News: Microelectronics
27 January 2026
Vertical gallium nitride could transform high-voltage power electronics and support UK net-zero ambitions, says CSA Catapult
A new white paper published by the UK’s Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult sets out how the the country could take a leading role in the next major shift in power electronics, as demand surges for smaller, faster and more energy-efficient high-voltage systems.
Established in 2018 by government agency Innovate UK, CSA Catapult is a not-for-profit center of excellence that specializes in the measurement, characterization, integration and validation of compound semiconductor technology spanning power electronics, advanced packaging, radio frequency and microwave, and photonics applications.
The new report focuses on vertical gallium nitride (GaN), particularly the GaN-on-GaN architecture, which has the potential to significantly outperform existing silicon-based devices. Instead of carrying current across the surface as in common lateral GaN devices, vertical GaN conducts current straight through the thickness of the device. Using a GaN-on-GaN design reduces the number of defects, handles heat better, and allows the device to support higher voltages and power. This makes power systems smaller, lighter and more reliable. Vertical GaN also switches on and off faster with less energy loss, which improves overall efficiency.
Electric vehicle charging networks, renewable energy installations and power-hungry data centers are all expanding at pace. Power electronics sit at the heart of all these systems, and even modest efficiency gains can translate into major energy and carbon savings at scale.
Early projections suggest that the high-power GaN device market could reach $1.5bn within five years, with vertical GaN expected to capture an increasing share as the technology matures. Compact GaN power adapters delivering hundreds of watts are already reaching the market, while next-generation GaN-based systems in data centers could reduce electricity use by up to 10%, cutting costs and emissions. In electric vehicles, more efficient GaN inverters and chargers could support faster charging, longer range and lighter systems.
The report highlights how the UK is well placed to capitalize on this opportunity. Research at universities including Cardiff, Swansea and Coventry sits alongside a strong compound semiconductor supply chain, with companies such as IQE and Cambridge GaN Devices already active in the space. Major automotive, aerospace and energy companies also provide further pull-through for advanced power electronics technologies.
As vertical GaN moves from research into real-world deployment, CSA Catapult is playing a key role in helping industry to bridge that gap. Through its power electronics expertise, testing and benchmarking capability, and collaborative R&D programs, the Catapult is supporting organizations to assess performance, address reliability challenges and accelerate routes to market.
The report sets out the benefits and practical steps needed to turn UK capability into global leadership, but this is just the start of the conversation for industry, policymakers and researchers alike, it notes.
“Vertical GaN provides an exciting opportunity for UK organizations to deliver cleaner, more efficient power electronics that directly support national priorities around energy security, productivity and decarbonization,” says CSA Catapult’s chief technology officer Nick Singh. “CSA Catapult will convene industry and academia to bring this new technology to life. We will not only be able to compete better on the global stage, but we can give the UK a strategic advantage.”
CSA Catapult report highlights growth and scale-up opportunities for UK photonics companies
