Trump Administration Backs XLight with $150M Investment for EUV Lithography Advancement
The TRUMP administration has committed $150 million in funding to XLight, a semiconductor startup led by former Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger. The investment grants the U.S. government an equity stake in the company, reinforcing its strategic push to bolster domestic semiconductor innovation under the CHIPS Act.
XLight specializes in developing free-electron lasers (FELs) for extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography—a breakthrough aimed at surpassing current laser-produced plasma technology. The startup’s collaboration with national labs and supply chain partners positions it as a key player in next-generation chip manufacturing.
This MOVE signals Washington’s prioritization of cutting-edge lithography to reduce reliance on foreign semiconductor tools, particularly those from ASML. While financial specifics remain undisclosed, the funding underscores a broader effort to secure U.S. leadership in critical technologies.
