Award will fund the development of a prototype to develop the world’s first large-area, high-performance single-crystal diamond substrate for commercial use

Great Lakes Crystal Technologies Awarded $2.7M from National Security Innovation Capital

Jonathan Charak, Chief Financial Officer
Email: jonathan@glcrystal.com
Phone: (312) 735-1475

Great Lakes Crystal Technologies (GLCT), the leading U.S.-based provider of single-crystal high-performance diamond plates, substrates, and epitaxial wafers for high-technology applications, has been awarded $2.7M from National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC).

The award will allow Michigan-based GLCT to advance the manufacturing readiness level (MRL) of the world’s first large-area high-performance single-crystal diamond substrate for applications in quantum sensing, thermal management in microchip packaging, and advanced (high-speed, radiation-hard, and power) electronics, within 18 months.

“High-performance diamond is a major new platform materials technology that will impact all future defense systems, as well as a multitude of national security and commercial applications,” said Dr. Timothy Grotjohn, Co-Founder and CEO of Great Lakes Crystal Technologies. “Success of this project will give GLCT and our nation a first-mover advantage in the supply of the world’s first large-area electronic device-capable high-performance diamond substrates.”

Founded in 2019 as a Michigan State University technology startup, GLCT has been awarded over $20M of federal investments to expand its product roadmap for target applications in electronics, quantum sensors, advanced packaging, and detection. GLCT designs and builds proprietary CVD diamond crystal growth reactors entirely in the U.S., holding a licensed portfolio of 10 issued & 4 pending diamond materials technology patents from Michigan State University. Additionally, GLCT is the only 100% U.S.-based device-ready single-crystal diamond material manufacturer of its kind.

This multi-million dollar award represents a major milestone in GLCT’s continued growth trajectory. “We are honored to be part of NSIC’s mission and play a role in securing America’s future by providing improved technology solutions for defense and national security applications,” continued Dr. Grotjohn.

More information about Great Lakes Crystal Technologies can be found at www.glcrystal.com or by emailing info@glcrystal.com.

ABOUT GREAT LAKES CRYSTAL TECHNOLOGIES

Great Lakes Crystal Technologies (GLCT) is the leading domestic provider of single crystal high-performance diamond plates, substrates, and epitaxial wafers for high-technology applications. The only 100% U.S.-based device-ready diamond material manufacturer of its kind, GLCT creates and develops proprietary chemical vapor deposition, “CVD,” reactors that are entirely designed and built in the U.S.. Founded in 2019 as a Michigan State University startup, GLCT is dedicated to creating social and economic capital while improving humanity and supporting national security through the expansion of its product roadmap for target applications in electronics, quantum sensors, advanced packaging, and detection. Acquiring over $20M in federal investments to date, GLCT has maximized Co-Founder and CEO, Dr. Timothy Grotjohn’s 35+ years of research and development experience, along with the broader team’s century of experience in diamond material technology and post-silicon commercialization.

ABOUT NATIONAL SECURITY INNOVATION CAPITAL

National Security Innovation Capital (NSIC), a component of the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) in the Department of Defense (DoD), provides funding to early-stage hardware startups commercializing dual-use products critical to national security and economic competitiveness. NSIC enables such startups to advance key milestones in their product development plans and reduce inherent technical risks by addressing the shortfall of private investment from trusted sources. CONTACT: media@diu.mil

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“High-performance diamond is a major new platform materials technology that will impact all future defense systems, as well as a multitude of national security and commercial applications,” said Dr. Timothy Grotjohn, Co-Founder and CEO of GLCT.