Group IV Semiconductor gains funding

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Canada's Group IV Semiconductor Inc., a developer of solid-state lighting technology, has received a ''substantial'' new round of funding.

The funding was led by Garage Technology Ventures Canada. Investors also included Applied Ventures LLC, a subsidiary of Applied Materials Inc., and Khosla Ventures and BDC Venture Capital.

These investments will further expand Group IV's program to use its ''silicon-based nanofilm'' technology to reduce the cost of solid-state lighting.

Group IV will also collaborate with Applied Materials to develop a low cost manufacturing process that will enable Group IV to accelerate its technology towards product commercialization and production.

Group IV's solid-state light engines use a single-chip, AC-powered process that can deliver dramatic cost savings relative to conventional LED technologies, according to the firm.