K1 Joins Alchemist & Duality Accelerator
October 20, 2025 K1 Semiconductor has been selected for the inaugural Alchemist Chicago Cohort, powered by Alchemist Accelerator and the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Chicago. We join Alchemist Chicago as part of Duality – the nation’s first quantum startup accelerator. Out of nearly 400 global applicants, only 27 science-driven startups were chosen for their potential to transform cutting-edge research into real-world impact across AI, Biotech, Cleantech, Data Analysis, and Quantum Computing. K1 is proud to represent UChicago and the Midwest deep-tech ecosystem in this pioneering group. About the Alchemist Accelerator The Alchemist Accelerator is a venture-backed initiative focused on accelerating the development of early-stage ventures that monetize from enterprises (B2B). With 650+ startups accelerated, 50%+ funded after graduation, and more than $3.9 billion in follow-on funding, Alchemist has built a global reputation for helping deep-tech founders turn innovation into scalable business success. Through Alchemist Chicago, the accelerator is expanding its impact beyond Silicon Valley, partnering with the Polsky Center to bring world-class venture resources to scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs across the Midwest. This program strengthens the bridge between university research and commercialization — especially in industries like semiconductors, advanced materials, and quantum computing. About the Duality Accelerator Duality is the first accelerator program in the U.S. exclusively focused on supporting innovative quantum startups. The program is based in Chicago, the world’s leading hub for quantum innovation. Since it’s inception in 2021, Duality has supported more than 25 startups, helped raise over $50 million in follow-on funding, and developed a growing network of corporate, academic, and investor partners. K1’s Mission: Redefining Semiconductor Manufacturing At K1 Semiconductor, we’re pioneering a semiconductor wafer-splitting (“spalling”) platform technology that enables up to 20x wafer reuse for advanced materials such as SiC, GaN, LiNbO₃, and diamond. Our innovation significantly reduces manufacturing costs, material waste, and supply-chain dependence — while enabling heterogeneous “engineered” wafers that deliver up to a 20% generational performance gain across applications in AI, EV, defense, and quantum technologies. K1’s work advances the twin goals of sustainability and sovereignty in semiconductor manufacturing, critical pillars for the future of the global technology ecosystem. Building the Future Together Joining Alchemist Chicago marks an exciting milestone in our mission to make semiconductor manufacturing more efficient, sustainable, and scalable. We’re honored to be part of a community that includes founders from UChicago, MIT, Columbia, Yale, and Georgia Tech, united by a shared commitment to pushing the boundaries of science and technology. This collaboration between Alchemist Accelerator and the Polsky Center reflects the growing momentum of the Midwest as a rising hub for deep-tech innovation and we’re proud to be at the forefront.
K1 Joins Plug and Play’s Deeptech Accelerator
September 25, 2025 K1 Semiconductor has been selected for the Deeptech Accelerator at Plug and Play Tech Center, one of the world’s leading platforms for connecting startups with corporate partners, investors, and industry experts. We are proud to join seven other startups from around the globe developing transformative scientific and engineering breakthroughs. About the Deeptech Accelerator Plug and Play’s DeepTech Program is designed to support breakthrough innovations in areas such as advanced manufacturing, new materials, robotics, quantum, and sustainability. Unlike traditional accelerators, it operates on a no-equity model and focuses on creating pilots, proofs of concept (PoCs), and commercial collaborations between startups and some of the world’s largest companies. Participants also benefit from mentorship, investor introductions, and access to Plug and Play’s global ecosystem of more than 500 corporate partners. Why This Matters for K1 At K1 Semiconductor, our mission is to transform how advanced semiconductor wafers are used and reused. Materials such as silicon carbide, diamond, and gallium nitride cost hundreds to thousands of dollars per wafer, yet today’s industry practices treat them as single-use resources, driving up costs and constraining supply. Our spalling platform technology changes that equation. By enabling wafers to be reused up to 20 times while preserving performance, we can reduce costs by more than 25% and open the door to wider adoption of advanced materials across critical industries. Through the DeepTech Program, we will be able to: Looking Ahead Semiconductors are the backbone of modern technology, and advanced materials like SiC and diamond are at the heart of the next wave of innovation. By joining Plug and Play’s Deeptech Accelerator, K1 Semiconductor is positioned to accelerate adoption of our wafer-reuse platform, strengthen U.S. competitiveness in semiconductor manufacturing, and help unlock breakthroughs across mobility, clean energy, industrial automation, defense, and AI.
K1 Semiconductor Attends ICSCRM 2025 in Korea
September 19, 2025 K1 Semiconductor attended the International Conference on Silicon Carbide and Related Materials (ICSCRM) 2025, held in Busan, Korea. Our CEO, Connor Horn, and CTO, Xella Doi, joined researchers, innovators, and industry leaders from across the globe for this gathering dedicated to advancing semiconductor materials and technologies. A Global Platform for Learning and Collaboration ICSCRM was not just an opportunity to present and connect, but also to learn from the latest breakthroughs in silicon carbide (SiC) and related materials. From technical sessions on wafer innovations and device reliability to discussions on scaling supply chains and manufacturing processes, the conference provided fresh insights that will inform our work at K1 Semiconductor. Equally valuable were the meaningful connections we built with peers across academia, industry, and government. Conversations with materials scientists, chip manufacturers, and potential partners opened new pathways for collaboration and helped us better understand how our technology can fit into, and accelerate, the broader semiconductor ecosystem. The Importance of ICSCRM Since its founding in Washington, D.C. in 1987, ICSCRM has become the world’s leading forum on silicon carbide and related materials. Each year, the conference showcases cutting-edge research, highlights emerging applications, and facilitates collaboration across borders. For K1 Semiconductor, being part of this global community is essential. It reinforces our mission to enhance the efficiency and economics of advanced chip manufacturing through scalable processes and next-generation materials. The insights we gained and the partnerships we formed at ICSCRM will play a direct role in shaping the future of our work. Korea: A Global Leader in Semiconductors Hosting ICSCRM in Busan was especially fitting. Korea continues to lead globally in semiconductor innovation, with advanced research institutions and industrial capabilities driving progress across the sector. Being immersed in this environment underscored the importance of international cooperation in advancing the future of deep tech. Looking Ahead Our experience at ICSCRM 2025 left us energized and inspired. We return with new technical insights, stronger global relationships, and a renewed commitment to pushing the boundaries of high-performance and sustainable semiconductor solutions. We are grateful to have been part of this year’s conference and look forward to building on the knowledge and connections gained as we continue our journey to transform advanced chip manufacturing.
K1 Partners With The Chicago Quantum Exchange
August 12, 2025 K1 Semiconductor has joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE) — a leading hub for advancing quantum information science and engineering — becoming part of a world-class corporate network that includes Boeing, IBM, Applied Materials, Toshiba, Microsoft, and other pioneers. “We joined the Chicago Quantum Exchange to help bridge cutting-edge semiconductor materials research with scalable, US-based manufacturing,” said Connor Horn, K1’s co-founder and CEO. “As we commercialize our wafer-reuse technology, we’re excited to collaborate with CQE partners working at the forefront of quantum devices, photonics, and advanced packaging. Chicago’s quantum ecosystem is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation and we’re proud to be part of it.” How K1 Will Collaborate with CQE Through the partnership, K1 will: We are already collaborating with Great Lakes Crystal Technologies, a CQE corporate partner manufacturing diamond substrates for quantum sensing and other advanced applications. This partnership illustrates the kind of high-impact, supply-chain-building collaborations that will be critical to U.S. leadership in quantum technology. What Leaders Are Saying “K1 Semiconductor’s work highlights two critical strengths of the Illinois-Wisconsin-Indiana quantum ecosystem: the role of Midwest-grown startups in developing key components of a domestic quantum supply chain and the important role of academia in driving the commercialization of the quantum technology sector,” said David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor of Molecular Engineering and Physics at UChicago Pritzker Molecular Engineering and the founding director of the Chicago Quantum Exchange. “We are delighted to welcome K1 Semiconductor to the CQE and look forward to working with them.” “Building a sustainable, scalable quantum supply chain will require the integration of highly specialized suppliers and manufacturers,” said Kate Timmerman, CEO of the Chicago Quantum Exchange. “K1’s collaboration with Great Lakes Crystal Technologies is an encouraging indicator of the nascent, but important, steps our region is taking to build the innovation pipeline needed to power US leadership in the growing quantum technology sector.” The news was also picked up by The Quantum Insider, one of the most widely read global platforms for quantum technology updates. About the Chicago Quantum Exchange The CQE is based at the University of Chicago and anchored by the US Department of Energy’s Argonne National Laboratory and Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Northwestern University, and Purdue University. The CQE includes more than 50 corporate, international, nonprofit, and regional partners.
K1 Semiconductor Wins at UIUC’s Tech Startup Challenge
July 25, 2025 K1 Semiconductor won 2nd place at the inaugural Grainger Engineering Tech Startup Challenge, securing $50,000 in funding for our revolutionary semiconductor wafer-splitting innovation that’s reshaping how chips are made. Held on July 22, 2025, as part of the TechChicago Capital Summit powered by P33, the challenge brought together some of the most promising innovators in quantum computing, cybersecurity, AI, and sustainability from around the world. In addition to the $50,000 cash prize, K1 Semiconductor was also awarded: Redefining Semiconductor Manufacturing At K1, we’re developing a platform technology that enables up to 20x semiconductor wafer reuse across high-performance materials. Our tech drastically improves material efficiency and reduces costs for chipmakers, unlocking new frontiers for industries including AI infrastructure, mobility, clean energy, industrial automation, and defense. “It’s an honor to be selected as the second-place winner out of more than 110 applicants from 35+ top national and international universities,” said Connor Horn, Co-founder and CEO of K1 Semiconductor. “This recognition reinforces our belief that the future depends on advanced semiconductors and marks another step forward in our journey from academic research in lab to commercial deployment and real-world impact.” K1 Accelerating Toward Scalable Impact With support from world-class partners and the momentum of a growing network, we’re moving into the next phase of development: scaling our wafer-splitting platform and collaborating with private and public-sector partners to drive adoption across the semiconductor supply chain. We’re deeply grateful to the Grainger College of Engineering, University of Illinois Research Park, Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and the broader TechChicago and P33 communities for their support in making this possible. We’re proud of what we’re building and even more energized for what’s ahead.
K1 Takes Stage at UChicago Tech Ventures Demo Day
July 21, 2025 K1 Semiconductor pitched at the University of Chicago Tech Ventures Demo Day, hosted at Google Chicago as part of TechChicago Week. The event, organized by the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, brought together 21 deep tech startups from across the Midwest — each addressing some of the world’s most complex technological challenges. From quantum computing to cleantech, artificial intelligence, and data science, the diversity of innovation on display was both energizing and inspiring. Connor Horn, Co-founder and CEO of K1 Semiconductor, presented how K1 is reimagining chip manufacturing through a novel wafer-splitting platform that enables up to 20x wafer reuse. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve the sustainability, scalability, and cost-efficiency of advanced semiconductor production — a critical leap forward as global demand for chips continues to surge. K1’s technology garnered significant attention in a room filled with investors, corporate partners, and ecosystem leaders. More than just a showcase, the event was a testament to the strength of the Midwest’s deep tech community and the value of collaboration in scaling scientific breakthroughs into real-world solutions. We’re grateful to the Polsky Center, Google Chicago, and all the organizers, mentors, and attendees who made the day a success. It’s an honor to be among a cohort of founders building long-term, high-impact ventures. As we continue to develop our platform and engage with partners across the semiconductor value chain, today’s pitch marks a key step in our journey — and a reflection of what’s possible when science, engineering, and entrepreneurship come together.
K1 Presents at Deep Tech Demo Day in San Francisco
June 23, 2025 K1 Semiconductor pitched at the inaugural Deep Tech Demo Day hosted by Pear VC in San Francisco, as part of the SF Deep Tech Week, alongside 26 incredible startups from University of Chicago, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and Northwestern University. The private, invite-only demo day brought together nearly 175 Bay Area investors to hear pitches from startups working across cleantech, AI, robotics, quantum, and more, at Pear VC in San Francisco. The event took place during SF Deep Tech Week, which draws thousands of founders, investors, researchers, and industry leaders and also featured a Fireside Chat with Andrew Ferguson, Head of Databricks Ventures, and Ce Zhang, CTO of Together AI, an SF-based AI company recently valued at $3.3 billion. Explore all the participating startups and learn more about the event.
K1 Semiconductor Meets Japanese Tech Delegation to Illinois
June 10, 2025 JETRO organized a Japanese quantum tech delegation to Illinois for a 3-day visit to deepen U.S.–Japan collaboration in June 2025. Co-organized with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Intersect Illinois, World Business Chicago, and the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, the tour featured visits to the Polsky Center at the University of Chicago, Hyde Park Labs, and Argonne National Laboratory, and presentations from local startups including EeroQ Quantum Hardware , InfleQtion, K1 Semiconductor, memQ, PsiQuantum, qBraid, and STAC12. The visit concluded with JETRO’s Quantum Innovation Exchange J-Bridge event at mHUB , where U.S. and Japanese companies pitched cutting-edge technologies. Team K1 pitched at the Quantum Innovation Exchange, hosted by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) at mHUB in Chicago. Our team led by Co-founder and CEO, Connor Horn presented the current state of the semiconductor industry and how K1’s breakthrough technology can unlock innovation. We look forward to continue building momentum and relationship with our partners both within the U.S. and abroad.
Team K1 Wins at Chicago Booth’s New Venture Challenge
June 5, 2025 In the 29th Annual Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge (NVC) on June 5, 2025, a record-breaking more than $2.2 million was awarded to the 10 finalists teams. The 10 teams competing in the finals were selected from 25 teams that participated in the classroom portion of the NVC, which consists of a credit-bearing spring quarter course. Judges and additional investors awarded $2.267 million to the ten finalist teams at the 29th Annual Edward L. Kaplan, ’71, New Venture Challenge (NVC). “It was an extremely competitive year. We had seven teams that we considered for first place during the deliberations…” said Steven Kaplan, Neubauer Family Distinguished Service Professor of Entrepreneurship and Finance at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and Kessenich E.P. Faculty Director of the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “This year’s startups were some of the strongest yet – and at more than $2.2 million, it’s the most we’ve ever awarded, but it’s also the most ever awarded in any university-based business plan competition in the world,” added Mark Tebbe, adjunct professor of entrepreneurship at Chicago Booth and entrepreneur-in-residence at the Polsky Center. The finalists represented a diverse group of startups. They presented their business plans to a judging panel made up of nearly 30 investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders, many of them Booth alumni, who deliberated behind closed doors before announcing the winners. K1 Semiconductor, an early-stage deep tech startup which provides a breakthrough wafer processing service that enhances the efficiency and economics of advanced chip manufacturing, won second place and $668,000. K1’s proprietary wafer-splitting platform technology enables up to 20x wafer reuse and works across a range of high-performance semiconductor materials, powering the future of mobility, clean energy, industrial automation, defense, and AI infrastructure. *Included in the prize total, K1 Semiconductor also was awarded the Moonshot Prize ($25,000), which is awarded to a team whose unique technology is catalyzing innovative solutions to global challenges. Investments in the top three teams were made in part from the Purcell Ventures Investment Award, which was established following a $2 million gift from Greg and Francine Purcell in 2022. The NVC Finals was held in person at Chicago Booth’s Harper Center and included Booth students, members of the public, mentors, advisors, faculty, staff, and investors. The NVC pioneered business school venture competitions when it held its first finals in 1997 with a $20,000 investment pool. It has since graduated more than 200 companies still in operation today, including nationally known brands such as Grubhub, Braintree/Venmo, Simple Mills, and Tovala, that have gone on to raise more than $1.5 billion in funding and achieve more than $11.6 billion in exits.
