[by Yoon Jae Lee, Sisa Today] Gallium Nitride (GaN), a key material expected to usher in a new paradigm in the next-generation semiconductor industry, is projected to experience explosive growth, with an average annual growth rate of 59% by 2027.

Countries around the world are already engaged in a quiet race for dominance in the power semiconductor industry, leveraging materials such as GaN and Silicon Carbide (SiC).

WaveLord has drawn significant attention by showcasing innovations in GaN-based power semiconductor materials and microLED light sources, supported by differentiated infrastructure and advanced manufacturing systems.

"I’ve personally witnessed the superiority of GaN through years of research and industry experience," said JuneO Song, Founder and CEO of WaveLord.

He further emphasized, “Korea must act quickly to secure competitiveness, as GaN has tremendous potential across a wide range of industries including power semiconductors, LEDs, communications, drones, and robotics.”

JuneO Song is one of the leading experts in the new materials industry, having accumulated research expertise and practical experience at institutions and global companies such as the Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology, and the LED Business Division of LG Innotek.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he has been listed in prestigious biographical directories, including Who's Who in the U.S. and the International Biographical Centre in Cambridge, UK. He has also received major honors such as:

▲ Prime Minister’s Award at the BK21 Performance Report Conference (for the highest number of SCI-indexed publications and technology transfers during the BK21 project period) ▲ Bronze Prize at the Korea Technology Awards (for the development and mass production of Korea’s first vertically integrated chip LED using group III-V compound semiconductors)

Under his leadership, WaveLord has committed to building independent facilities that enable the entire process — from design and development to mass production — of GaN-based power semiconductors and microLED display chips and wafers.

The company is also striving to dramatically reduce production costs, which remain the biggest barrier to widespread GaN adoption.

WaveLord is setting its sights on dominating the global GaN materials market while continuing to demonstrate exceptional expertise in the microLED business sector.

Currently, with over 150 microLED-related patents, WaveLord is participating in national R&D projects and is committed to proactively addressing diverse future demands in the microLED field.

CEO Song noted, “South Korea is still significantly behind in terms of registered GaN semiconductor patents — only about 1/60 of China’s and 1/13 of Japan’s. There is still a long way to go.” He stressed the importance of recognizing next-generation semiconductor technologies as future growth drivers and accelerating efforts to close the technological gap.

He added, “Once our factory facilities and semiconductor cleanroom systems are completed early this year, we will begin full-scale production of power semiconductor materials and microLED light sources.” Expressing his passion, he said, “Together with our dedicated team, who have played a key role in our rapid growth, we will do our utmost to become a global leader in the power semiconductor industry.”

Meanwhile, JuneO Song, CEO of WaveLord Co., Ltd., was honored with the 2024 Korea Future Leadership Award (hosted by Sisa Today), recognizing his dedication to the development and manufacturing of GaN-based power semiconductors and microLED display chips, his leadership in driving sustainable corporate growth through technological innovation, and his contribution to strengthening the global competitiveness of the power semiconductor industry.

Source: Sisa Today, https://www.sisatoday.co.kr/article/179573044468585