I-Pulse, the silicon-carbide semiconductor venture backed by mining giant BHP, has signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce for a $250 million award.
The funding is designated to advance the company’s semiconductor manufacturing and pulsed-power technology capabilities, marking a significant injection of capital into the specialized power electronics segment.
The award comes as global semiconductor equities rallied sharply on Thursday, driven by robust financial results from key manufacturers like Micron Technology.
Investor confidence in the artificial intelligence infrastructure build-out has broadened beyond logic chips to include critical components like silicon-carbide, which is essential for efficient power management in data centers and electric vehicles.
This development highlights the strategic importance of domestic supply chain resilience under the CHIPS and Science Act.
By supporting I-Pulse, the U.S. government is targeting the production of wide-bandgap semiconductors, a niche where geopolitical competition is intensifying.