BluGlass appoints laser industry luminaries to new Industry Advisory Board

Semiconductor company BluGlass has appointed an Industry Advisory Board, led by University of California, Santa Barbara Professor Steven DenBaars and laser semiconductor executive Dr Richard Craig, as the company seeks to progress its gallium nitride (GaN) laser products commercially.

Following an announcement last week of a world record result for power produced by a single-mode GaN laser, the ASX-listed company said its Industry Advisory Board will provide “strategic guidance on technology development, market positioning, and commercial partnerships” regarding its laser solutions, and “accelerate its go to-market strategy.” 

DenBaars and Craig will complement advice provided by BluGlass’ current advisers, including the Solid State Lighting & Energy Electronics Center (SSLEEC) and CLAWS Hub in the US (which BluGlass is a member of), as well as Nobel Laureate Professor Shuji Nakamura, Professor Fred Kish, and Professor John Muth.  

DenBaars is described as a pioneer in GaN materials and devices research, and is a Distinguished Professor at the UCSB and co-director of (SSLEEC.) Craig’s background includes as President and Chief Scientist at Oclaro, and Senior Vice President at SDL and JDSU (now Lumentum).

BluGlass CEO Jim Haden said in a statement on Monday: “The Advisory Board’s focus will be to advance our go-to-market strategy and competitive position, which provides a structured path to scale by leveraging joint development projects to generate early revenue while  building a pipeline of future product customers.  

“Prof. DenBaars and Dr Craig’s invaluable expertise and networks will build and accelerate the momentum of the  past year, helping us identify new commercial partnerships with industry, defence primes, and government, that  not only provide near-term revenue, but position us for multi-year manufacturing contracts.  

Haden added that the pair’s decision to accept equity as compensation aligned their interests with those of shareholders, and displayed “confidence in both our technology and ability to meet the significant unmet global demand” for high-quality lasers.

Picture: credit BluGlass

Further reading

BluGlass achieves gallium nitride laser world record result

BluGlass secures $2.9 million sub-contract through US microelectronics hub

BluGlass awarded repeat order from University of Central Florida

BluGlass joins US regional innovation hub for wide-bandgap semiconductors