SeeDevice Recognized as 'Company of the Year' of Top 10 Semiconductor Tech Startups 2023 by Semiconductor Review

Semiconductor Review | Wednesday, October 18, 2023

SeeDevice Inc., a pioneering leader of QMOS™ SWIR sensor was awarded Company of the Year of Top Semiconductor Tech Startup 2023 by Semiconductor Review. This award recognizes the absolute top performer in the semiconductor industry for its excellence in advanced technology development and business.

ORANGE, CA / SeeDevice Inc., the fabless QMOS™ (Quantum effect CMOS) SWIR sensor developer, proudly announced that it has been recognized as Company of the Year of the Top 10 Semiconductor Tech Startups 2023 by Semiconductor Review, an established magazine that provides comprehensive views of recent developments in the semiconductor space. This award is evaluated by a panel following the standard MCDA (multi-criteria decision analysis) method and peer recommendation.

SeeDevice's technology was developed to extend the range of pure CMOS sensors by leveraging two key concepts - plasmonics and quantum tunneling - to see beyond visible light into the short-wave infrared (SWIR) region while overcoming the high costs associated with exotic material-based SWIR sensors. The resulting technology has exceeded expectations and outperformed expensive competitors, attracting the attention of various industries.

Stay ahead of the industry with exclusive feature stories on the top companies, expert insights and the latest news delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe today.

"SeeDevice's patented silicon-based quantum effect photodetector technology delivers high-performance SWIR capabilities in proven, cost-effective standard CMOS processes. It enables mass production and we're ready," said Dr. Hoon Kim, Founder and CEO of SeeDevice.

Dr. Kim, a semiconductor pioneer with over 25 years of research experience in nanophotonic and quantum electronics, has been recently invited to give a keynote speech at IQTNYC 2023, the leading conference and exhibition organization covering quantum computing and technology worldwide.

SeeDevice is positioned at the forefront of the industry, offering high sensitivity, nanosecond integration time, scalability, and wide dynamic and spectral range (200-1650nm) to provide unmatched performance for clients' needs spanning across biomedical, automotive, surveillance, agriculture, and consumer products like mobile phones and machine vision-enabled industry applications. Recently, SeeDevice has successfully developed a NI-CGM (Non-invasive continuous glucose monitoring) device and is currently in clinical trials with plans to enter the CGM market soon.

"SeeDevice closed nearly 10 million dollars of Series A funding and plans to invite the investors for our Series B round in the near future," said Sean Oh, Sr. VP of SeeDevice.

"SWIR has not been actively explored due to technical limitations despite its high potential. We will be the game changer for popularizing SWIR sensors worldwide by utilizing them for industrial applications and products that are more accessible to consumers," said Dr. Kim.

 

More in News

VX Instruments establishes VX Instruments Asia Pte. Ltd. to serve Asia's power semiconductor industry Singapore, 24 July 2026 – VX Instruments GmbH, a German manufacturer of advanced power semiconductor test systems, today announces the official launch of VX Instruments Asia Pte. Ltd. , its regional subsidiary headquartered in Singapore. The new entity marks VX Instruments' entry into Asia's fast-growing power semiconductor market and establishes a permanent, committed presence in the region. WHY SINGAPORE – WHY NOW Asia is where power semiconductor growth is happening. The transition to electric vehicles, solar energy systems and industrial automation is driving unprecedented demand for SiC and GaN power devices – and Asia's manufacturers are at the centre of that transition. Leading semiconductor companies across Southeast Asia, Taiwan, Japan, China and India are scaling capacity faster than anywhere else in the world. The decision to base VX Instruments Asia in Singapore was deliberate and grounded in substance. Singapore is not merely a convenient gateway to Asia – it is the world’s most purposefully engineered semiconductor ecosystem. No other location combines the same depth of government commitment, industrial infrastructure, talent development and research capability in a single, stable jurisdiction. Singapore’s government has made semiconductors a national strategic priority – and backed that commitment with decisive action. In Budget 2026, Singapore committed SGD 800 million to semiconductor R&D under its Research, Innovation and Enterprise 2030 (RIE2030) plan. A dedicated SGD 60 million National Semiconductor Technology and Innovation Centre (NSTIC) for power electronics – with an explicit focus on wide bandgap materials including SiC and GaN – commenced operations in April 2026. A parallel NSTIC for gallium nitride was established in 2023. These are not pilot programmes: they are national infrastructure investments designed to make Singapore the global reference point for compound semiconductor development. For a company specialising in SiC and GaN power semiconductor test systems, Singapore’s strategic alignment is exceptional. The government’s RIE2030 agenda explicitly targets wide bandgap semiconductor commercialisation – the same technology space that VX Instruments has served for over two decades. Being present where Singapore’s research institutions, device manufacturers and equipment ecosystem converge is not incidental to our Asia strategy: it is the foundation of it. ...Read more
In recent years, embedded systems have taken on a much larger role in the business world, fueled by the adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) and Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) technologies. This expansion has enabled a wider variety of applications, creating smarter technologies and more interconnected ecosystems. As embedded systems grow more advanced, managing and integrating them becomes increasingly complex. To stay competitive, organizations must stay updated on the latest developments in embedded system applications. Predictions for the Future of Embedded Systems Enhanced IoT Integration The strengthening relationship between IoT and embedded systems profoundly impacts connectivity and data exchange. As the number of devices within IoT ecosystems grows, ensuring seamless communication across networks and supporting real-time data processing will be paramount. Increased Emphasis on Edge Computing Edge computing is gaining traction in response to the demand for rapid processing and response times and heightened data privacy concerns. Combining edge and cloud-based processing will enable businesses to reduce latency and sustain operations without relying solely on continuous internet connectivity. AI Transformation Like many other technological areas, embedded systems are being revolutionized by artificial intelligence (AI). AI empowers embedded devices to make real-time decisions through advanced algorithms and neural network developments. This convergence will significantly enhance personalization, responsiveness, and user experience across various applications and industries, making embedded systems increasingly intelligent. Focus on Security and Regulation With growing regulatory scrutiny and legislation surrounding data privacy, the importance of security cannot be overstated. The potential for AI to be exploited by malicious actors necessitates robust security measures, particularly in complex and integrated embedded applications. Organizations should implement advanced security protocols throughout their embedded networks to safeguard against vulnerabilities. Advanced Connectivity The expansion of IoT, alongside the widespread rollout of 5G technology, facilitates smarter connectivity. 5G enables the rapid, reliable, and cost-effective integration of devices into IoT networks, supporting swift and dependable data transfer. This advancement enhances the capabilities of embedded system networks, both in terms of their physical reach and connectivity options. The Emergence of AR and VR Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies are becoming increasingly practical for various applications. From providing real-time data insights to workers in industrial settings to delivering information via smart glasses and wearables, the possibilities are expanding. In the context of embedded systems, VR can be employed in virtual prototyping, allowing product concepts to be visualized before production, thus expediting development cycles and proactively addressing potential issues. The evolving landscape of embedded systems presents significant business opportunities and challenges. As IoT, edge computing, AI, and advanced connectivity integration continue, organizations must remain agile and proactive in adapting to these changes. Emphasizing robust security measures and staying informed about emerging trends will be critical to harnessing the full potential of embedded technologies. Ultimately, the future of embedded systems is poised to redefine industries and enhance operational efficiencies, driving innovation and competitiveness in an increasingly interconnected world. By embracing these advancements, businesses can position themselves at the forefront of technological evolution, ensuring sustained growth and success in the years to come. ...Read more
Maritime navigation relies on seamless data flow—position, heading, wind, depth, engine, and alarm information must transmit accurately between sensors, displays, recorders, and decision support systems. Executives selecting a navigation interface supplier aren’t merely choosing interchangeable hardware; they are defining the integration layer that ensures consistent performance across diverse ship classes, retrofits, and third party equipment combinations. Problems seldom appear as outright failures. More commonly, crews encounter intermittent dropouts, duplicated data, or mismatched identifiers, undermining trust and increasing troubleshooting time during voyages and port operations for both ship operators and system integrators. Sound buying discipline favors interfaces that manage heterogeneity without creating brittle dependencies. Alignment to IEC 61162 and the NMEA family is the practical baseline, since maritime projects typically involve equipment from multiple manufacturers and generations. Control over routing, filtering, header or checksum correction and selective recomputation helps integrators deal with legacy constraints and cabling realities that never match a clean diagram. Modernization adds another layer, since fleets increasingly connect legacy serial talkers to Ethernet-based IEC 61162-450 networks and need a clean migration path that does not strand existing equipment. Buyers benefit when modules can combine, split and recalculate data on site, such as deriving true wind from available inputs, and when a supplier can tailor hardware or user interfaces in small batches to fit unusual bridge layouts or OEM builds. Reliability is expressed through design choices that prevent cascading faults. Electrical isolation on inputs and outputs helps contain ground loops and transient events that can corrupt data or damage connected equipment. Dual power options and automatic changeover between primary and secondary data sources protect navigation continuity when a sensor or line fails. Commissioning and service improve when interfaces provide clear status indication and simple monitoring access for yards and integrators. Compliance matters too: products certified to IEC 60945 and backed by consistent quality management reduce rework during class and yard acceptance. Cyber risk now sits directly in the navigation data exchange. Chart updates, remote support and the intersection of IT and maritime networks create exposure that cannot be managed through informal USB handling. Procurement teams gain confidence when a supplier supports IEC 61162-460 style network integrity, including controlled pathways for chart data transfer and network segmentation that can be evidenced in audits and aligned to IMO cyber risk requirements. Implementation should remain practical, using dedicated hardware and a clear configuration so that procedures are repeatable across vessels and service partners. VEINLAND GmbH matches these demands by concentrating on NMEA converters, multiplexers, expanders and selector devices for IEC 61162 distributions, including galvanic isolation, redundant supply inputs and automatic switching for redundant feeds. Its VL-SDN selector forwards redundant NMEA streams to multiple RS422 and RS232 outputs. Its Chartserver is positioned as DNV type-approved IEC 61162-460 hardware for chart data exchange between a PC and ECDIS without removable media, configured through a web interface. Its 460 Gateway extends the same compliance mindset to protected connections between networks and systems. Development and manufacturing are handled in-house, supporting custom variants and long-term product continuity. ...Read more
Counterfeit electronics pose a growing concern for industries that rely on complex, high-performance components, from consumer devices to aerospace systems. As electronic parts traverse intricate global supply networks, opportunities for counterfeit infiltration have expanded, jeopardizing product reliability, safety, and brand integrity. Addressing this issue requires a comprehensive, technology-enabled approach that detects and prevents counterfeit activity and strengthens transparency, accountability, and collaboration across the supply chain. Solutions are emerging that blend advanced authentication technologies, real-time tracking systems, and shared intelligence frameworks. These efforts transform counterfeit mitigation from a reactive safeguard into a proactive strategy supporting quality, innovation, and stakeholder trust. Strengthening Supply Chains through Evolving Industry Practices The counterfeit electronics landscape has become a significant focus area within global supply chain management. With the rapid expansion of consumer electronics, automotive systems, medical devices, and aerospace components, the demand for electronic parts has increased exponentially. This demand and complex, multilayered supply networks have created openings for counterfeit parts to enter the value chain. In response, industry players are prioritizing traceability and authentication mechanisms. There is growing reliance on blockchain-based tracking, serialized barcoding, and digital part pedigree records to enhance visibility and accountability from production to deployment. The market also embraces artificial intelligence to predict and detect anomalies in procurement patterns and supply histories. Machine learning algorithms flag suspicious transactions and inconsistencies, enabling early intervention. Procurement departments increasingly seek parts from authorized distributors or verified sources, reinforcing quality assurance measures. Partnerships with certification bodies and government programs are expanding to uphold compliance with global electronic authenticity standards. These evolving market practices collectively form a robust foundation for the broader adoption of counterfeit mitigation strategies. Mitigating Risks through Targeted Solutions Counterfeit components pose serious risks, including equipment malfunction, safety hazards, and compromised intellectual property. A significant challenge is the absence of transparency in global supply chains, especially when components pass through several intermediaries. To address this, end-to-end supply chain visibility tools are being implemented. These systems utilize tamper-evident packaging, QR code scanning, and part tracking software to document a component’s journey, offering proof of authenticity at every stage. Another significant hurdle is distinguishing high-quality counterfeit items from legitimate ones, as counterfeiting methods have become increasingly sophisticated. In response, manufacturers incorporate embedded markers such as invisible inks, microtags, and DNA-based labels into original parts. These embedded identifiers can be verified using specialized scanning devices, ensuring swift and reliable authentication without disrupting production workflows. Cost sensitivity is another issue, particularly among small and medium enterprises, which may opt for lower-priced alternatives that turn out to be counterfeit. Industry groups are promoting shared verification infrastructure and open-access authentication databases to combat this. These collaborative tools reduce the cost burden on individual firms while raising the collective standard of counterfeit detection. A further challenge is the lack of employee training and awareness regarding counterfeit identification and reporting. In addressing this, companies are deploying regular training programs, digital simulation tools, and reporting platforms to empower procurement, logistics, and quality control teams. Such measures build an informed workforce capable of spotting red flags before counterfeit components cause downstream failures. These integrated solutions transform risks into resilience, equipping the electronics sector with scalable tools to combat counterfeit threats. Unlocking Value through Innovation and Stakeholder Collaboration The advancement of anti-counterfeit technologies generates new opportunities that benefit manufacturers, suppliers, end-users, and regulators. One of the most impactful developments is the integration of blockchain in supply chains, which offers immutable records of component origin, movement, and authentication status. These digital ledgers ensure that every stakeholder, from the factory floor to the end user, can access tamper-proof verification data. This transparency enhances trust and reduces the likelihood of counterfeit items entering circulation. The rise of Internet of Things technology has facilitated real-time monitoring and reporting of electronic component conditions. IoT-enabled smart packaging can detect environmental variations, such as humidity or temperature, that may indicate tampering. These deter counterfeiting and improve quality assurance, enhancing customer confidence and brand reputation. Advancements in computer vision and AI-driven inspection systems are also reshaping quality control. These technologies analyze components at a microscopic level to detect deviations from design specifications. This non-invasive inspection process speeds up verification, reduces manual labor, and supports high-throughput operations. As these tools become more accessible, they allow organizations of all sizes to enforce stringent counterfeit prevention protocols. Regulatory and standardization bodies are playing a growing role in harmonizing anti-counterfeit practices across borders. Unified frameworks help align global supply chain players and reduce compliance complexity. Stakeholders benefit from clearer guidelines and reduced operational ambiguity, enabling smoother adoption of best practices. Collaborative ecosystems are also emerging, where manufacturers, distributors, and third-party auditors share data and insights on known counterfeit sources. This shared intelligence strengthens the sector’s collective ability to respond swiftly to new threats. By building an interconnected network of vigilance and accountability, stakeholders create a resilient infrastructure capable of adapting to evolving risks. Educational initiatives are another area for growth, with academic institutions and industry groups offering certification programs in electronic component authentication and supply chain integrity. These programs cultivate a new generation of professionals equipped to manage modern counterfeit mitigation strategies with technical precision and strategic foresight. ...Read more