2D Generation

2D Generation Ltd. is an Israeli deep-tech company aiming to revolutionize the semiconductor industry through the integration of two-dimensional (2D) materials, specifically graphene, into standard silicon chip manufacturing. Headquartered in Yakum, Israel, the company specializes in material science and process engineering, focusing on solving one of the most critical bottlenecks in modern computing: the physical limitations of copper interconnects in microchips.

In late 2024, 2D Generation was acquired by Adisyn Ltd, a publicly listed technology company, allowing it to accelerate the commercialization of its intellectual property. The company creates process technologies that enable semiconductor foundries to deposit graphene directly onto silicon wafers at temperatures low enough to preserve the integrity of the chip, a feat that was historically considered an engineering impossibility.

The "Interconnect Bottleneck" Challenge

To understand the value of 2D Generation's offerings, it is necessary to understand the problem they solve. Modern computer chips are composed of billions of transistors connected by microscopic wires called "interconnects." For decades, these wires have been made of copper.

As chips have become smaller and more powerful (following Moore's Law), these copper wires have shrunk to the nanometer scale. At this size, copper faces severe physical limitations: 1. Resistance Increases: As copper wires get thinner, they resist the flow of electricity more, generating excess heat and slowing down data transmission. 2. Electromigration: The intense flow of electrons can physically move copper atoms, leading to voids or short circuits and causing chip failure. 3. Thermal Budget: Advanced chips generate immense heat. If they cannot dissipate this heat, they must be "throttled" (slowed down) to prevent melting.

The industry has long known that Graphene?a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice?is the superior material. It is hundreds of times stronger than steel, more conductive than copper, and dissipates heat with incredible efficiency. However, producing graphene traditionally required temperatures of roughly 700?C to 1,000?C. Since silicon chips (CMOS) begin to degrade or melt above 400?C to 450?C, integrating graphene directly onto a finished chip was impossible.

Core Technology: Low-Temperature Graphene Deposition

2D Generation?s flagship innovation is a patented process for Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) that allows for the growth of high-quality graphene at temperatures below 300?C.

This "Cold Graphene" technology is a paradigm shift for the semiconductor industry. By lowering the production temperature, 2D Generation enables the deposition of graphene interconnects directly onto the silicon wafer during the standard manufacturing process (specifically the "Back End of Line" or BEOL stage) without damaging the delicate transistors already printed on the chip.

Key Technical Capabilities:

• In-Situ Deposition: The graphene is grown directly on the substrate, eliminating the need to grow it elsewhere and "transfer" it, a messy process that often results in impurities and defects.
• Standard Fab Compatibility: The process utilizes ALD machines that are already standard in semiconductor fabrication plants (fabs). This means chipmakers do not need to build new factories or invent new machinery to adopt 2D Generation's technology; they only need to license the "recipe" and retrofit existing tools.
• Uniformity: The ALD process ensures that the graphene layer is uniform across the entire wafer, a critical requirement for high-yield mass production.

Products and Services

2D Generation operates primarily as an Intellectual Property (IP) and process licensing company rather than a manufacturer of consumer goods. Their "products" are the technological recipes and engineering solutions provided to major semiconductor foundries (like TSMC, Intel, or Samsung) and Integrated Device Manufacturers (IDMs).

1. Process IP Licensing

The company licenses its patented chemical processes and methodologies to semiconductor manufacturers. This includes: * Precursor Formulas: The specific chemical compounds used in the ALD process to grow graphene at low temperatures. * Process Recipes: The exact settings (pressure, timing, temperature cycles) required to achieve high-quality deposition.

2. Graphene Interconnect Solutions

2D Generation offers specific application solutions for replacing copper interconnects with graphene-coated or pure graphene interconnects. * Reduced RC Delay: By utilizing graphene's superior conductivity, these interconnects reduce the "Resistance-Capacitance" delay, effectively making chips faster. * Heat Dissipation Layers: Beyond wires, the technology can be used to create thermal spreading layers within the chip stack, moving heat away from hot spots (like the CPU or GPU cores) more efficiently than current thermal interface materials.

3. Collaborative Development (JDA)

The company engages in Joint Development Agreements with Tier-1 semiconductor companies. In these arrangements, 2D Generation engineers work alongside the foundry's team to integrate the graphene process into specific chip architectures, customizing the technology for 3nm, 2nm, and sub-2nm process nodes.

Applications and Market Impact

The technology developed by 2D Generation is industry-agnostic but is particularly critical for high-performance sectors where heat and speed are limiting factors.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Centers

Generative AI models require massive computational power, leading to data centers that consume vast amounts of electricity and generate immense heat. 2D Generation's technology helps create AI accelerators (GPUs and TPUs) that are: * More Energy Efficient: Lower resistance means less power is wasted as heat. * Higher Performance: Faster signal travel allows for quicker processing of AI workloads.

Mobile and Consumer Electronics

For smartphones and laptops, battery life and thermal management are key. Chips utilizing graphene interconnects can run cooler, extending battery life and preventing devices from overheating during intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.

Autonomous Vehicles

Self-driving cars require "supercomputers on wheels" that process sensor data in real-time. These chips must be incredibly reliable and fast. The durability of graphene against electromigration makes it ideal for the harsh, high-reliability requirements of automotive electronics.

Strategic Partnerships and Recognition

2D Generation has established itself as a key player in the global semiconductor ecosystem. * Connecting Chips (European Union): The company is a partner in the EU's "Connecting Chips" Joint Undertaking. This consortium includes industry giants such as NVIDIA, IMEC (the world-leading R&D hub for nanoelectronics), Valeo, and Applied Materials. Being part of this group validates 2D Generation's technology as a central pillar for the future of European and global chip sovereignty. * Adisyn Acquisition: The acquisition by Adisyn provided the capital and operational structure necessary to move from the R&D phase to commercial deployment and licensing negotiations with global foundries.

Leadership

The company was founded and is led by Arye Kohavi, a serial entrepreneur with a history of deep-tech innovation. Kohavi was previously the founder and co-CEO of Water-Gen, a prominent company known for technology that extracts drinking water from the air. His background in physics and business development has been instrumental in navigating the complex semiconductor market and securing partnerships with major industrial players.