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RayVio Corporation develops semiconductor-based technology to commercialize solid state UV LED solutions for industrial, consumer and digital health applications
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Investment extends Applied Materials` expertise in precision materials engineering to new applications for silicon and related growth opportunities in UV LED solutions
SANTA CLARA, Calif., March 16, 2015 - Applied Ventures, LLC, the venture capital arm of Applied Materials, Inc. and a leading corporate venture firm, announced today that it has participated in a Series B financing round for RayVio Corporation, an advanced UV light emitting diode (LED) solutions company developing proprietary semiconductor-based technology for manufacturing solid state ultraviolet (SSUV) LED products and applications. RayVio`s patented technology is intended to enable large-scale adoption of UV LEDs for the industrial, digital health and consumer sectors, with a variety of applications to benefit society. The funds provided by Applied Ventures will be used to accelerate product development and to enable RayVio to provide next-generation UV LED light sources with improved efficiency, yield and cost. The investment also presents an opportunity for Applied Materials to apply its expertise in precision materials engineering to cutting-edge and potentially disruptive applications in existing and new markets.
"Applied Ventures` strategic investment in RayVio reflects our mission to identify and accelerate innovation around the globe, with an eye for emerging technologies where our leadership in precision materials engineering adds value to new growth markets," said Dr. Om Nalamasu, president of Applied Ventures and chief technology officer for Applied Materials. "We are pleased to expand our portfolio to further develop UV LEDs for promising new medical and industrial applications and beyond."
RayVio`s unique, power-dense UV LED technology and materials are compact, instantly available, robust, mercury-free, energy-efficient and long-lasting. Potential applications include improving the effectiveness and accessibility of disinfection techniques for water, food, air and surfaces. This includes industrial and consumer applications to extend food shelf life via enhanced refrigerator systems, and printing and coating applications to conserve energy by avoiding the need for always-on mercury lamps or heat curing. The differentiated solution is of particular relevance to developing countries where access to clean drinking water is scarce, as well as for medical practitioners using UV devices to treat health ailments ranging from vitamin D deficiency to Multiple Sclerosis.