ColorChip
ColorChip designs and manufactures photonic integrated circuits and high-speed optical transceivers based on its proprietary SystemOnGlass platform, serving hyperscale data center operators, telecom carriers, and AR/VR device manufacturers globally.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2001
- HeadquartersCaesarea, Israel
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What ColorChip does
ColorChip is an Israel-based photonic integrated circuit designer and manufacturer specializing in high-speed optical transceivers and subsystems for hyperscale data centers, telecom/5G networks, and emerging AR/VR applications. The company's core technology is its patented SystemOnGlass™ (SOG™) platform — a hybrid photonic integrated circuit that fuses active components (lasers, photodetectors) and passive components (waveguides, MUX/DeMUX) on a proprietary glass substrate via ion-exchange, enabling wafer-scale manufacturing of optical engines scalable from 40G through 1.6T. The product portfolio spans 40G QSFP+ modules, the 100G QSFP28 family (CWDM4, CLR4, 4WDM-10), 200G/400G QSFP56/QSFP-DD transceivers, 800G/1.6T pluggable modules and AEC/ACC cables (including the MaxLinear-co-developed chip-on-board OSFP-XD), Glass Interposer co-packaged optics, and the ColorMux RGB Beam Combiner for AR/VR and automotive HUDs.
ColorChip operates a vertically integrated business model: it designs and manufactures its core PLC/SOG wafers in its own fab in Yokneam, Israel, and leverages Fabrinet in Thailand for module integration and final test. Revenue is generated through direct enterprise sales of hardware to top-tier hyperscale data center operators, telecom carriers, and system vendors, with quote-based pricing on multi-year contracts; channel partnerships with silicon vendors (MaxLinear, Broadcom, Marvell, MACOM) support reference designs and co-development. The company is a Platinum member of the Open Compute Project and a founding/contributing member of the 4WDM MSA, QSFP-DD MSA, and 100G CLR4 Alliance, with R&D and sales offices in Israel, the United States (Cupertino), and China (Jianshan, Shenzhen, Suzhou). Backed by approximately $150M+ in cumulative venture funding from Gemini Israel Funds, BRM Group, Israel Growth Partners, Bessemer Venture Partners, Vertex Ventures, Vintage Investment Partners, CIRTech Fund, Scale-Up Fund, and others, ColorChip has scaled production to 250,000+ transceivers annually and is now extending its glass-photonics platform from infrared datacom into visible-spectrum AR/VR and metaverse applications.
ColorChip firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- ColorChip
- Legal name
- ColorChip LTD
- Website
- https://color-chip.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2001
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- ColorChip designs and manufactures photonic integrated circuits and high-speed optical transceivers based on its proprietary SystemOnGlass platform, serving hyperscale data center operators, telecom carriers, and AR/VR device manufacturers globally.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
ColorChip industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Optical Transceivers and Photonic Integrated Circuits
- NAICS
- Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing (33441), Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413), Fiber Optic Cable Manufacturing (335921), Electronic Connector Manufacturing (334417)
- SIC
- Computer Communications Equipment (3576), Semiconductors & Related Devices (3674), Optical Instruments & Lenses (3827)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optical Transceivers (SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP) (HDAFAEAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules) (HDAHALAM), Optoelectronics & Photonics (LED/Laser/Optical ICs) (HDAHAAAH), Optoelectronic / Photonics Foundries (Silicon Photonics/LED/Laser) (HDAHACAG), Optical Transponders & Muxponders (Coherent/Pluggable) (HDAFADAB), Connectors, Jacks & Couplers (RJ45/LC/SC/MPO/MTP) (HDAFALAD)
Keywords
Where ColorChip is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Caesarea
- HQ country
- Israel
- HQ region
- Middle East
Offices6 records
Markets served
ColorChip business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Optical Transceivers (Infrared Regime): Sale of high-speed optical transceivers (100G/200G/400G/800G/1.6T) for hyperscale data centers, access networks, and core CSP networks. Products include QSFP28, QSFP56, QSFP-DD800, OSFP form factors across CWDM4, DR8, FR4, and 4WDM variants. Revenue is one-time hardware sale with recurring replacement demand driven by network infrastructure deployments.
- Active Electrical Cables (AEC/ACC): Sale of active copper cables (AEC) and active copper cables (ACC) including chip-on-board AEC technology for 800G and 1.6T applications. One-time hardware product sales to data center operators.
- RGB Beam Combiners (Visual Regime): Sale of ColorMux RGB Beam Combiners for AR/VR, automotive HUDs, and smart lighting applications. One-time hardware product sales to device manufacturers in AR/VR and automotive sectors.
- Optical Subsystems and PLC Splitters (FTTx): Sale of passive optical splitters and subsystems for FTTx networks (FTTH/FTTx markets). Historical product line predating data center focus.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | 100G CWDM4 QSFP28 Lite — OCP-accepted transceiver |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels6 records
ColorChip product offering
Product offeringCore offering
ColorChip designs and manufactures high-speed optical transceivers and photonic integrated circuit components for hyperscale data centers and telecom operators, built on its proprietary SystemOnGlass™ (SOG™) hybrid PIC platform. Its product portfolio spans 40G QSFP+ modules through 1.6T OSFP-XD active electrical cables, including 100G QSFP28 transceivers, 200G/400G/800G QSFP56/QSFP-DD/OSFP modules, linear drive pluggable optics, and the ColorMux RGB Beam Combiner for AR/VR applications. Manufacturing is vertically integrated at its Israel fab with module assembly via Fabrinet in Thailand.
Product overview
ColorChip is a technology innovator and manufacturer of photonic integrated circuits and optical connectivity solutions. The company's core technology is the proprietary SystemOnGlass™ (SOG™) platform - a hybrid photonic integrated circuit that combines active and passive optical components on a glass substrate. The product portfolio centers on high-speed optical transceivers for data center applications spanning multiple generations: legacy 40G QSFP+ modules, 100G QSFP28 family (including CWDM4, CLR4, and 4WDM variants for 2km-10km reaches), 200G QSFP56 FR4 transceivers, and 800G/1.6T solutions including OSFP and QSFP-DD form factors. The company also offers active electrical cables (AEC/ACC) and active optical cables (AOC), plus the ColorMux RGB Beam Combiner for AR/VR applications. Products are deployed in hyperscale data centers, telecom/5G networks, and emerging AR/MR/automotive markets.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- SystemOnGlass™: Proprietary PLC waveguide technology platform for photonic integrated circuits
- ColorMux RGB Beam Combiner
- OCP-Inspired™
Products and services
- SystemOnGlass™ (SOG™) photonic integrated circuit platform Proprietary hybrid photonic integrated circuit platform that fuses active and passive optical components on a glass substrate via ion-exchange, enabling wafer-scale manufacturing of multi-lane optical engines with nested multiplexing that scale from 40G through 1.6T.
- 100G CWDM4 QSFP28 Lite optical transceiver OCP-accepted compact 100G transceiver with approximately 2.6W power consumption, 500m reach extendable to 10km, and a 15°C-55°C temperature range, designed for hyperscale data center deployments.
- 100G QSFP28 4WDM-10 transceiver 100Gbps transceiver supporting 10km reach with 6.3dB link budget under FEC, compliant with the 4WDM MSA and interoperable with CWDM4/CLR4 2km transceivers for telecom and 5G backhaul.
- 100G QSFP28 CWDM4/CLR4 transceiver (2km) Hyper-scale single-mode fiber 100G transceiver for data center, HPC, and enterprise applications with 2km reach, ~2.5W power consumption, and QSFP28 form factor.
- 200G FR4 QSFP56 transceiver World's first 200G 4x50G FR4 2km transceiver using uncooled CWDM4 DMLs and 50G PAM4 modulation in a compact QSFP56 form factor, providing a building block for 200G DR4 500m transceivers.
- 800Gbps 2xFR4 transceiver 800Gbps 2xFR4 optical transceiver module for mega data center connectivity, addressing power and performance optimization for mid-reach single-mode interconnects.
- 800Gbps DR8 transceiver 800Gbps DR8 transceiver for short-reach intra-data-center connectivity, addressing the connectivity challenges from 1mm to 10km in modern data center fabrics.
- 800G ACC and AEC active cables 800Gbps active copper cable (ACC) and active electrical cable (AEC) solutions for short-reach intra-data-center connectivity, offering cost- and power-efficient alternatives to optical links.
- 1.6T OSFP-XD AEC cable with Chip-on-Board Highest-density 1.6T OSFP-XD active electrical cable using chip-on-board technology co-developed with MaxLinear, featuring extended reach, improved thermal management, and better cost than retimer/DSP-based designs.
- 800G LPO (Linear Pluggable Optics) transceivers 800G transceivers based on linear drive (LPO) technology eliminating retimer/DSP, consuming 4W in multi-mode and 7W in single-mode variants for reduced power consumption.
- Co-Packaged Optics (CPO) glass interposer platform Glass interposer solution enabling co-packaged optics that lowers power consumption and minimizes optical loss by integrating laser, MUX, and fiber connector into a near-lossless glass interposer, supporting 800G duplex SM to 10km.
- ColorMux RGB Beam Combiner Compact RGB laser beam combiner for AR/VR glasses, automotive head-up displays, and smart lighting; sub-1cc footprint with speckle-free high-resolution images, wide color space (637/520/455 nm), and 15 lumen output at 5000K based on PLC and SystemOnGlass technology.
- 100G Single-Lambda PAM4 QSFP28 transceiver Single-lambda 100G transceiver using PAM4 modulation in QSFP28 form factor covering DR/FR/LR reaches from 500m to 40km over single-mode fiber for telecom/5G backhaul and metro networks.
- PAM4 transceiver family (100G/200G/400G DR4/FR4) PAM4-based QSFP56/QSFP-DD DR4 and FR4 transceivers for 200G and 400G data rates covering 100m-40km single-mode reaches, leveraging the SystemOnGlass optical engine platform with DML/EML-based CWDM4 engines.
- 40GBASE-LR4 QSFP+ OTU-3 transceiver 40Gbps single-mode optical transceiver with OTU-3 line rate (43.01Gbit/s), IEEE 802.3ba compliant, designed for up to 10km reach in high-speed switches and edge routers.
Quantifiable outcome
- Power consumption of 2.6W for 100G QSFP28 CWDM4 transceiver — lowest in class
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use ColorChip
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
ColorChip technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
ColorChip partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- AR AllianceminorColorChip Group LTD joined the AR Alliance as a new member, bringing expertise in photonics and optics to support the Alliance's mission of accelerating innovation and unifying the AR industry.
- Leading Silicon Suppliers (for 800G LPO)coreColorChip collaborated with leading silicon suppliers to release 800G LPO (Linear Drive Pluggable Optics) based transceivers consuming 4W (MM) and 7W (SM), combining ColorChip's SOG optical engines with partner DSP/silicon for reduced power consumption.
- BroadcomcoreColorChip 800G pluggable transceivers and cables showcased on Broadcom Tomahawk 4 Series switch at OFC 2023. Joint demonstration of 800G solutions with Broadcom silicon.
- MaxLinearcoreColorChip and MaxLinear co-developed the disruptive chip-on-board (CoB) technology for active electrical cables (AEC), enabling highest density 1.6T OSFP-XD. MaxLinear's Keystone 5nm KGD bare die solutions for AEC applications enable high density, long reach, and best-in-class power consumption for 800G and 1.6T AEC applications. This is the first time in the industry that an active cable has been developed with a bare die.
- DispelixcoreColorChip, Dispelix, and Maradin announced partnership to advance MEMS-based Laser Beam Scanning (LBS) solutions for Augmented Reality glasses. ColorChip provides ColorMux RGB Beam Combiner technology while Dispelix contributes waveguide display expertise.
- Maradin Ltd.corePartnership with Maradin for MEMS-based LBS solutions for AR glasses. Maradin provides MEMS beam scanning technology combined with ColorChip's RGB combiner for complete AR optical engine.
- Marvell SemiconductorcoreCollaboration with Marvell for 200G QSFP56 FR4 Beta transceiver demonstration at OCP Summit 2018. Marvell provided networking and storage infrastructure ICs for data center, combined with ColorChip's SOG optical engines.
- FabrinetcoreFabrinet serves as contract manufacturer for ColorChip's optical module integration and final test activities. ColorChip doubled the optical module integration and testing floor space to 7,000 square feet at Fabrinet facility in Thailand.
- QSFP-DD MSA GroupcoreColorChip is a contributor to the QSFP-DD MSA (Quad Small Form Factor Pluggable Double Density), which defines optical transceiver specifications for 200G, 400G and beyond. 62+ companies participated in specification development.
- CaltechminorColorChip participated in Caltech-led SDN platform demonstrations at SuperComputing 2016 and 2017 exhibitions using ColorChip's 100G QSFP28 transceivers for data center interconnect in massive computing grids for the global research institution community.
- 4WDM MSA GroupcoreColorChip is a founding member of the 4WDM MSA (4-wavelength Wavelength Division Multiplexing Multi-Source Agreement), defining optical specifications for 100G (4x25G) transceivers at 10km, 20km, and 40km reaches over duplex SMF. Founding members included Broadcom, Brocade, Ciena, Dell, Finisar, Foxconn, Huawei, Intel, Juniper, and others.
- 100G CLR4 Alliance (Intel, Arista, et al.)coreColorChip joined Intel, Arista Networks, and other key industry vendors in forming the 100G CLR4 Alliance, creating an open multi-vendor 100G optics specification for mid-reach data center links (QSFP form factor, up to 2km over duplex SMF, <3.5W power). Founding/supporting members included Dell, HP, Brocade, Oracle, Ciena and many others.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights6 records
ColorChip competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Coherent Corp: Coherent (formerly II-VI/Finisar) is the largest merchant optical components and transceiver company globally, offering a comprehensive portfolio of QSFP-DD, OSFP, and CFP2 transceivers at 100G through 1.6T speeds. Directly competes with ColorChip across hyperscale data center optical interconnect, with greater scale and broader product lines.
- Lumentum Holdings: Lumentum is a major US-based photonics company producing lasers, optical components, and high-speed transceivers for datacom, telecom, and 3D sensing applications. Overlaps directly with ColorChip in datacom optical transceivers and in laser/optical components used in AR/VR applications.
- Innolight Technology: China-headquartered leading optical transceiver supplier specializing in 400G/800G QSFP-DD and OSFP modules for hyperscale cloud and data center customers. Most direct competitor to ColorChip in the high-speed hyperscale transceiver market, particularly for hyperscalers in both US and China.
- Source Photonics: Source Photonics manufactures optical transceivers and components for datacom, telecom, and FTTx markets with a portfolio spanning 10G to 400G/800G. Closely comparable to ColorChip in product range and customer base, serving similar hyperscale and telecom operator segments.
- Eoptolink Technology: Eoptolink is a China-based optical transceiver manufacturer producing a wide range of SFP, QSFP, QSFP-DD, and OSFP modules at 10G through 400G/800G data rates. Direct peer in optical transceiver manufacturing for hyperscale data centers and telecom operators, with comparable form factors and customer segments.
- Accelink Technologies: Accelink is a leading Chinese optoelectronic components and modules company producing optical transceivers, PLC splitters, and integrated photonic devices for telecom and datacom. Comparable to ColorChip in PLC splitter heritage and Chinese hyperscale customer relationships, with a broader telecom equipment footprint.
Broad incumbents
- Broadcom: Broadcom is a major semiconductor incumbent producing Ethernet switches (Tomahawk, Jericho), optical DSP chips, and increasingly integrated optical modules. Both a strategic partner (Tomahawk 4 demos with ColorChip) and a competitor as Broadcom vertically integrates optics into its switch platforms.
- Marvell Technology: Marvell (which acquired Inphi) produces high-speed networking silicon, DSPs for coherent optics, and increasingly optical components. ColorChip partnered with Marvell for 200G QSFP56 FR4 demos, while Marvell/Inphi represents both a silicon partner and a broader incumbent in optical interconnect technology.
Emerging players
- MACOM Technology Solutions: MACOM designs and manufactures semiconductor lasers, photonic components, and analog RF/mixed-signal ICs for telecom, datacom, and industrial markets. ColorChip's chipset supplier for 100G QSFP28 and a partial competitor in optoelectronic components for similar data center and telecom applications.
Others
- Fabrinet: Fabrinet is a leading contract manufacturer of optical components, modules, and complex electro-mechanical assemblies. Serves as ColorChip's contract manufacturing partner in Thailand for optical module integration and final test, making it a critical ecosystem participant rather than a direct competitor.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
ColorChip social profiles
Digital presenceColorChip compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance5 records
ColorChip financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
ColorChip leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
ColorChip funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds13 records
Investors16 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
ColorChip M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about ColorChip
What does ColorChip do?
ColorChip designs and manufactures high-speed optical transceivers and photonic integrated circuit components for hyperscale data centers and telecom operators, built on its proprietary SystemOnGlass™ (SOG™) hybrid PIC platform. Its product portfolio spans 40G QSFP+ modules through 1.6T OSFP-XD active electrical cables, including 100G QSFP28 transceivers, 200G/400G/800G QSFP56/QSFP-DD/OSFP modules, linear drive pluggable optics, and the ColorMux RGB Beam Combiner for AR/VR applications. Manufacturing is vertically integrated at its Israel fab with module assembly via Fabrinet in Thailand.
Is ColorChip a public or private company?
ColorChip is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was ColorChip founded?
ColorChip was founded in 2001. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is ColorChip based?
ColorChip is headquartered in Caesarea, Israel, in the Middle East region.
How does ColorChip make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Optical Transceivers (Infrared Regime) is the primary driver. The others are active Electrical Cables (AEC/ACC), RGB Beam Combiners (Visual Regime) and optical Subsystems and PLC Splitters (FTTx).
Who are ColorChip's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Coherent Corp, Lumentum Holdings, Innolight Technology, Source Photonics, Eoptolink Technology and Accelink Technologies. Broad incumbents are Broadcom and Marvell Technology. MACOM Technology Solutions is listed as an emerging player. Fabrinet is listed as an others.
Does ColorChip have an API?
No public API is recorded for ColorChip.
What industry is ColorChip in?
ColorChip's product category is Optical Transceivers and Photonic Integrated Circuits. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAFAEAE, Optical Transceivers (SFP/SFP+/SFP28/QSFP/QSFP-DD/OSFP), with a secondary code of HDAHALAM, Optoelectronic Receivers & Transceivers (Photodetectors/Optical Modules). Its NAICS code is 33441 and its SIC code is 3576.