News: LEDs
4 August 2026
Kubos secures $2.1m investment to accelerate development of cubic-phase GaN
Micro-LED material technology company Kubos Semiconductors Ltd (which was spun out of the UK’s University of Cambridge in 2017, and is now based in the Sbarc building at Cardiff University in South Wales) has raised over $2.1m to accelerate development of its cubic-phase gallium nitride (GaN) technology. This brings total funding to over $8m and will enable Kubos to enter the micro-LED market within three years through IP licensing.
The latest investment includes the award of a Growth Catalyst project grant from government agency Innovate UK, part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). This funded project will explore the potential of Kubos’ patented cubic GaN micro-LED technology to deliver Gigahertz switching speeds at low operating powers for optical communication applications.
The financial support from Innovate UK is matched by investor funds from strategic investors Development Bank of Wales (lead investor), the Low Carbon Innovation Fund 3 (LCIF3) and S4C Digital Media Ltd. The funding also includes follow-on investment from Kubos’ existing shareholders.
The funds will accelerate the development of high-speed micro-LEDs for optical interconnects. “The project perfectly complements Kubos’ ongoing development of a platform-material solution for high-efficiency micro-LEDs emitting across the visible wavelength spectrum,” says Kubos’ CEO Dr Susan Gormley. “This is an exciting opportunity to strengthen Kubos' pathway to commercialization through the delivery of transformational technology for AI and data-center infrastructure, next-generation displays and high-efficiency lighting,” she adds.
“Kubos is exactly the kind of Welsh tech venture that demonstrates the strength and potential of South Wales’ compound semiconductor sector,” comments Gareth Mayhead, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales. “Since our first investment, the team has made encouraging progress in developing technology that could improve the efficiency and scalability of micro-LED production for global markets,” he adds.
“Our follow-on funding is a relatively small investment, but it plays an important role in unlocking further capital, including Innovate UK grant support, and gives Kubos the runway it needs to continue proving its technology at scale,” Mayhead continues. “The continued support of LCIF3 also reflects confidence in the company’s progress and the opportunity for Wales to build on its growing reputation in this key growth sector.”
The Development Bank of Wales has a track record of supporting breakthrough technologies and compound semiconductor businesses. The Low Carbon Innovation Fund 3 (LCIF3) is a co-investment fund operated by the University of East Anglia, focused on developing environmentally beneficial technologies, products or services. S4C Digital Media plays a key role in the delivery of digital content to consumers. This investor group brings experience and knowledge that touches on all aspects of the opportunity that Kubos aims to exploit.
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