- Business
- IQE plc develops, manufactures and sells advanced compound semiconductor wafer products and material solutions for the semiconductor industry. The company operates through Wireless, Photonics and CMOS++ segments, producing epiwafers via MOCVD and MBE platforms using materials including GaAs, InP, GaSb, GaN and InSb in wafer sizes from 50mm to 300mm; high-purity substrates via subsidiaries Wafer Technology and Galaxy Compound Semiconductors; and related services for RF connectivity, optical communications and sensing, MicroLED and display technologies, power electronics for EVs and renewables, infrared imaging, photonics for data centres and AI, and GaN RF for aerospace and security applications. IQE serves markets in wireless communications, data centres, automotive, industrial, aerospace, security and consumer devices, with operations across the United States, rest of the Americas, France, Germany, Israel, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, China, Japan, Taiwan and rest of Asia-Pacific from manufacturing sites in the UK, USA and Taiwan. Founded in 1988 and headquartered in Cardiff, United Kingdom, IQE completed a £1.1m ULTRARAM industrialisation project with Quinas Technology; launched a Quantum Dot Laser foundry service, 8-inch GaN-on-Si microLED foundry service, InP and GaSb laser/detector technologies for healthcare sensing, and expanded GaN RF for satellite internet; entered a joint development agreement with X-FAB for GaN Power device platforms; appointed Jutta Meier as permanent CEO following her interim role, with female board representation at 57%; reported flat FY2024 revenue of £118m, 25% wireless growth to £67.3m, improved adjusted EBITDA of £8.1m, and ongoing strategic review including potential sale and manufacturing consolidation; and anticipates H2 2025 pipeline growth in aerospace, security and optical communications despite macro challenges.