Syensqo to Debut at Semicon Taiwan 2024: Week in Brief: 9/6/24

Quanta Computer Inc., a provider of solutions for cloud computing, has made a $20 million three-tranche investment in Vuzix Corporation, a supplier of smart glasses and AR technology, to support and expand Vuzix’s waveguide production capabilities and for the joint development of new AR/AI smart glasses technologies. The first investment tranche will consist of $10 million of Vuzix common stock. The second and third tranches of the total planned investment are $5 million each, tied to specific milestones, and will consist of the purchase of Vuzix Series B Preferred Stock.

TORONTO — Designer and developer of data-center light sources POET Technologies is reorganizing its engineering team to streamline design, component engineering and new product introduction activities globally, in response to active customer demand for 800G and higher products directed at the AI systems and hyperscale data center markets. As a result of this reorganization, the functions of engineering design and manufacturing interface, previously managed by POET’s Allentown, Penn. organization will be transferred to POET’s Shenzhen, China operation, with other functions being transferred to Singapore.

MÉRIGNAC, France — Exosens, a detection and imaging technology company, has acquired LR Tech, a specialist developer and manufacturer of Fourier transform infrared devices. The acquisition will enable Exosens to complete its instruments offering for detectors and imagers, targeting science and environmental markets. This follows Exosens’ recent acquisition of radiation detection solutions company Centronic, completed in August.

OXFORD, England — Producer of synthetic diamond material solutions Element Six (E6) is leading a program under the Ultra-Wide BandGap Semiconductors (UWBGS) initiative established by DARPA. E6’s contribution to the UWBGS program will be to use its knowledge in large area CVD polycrystalline diamond and high-quality single crystal (SC) diamond synthesis, to realize 4-inch device grade SC diamond substrates. E6 has partnered with Orbray, Raytheon, Hiqute Diamond, Stanford University, and Princeton University to further develop the technology toward the realization of ultra-wide bandgap semiconductors

Syensqo’s booth at Semicon Taiwan 2024. Courtesy of Syensqo.

BRUSSELS — Syensqo, a provider of materials and chemical solutions, debuted as a standalone company at Semicon Taiwan 2024. Previously part of Solvay Group, the company's materials portfolio covers all stages of semiconductor processing.

ISLEHAM, England — Scientific research technology provider Asynt Ltd. has acquired flow chemistry company Uniqsis, including the transfer of all Uniqsis staff, the company’s intellectual property portfolio, and all equipment stock. According to the company, Uniqsis’ flow chemistry products and accessories will continue to be sold and supported fully by Asynt, its subsidiaries and distribution network, as well as through existing specialist Uniqsis distributors.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Laser Photonics Corporation, an industrial developer of laser cleaning systems, has received a letter from Nasdaq stating that the Company is now in compliance with listing rule 5250(c)(1). The company was previously in non-compliance with the Nasdaq's listing rules after failing to file its Form 10-Q at the end of the quarter.

The platform used to construct the telescope mount at Ingersoll’s manufacturing facility. Courtesy of the Giant Magellan Telescope.

ROCKFORD, Ill. — Manufacturer of cyber-physical systems Ingersoll Machine Tools has started manufacturing and assembling a 39 m mount for the Giant Magellan Telescope in La Higuera, Chile. The mount weighs 2100 metric tons and is designed to support seven large mirrors, adaptive optics, and scientific instruments. Due to the mount, the Giant Magellan Telescope will be 200 times more powerful than current ground-based telescopes. It is expected to be operational by the early 2030s.

(Left) Wright Center for Photovoltaics Innovation and Commercialization endowed chair Randall Ellingson and UToledo doctoral student Nadeesha Katakumbura. Courtesy of UToledo.

TOLEDO, Ohio — The University of Toledo (UToledo) is set to receive up to $15 million from the Air Force Research Laboratory for a project developing new materials for space-based solar technology, including materials to absorb and convert electromagnetic radiation from the sun. The scientists will also test the viability of these materials for space environments, utilizing a heavy ion accelerator in the basement of UToledo’s McMaster Hall, among other resources, to mimic space conditions and evaluate the materials' tolerance.

HOUSTON — Vibrantz Technologies, a provider of specialty chemicals and materials solutions, has acquired Micro Abrasives Corporation, a manufacturer of specialty alumina. The company said that acquisition will help bolster its advanced materials business and capabilities. Vibrantz also stated that it will continue selling products under the Micro Abrasives name.