“An interview with Jonas Sundqvist”
This is the sixth post in a series of blogs in which we share exciting information about companies or other organizations within the atomic scale processing industry. Through an interview, we aim to get insight into the kind of products and projects the companies have and in which way they see their company developing in the future. We also try to dive deeper into what drives these companies and what makes them so special in the atomic scale processing industry. In addition, we will address topics like how the company implements science communication and new technologies such as artificial intelligence.
| Facts and Figures about AlixLabs | |
|---|---|
| Company location | Lund, Sweden |
| Year established | 2019 |
| Markets | Semiconductor |
| Main collaborations | Lund university, Fraunhofer |
| Number of employees 2025 | 12 |
| Number of employees 2024 | 8 |
| Student opportunities | Yes, MSc and PhD |
| Goal for 2025 | Provide 300 mm APS for customer demonstrations |
For this post, we had the privilege of speaking with Jonas Sundqvist, the CEO and co-founder of AlixLabs (also known from BALD Engineering). The recently founded semiconductor startup based in Lund, Sweden, offers a unique approach for nano device fabrication. Their approach utilizes Atomic Layer Etching (ALE) pitch splitting for the manufacturing of nanostructures with a characteristic size below 20 nm, without the use of any advanced nano-patterning.
The Beginning of AlixLabs
The story of AlixLabs begins with its founder, Jonas Sundqvist, who returned to Sweden after having worked for a decade in Germany in the field of Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD). On his return, Jonas took up the role of lab manager at Lund Nanolab. It was here that he was tasked with coming up with a suitable project for a student working in the lab. Jonas, who had gained significant experience with ALD during his career, was now drawn to the possibilities of Atomic Layer Etching (ALE). At the Nanolab, research on growing nanowires had been ongoing since the late 80s. However, the minimum diameter of these nanowires was limited to the gold dots from which they were grown. Jonas proposed using ALE to precisely trim the nanowires to overcome the size limitations. This approach, however, led to an unexpected outcome. The nanowires split longitudinally, essentially creating two wires from one. This phenomenon, named ALE Pitch-Splitting (APS), was consistent, observed in silicon wires as well, and gained interest from the scientific community.
The idea was presented at the 2016 ALD conference where it initially was met with skepticism as the concept of splitting nanowires through etching was new. Undeterred by the initial doubt from the scientific community, they continued researching and gathering data to validate the findings. Things took a positive turn when initial funding from Lund University was secured. Complemented by private investments, in 2019 AlixLabs was officially founded.
After the company was founded, focus was shifted towards wafer-based processes, specifically targeting a replacement for Self-Aligned Double and Quadrupole Patterning (SADP and SAQP). This strategic decision attracted great interest from the semiconductor industry. The ability to eventually offer a scalable and efficient alternative to existing technologies positioned AlixLabs as a noteworthy player in semiconductor processing.
Starting a company: Some Insights from AlixLabs
Launching a startup like AlixLabs, in the high-tech world of semiconductor fabrication, presents a set of challenges, learning experiences, and unforeseen victories. In the beginning, the company was driven by a core team of four individuals who not only had to advance their technology but also had to learn the essential skills needed to communicate their vision effectively.
Understanding the critical role of communication in attracting investors and partners, the entire team at AlixLabs undertook a training for giving a pitch to an audience. Despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic, which necessitated that all training sessions be conducted online, the team was dedicated to improving their skills to pitch an idea or proposal. Initially, their presentations were far from perfect, but through practice they were able to polish their delivery. Their perseverance allowed them to effectively convey the innovative aspects and potential impact of AlixLabs’ technology.
A significant milestone for any startup is securing investment, and for AlixLabs, this phase had its own unique challenges. During a crucial pitching event, the team was confronted with intricate financial queries from potential investors—questions that delved into the specifics of how much money would equate to how many shares of the company. Despite the complexities of these discussions, the event exceeded expectations. AlixLabs not only captured the interest of the investors but also succeeded in securing an impressive 9 million Swedish crowns.
Jonas also shared insights into the personal challenges that accompany starting a new venture. Transitioning from a stable, well-paying job to the unpredictable world of startups involves considerable risk and can be daunting. One of the concerns was the financial sustainability of AlixLabs—how long could they stretch the initial investment before needing additional funding? Despite these concerns, the backing from investors and early successes provided reassurance, boosting the team’s confidence in the startup its potential to thrive.
Innovations and Strategic Focus
AlixLabs is not solely focused on perfecting its existing technology but is also committed to continuous innovation. With a team of eight full-time employees, 6 physicists and 2 chemists, the company’s environment is ideally suited for continuous technological advancement. This highly qualified team, when collaborating in the cleanroom, becomes a powerhouse for innovation. Since their remarkable discovery of pitch splitting eight years ago, AlixLabs has expanded its expertise and applications within the field of ALE. The company is passionately dedicated to refining and advancing ALE technologies, aspiring to establish itself as an ALE company recognized for its pure focus and innovative contributions to the industry.
In the strategic development of their technology, AlixLabs initially considered whether to focus on tools for 150 and 200 mm wafers, which are commonly used for research and development purposes. However, recognizing the broader market potential and the needs of major industry players, the company decided to prioritize the development of 300 mm wafer tools. This decision was based on a strategic rationale: by targeting the more widely used 300 mm wafers, AlixLabs could attract significant interest from major industrial players, and scaling down to smaller wafers would be simpler if necessary in the future.
This strategic focus on 300 mm wafers aligns with the requirements of major fabricators involved in semiconductor manufacturing processes, such as double and quadrupole patterning commonly utilized in the DRAM and Logic sectors. For these manufacturers, AlixLabs aims to offer innovative solutions that promise to enhance both efficiency and precision in production.
Engaging with the Ecosystem: Partnerships and Science Communication
Collaboration is a cornerstone of AlixLabs’ strategy. The company maintains a close partnership with Lund University, which not only fosters academic collaboration but also serves as a recruitment pipeline for new talent. Many employees at AlixLabs have a direct connection to Lund University, often transitioning from academic roles or completing their studies. This strong academic-industry linkage ensures that AlixLabs remains at the cutting edge of research and development in the semiconductor field.
At AlixLabs, there’s a strong emphasis on academic freedom and open communication, which sets it apart from many other tech companies. Where other companies might restrict what employees can share outside the company due to intellectual property concerns, AlixLabs encourages its staff to publish and present their work. This open policy helps give employees a pleasant academia-like feeling, keeps ideas flowing and also raises AlixLabs’ profile in the industry, which is especially important for a growing company.
The company also understands the importance of its team participating in external conferences. Attending these events helps with personal and professional growth, and keeps AlixLabs connected with the latest developments and conversations in the semiconductor industry. When employees share their research and ideas at these events, it helps establish AlixLabs as a key player in the field of atomic layer etching. However, this openness doesn’t mean that AlixLabs ignores the need to protect its own inventions. The company has a strict process for reviewing what information can be shared publicly to ensure that while they are open about their work, they also protect their innovations. This careful balance allows AlixLabs to benefit from being open and collaborative while also keeping their technological advances safe from competitors.
Next to being active in academic and scientific communities, AlixLabs can also be found on social media. During the interview, Jonas humorously remarked that if AlixLabs is heading to Taiwan on business, he makes that people online see the plane taking off. Being active online is common for Jonas as he already has some serious experience with science communication as the man behind the BALD Engineering. In the blog of BALD Engineering, which has 35.000 visitors per month from all over the world, developments in ALD, ALE, and semiconductor and nanotechnology business are covered.
Leveraging AI for Business Solutions: Innovations in IP Management
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a hot topic the past year with large language models becoming more and more accessible. AlixLabs integrates AI into its operations with a focus on overcoming language and technical barriers and enhancing its Intellectual Property (IP) management processes.
One of the key applications of AI at AlixLabs is to bridge the language gap in funding applications and to enhance the clarity of technical documentation. Operating in Sweden, the need to navigate complex technical and funding documents in Swedish poses a significant challenge, especially for non-native speakers within the team. AI tools are employed to translate and refine these documents, ensuring that the text is not only grammatically correct but also clear and comprehensible. This use of AI helps AlixLabs effectively communicate their ideas and innovations in grant applications and technical papers, maximizing their chances of securing funding and successfully disseminating their research findings.
In addition to improving communication, AlixLabs utilizes AI to streamline its IP filing processes. The invention disclosure procedure, a critical step in protecting new innovations, can be intricate and time-consuming. AlixLabs employs AI tools equipped with an offline database to assist in this process. These tools help organize and analyze invention disclosures, ensuring all necessary information is accurately captured and appropriately documented before filing for patents. The offline database feature of these AI tools is particularly crucial for maintaining data security, as it ensures all sensitive information is stored safely and protected from unauthorized access.
This strategic application of AI in overcoming language barriers and managing IP not only enhances operational efficiency at AlixLabs but also ensures that the company remains competitive and secure in its technological advancements. By embracing AI, AlixLabs not only optimizes its internal workflows but also reinforces its commitment to innovation and security in the high-tech industry.
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