011, the DOE increased its grant to $30 million, while industry partners and customers pledged an additional $55 million for equipment, materials, and operational expenses—bringing total investment to $85 million.
The SunShot Initiative
The SunShot Initiative seeks to make utility-scale photovoltaic solar energy systems economically competitive with conventional energy sources by the end of the decade. Its goal is to achieve PV system costs near six cents per kilowatt-hour to facilitate widespread adoption. U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu highlighted that this program positions the United States as a global leader in solar research and development as well as manufacturing competitiveness relative to fossil fuels.
The DOE offers two participation frameworks: a consortium model inspired by the 1980s Semiconductor Manufacturing Technology (SEMATECH) collaboration and a commercial model based on SVTC’s Technology Development Process. This approach provides customers with access to cutting-edge technology while accelerating commercialization efforts and protecting intellectual property rights. The SVTC MDF supports innovators working on various technologies such as multi- and monocrystalline silicon PV cells, selective-emitter cells, back-contact cells, emitter wrap-through cells, PERC, PERL structures, thin-silicon designs, three-dimensional cells, and hybrid PV solutions.
Aerospace and defense initiatives
SVTC Technologies remains actively engaged in creating MEMS and nanotechnology solutions tailored for the aerospace and defense sectors. Their innovations enhance cutting-edge military and space applications, including infrared imaging, optical and electrical switching, display technologies, munitions, inertial navigation systems, laser communication, sensor arrays, and night vision equipment.
The integration of nanotechnology merges compound semiconductor transistors with silicon CMOS wafer fabrication techniques—resulting in transistors that exhibit elevated speed and breakdown voltages while maintaining the high integration density characteristic of CMOS. This combined method delivers a power-to-performance ratio that surpasses traditional silicon components by a factor of ten.