Magics, a semiconductor firm based in Antwerp, Belgium, has successfully completed the second phase of its capital funding round, amassing an additional €4 million to take its total to €9.7 million. Known for semiconductor technologies that function under extreme radiation conditions, the company caters to sectors like space, nuclear energy, and defense. The financial boost will facilitate Magics in scaling its production capabilities and extending its market reach internationally. These efforts align with broader European objectives to establish a stable and independent semiconductor supply chain for critical industries.
Established in 2015, Magics Technologies has carved out a niche within the semiconductor market by focusing on radiation-resistant chips. The company claims exclusivity as the sole commercial producer of semiconductor chips capable of enduring radiation up to 1,000 times greater than other market solutions. Historically, Magics has pushed the boundaries of semiconductor application in extreme environments, seeking to support both space exploration and clean energy initiatives with robust electronic components.
Why are Magics’ Chips Unique?
These chips, developed with radiation-hardened-by-design (RHBD) techniques, utilize standard CMOS processes. Through its design expertise and a range of tested components, Magics assists clients through every step of development, from concept to market entry. The origins of the company as a spin-off from KU Leuven and the Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), tie together academic prowess with nuclear expertise, forming the core of their development of radiation-tolerant electronics.
How will the Funds be Allocated?
The proceeds from the current funding round will support Magics in scaling production and venturing into international markets, such as North America and select Asian countries including Japan, India, and South Korea. The financing will also bolster Europe’s aim to create a secure semiconductor supply line for sectors like space and nuclear energy. The commitment to this cause is echoed in statements from key stakeholders.
“The team at Magics has not only developed revolutionary technology, they’ve shown the courage and expertise to scale it,” stated Roald Borré, Head of Venture Capital at PMV.
The company’s recent success stories include receiving flight-model orders for its Time-to-Digital Converter (TDC) chips, which offer precise timing capabilities for satellite systems. In the nuclear sector, there has been an uptick in demand for radiation-hardened image sensors and continued validation efforts for their motion series platforms aimed at nuclear fusion applications.
With this capital infusion, Magics seeks to increase production volumes, fortify international collaborations, deliver on existing hardware contracts, and grow its platform to enter new markets. Their enduring objective remains to develop reliable semiconductor solutions that outperform others where operational failures are not an option.
Jens Verbeeck, CEO of Magics, emphasized, “This second closing represents a strong signal in our strategy and technology.”
The funding is critical in helping Magics enhance their market position, particularly in regions where semiconductor autonomy is a strategic priority. This initiative aligns with a continued focus on expanding the portfolio of robust chip technologies capable of operating in harsh conditions, thereby reducing risk in vital sectors globally.
