BELGAN BV

Their core work

BelGaN BV is a Belgian entity of onsemi (formerly ON Semiconductor), one of the world's largest power semiconductor manufacturers. Within H2020, they contribute expertise in wide-band-gap (WBG) semiconductor devices — particularly gallium nitride (GaN) — for automotive and power electronics applications. Their work focuses on making electric vehicle drivetrains, chargers, and power conversion systems more efficient and reliable through advanced semiconductor components. The company name itself — BelGaN — signals their Belgian GaN technology operations.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

BelGaN's early H2020 involvement (2015-2017) centered on integrated components for electrified vehicles and fail-safe automotive electronics — broad system-level contributions. By 2017-2018, their focus sharpened explicitly toward wide-band-gap semiconductors, GaN power device reliability, and electric drivetrain optimization. This trajectory shows a clear move from general automotive electronics participation toward deep specialization in WBG power semiconductor technology.

BelGaN is deepening its focus on GaN and wide-band-gap power devices for electric vehicles — a technology area with rapidly growing demand as Europe electrifies transport.

How they like to work

BelGaN consistently participates as a partner rather than leading consortia, which is typical for a large industrial company contributing specific semiconductor expertise to multi-partner projects. Their 110 unique partners across 19 countries reflect involvement in very large ECSEL-type consortia (often 30+ partners each). This makes them an experienced, low-friction consortium partner accustomed to working within complex European research collaborations.

BelGaN has collaborated with 110 unique partners across 19 countries, primarily through large ECSEL Joint Undertaking consortia focused on European electronics and semiconductor value chains. This gives them a broad network spanning automotive OEMs, semiconductor companies, and research institutes across Europe.

What sets them apart

BelGaN brings the R&D muscle of a major global semiconductor manufacturer (onsemi) into European research consortia, offering real-world device fabrication and testing capabilities that most academic partners cannot match. Their specific focus on GaN power devices for automotive applications positions them at the intersection of two high-growth areas: wide-band-gap semiconductors and electric mobility. For consortium builders, they offer an industry partner that can take research results toward volume production.

Highlights from their portfolio

• InRel-NPower
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 1.83M) and directly aligned with their core GaN expertise — focused on reliability of nitride-based power devices.
• 3Ccar
  Their first and second-largest H2020 project (EUR 1.80M), targeting integrated components for affordable electrified cars — a massive market challenge.
• HiPERFORM
  Most technically specific to their WBG semiconductor niche, explicitly addressing drivetrain efficiency and charger optimization through wide-band-gap power electronics.