Hi-Z Technology
Hi-Z Technology is a privately held San Diego firm that designs and manufactures bismuth-telluride thermoelectric modules and generator systems that convert waste heat into electricity. It sells standard modules via e-commerce and delivers custom systems and R&D services to government, defense, space, and industrial customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2006
- HeadquartersSan Diego, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Hi-Z Technology does
Hi-Z Technology, Inc. is a privately held San Diego-based company founded in 1988 (per firmographic records; company website copyright indicates operations from 2006) that designs, develops, manufactures, and sells thermoelectric modules and generator systems. Its core technology exploits the Seebeck effect in bismuth-telluride-based semiconductors to convert heat directly into electricity, with a proprietary flexible glass-fiber-reinforced polymer matrix architecture and solder-free thermally-sprayed circuitry that delivers higher compressive strength and over-temperature tolerance than competing alumina-plate designs. The product portfolio spans commercial thermoelectric modules (HZ-2 through HZ-20HV, ranging from 2.3W to 20W continuous power output), the Milliwatt Radioisotope Power Supply designed for 20-year NASA-class space missions, and supporting manufacturing services including custom module making, systems design and prototyping, vacuum hot pressing and diffusion bonding, thermal spraying, and sputtering.
The company operates a dual go-to-market: direct e-commerce sales of standardized modules and accessories (priced at $40-$90 per unit with volume discounts above 50 units) to researchers and small-quantity buyers, alongside direct enterprise and government engagement for custom systems and contract-funded R&D. Long-standing relationships with the U.S. Department of Energy, NASA, DARPA, the California Energy Commission, and the State of California (CalTIP) have funded milestone programs including the 1 kW diesel engine thermoelectric generator (active since 1992) and the Milliwatt RTG for Mars atmospheric probe and lander missions. Customer segments span industrial waste heat recovery, government and space, oil and gas remote operations, consumer appliances, and renewable energy, with primary commercial emphasis on industrial and government/defense applications. Revenue is not publicly disclosed, headcount is 1-10 employees, and the firm has not raised institutional venture or growth equity capital.
Hi-Z Technology firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Hi-Z Technology
- Legal name
- Hi-Z Technology, Inc.
- Website
- https://hi-z.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2006
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Hi-Z Technology is a privately held San Diego firm that designs and manufactures bismuth-telluride thermoelectric modules and generator systems that convert waste heat into electricity. It sells standard modules via e-commerce and delivers custom systems and R&D services to government, defense, space, and industrial customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Hi-Z Technology industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Thermoelectric Power Generation
- NAICS
- Electrical Equipment Manufacturing (3353), Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (333415), Battery Manufacturing (33591), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (3334)
- SIC
- Air-Cond & Warm Air Heatg Equip & Comm & Indl Refrig Equip (3585), Refrigeration & Service Industry Machinery (3580), Electronic & Other Electrical Equipment (No Computer Equip) (3600)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Industrial Process Heat TES (Steam, Kilns, Furnaces, Waste-Heat Coupling) (EUAFANAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Cold Chain & Refrigeration TES (Warehouses, Food & Pharma) (EUAFANAJ), Battery Modules & Packs (Industrial/Commercial pack assembly) (IMAGAHAB), Thermal Management & Safety Systems (cooling, fire detection/suppression, venting) (IMAGAHAI), Thermochemical Energy Storage (Sorption, Chemical Looping) (EUAFANAE), Power Modules (IGBT/MOSFET/SiC/GaN Modules) (HDAHAHAH)
Keywords
Where Hi-Z Technology is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- San Diego
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Hi-Z Technology business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Thermoelectric Module Sales: Direct sales of thermoelectric generator modules including HZ-2, HZ-14, HZ-14HV, HZ-20, and HZ-20HV models. Units are priced individually with volume discounts available for orders over 50 units. Core hardware product line.
- Custom Module Making Services: Bespoke thermoelectric module design and manufacturing services for specific customer applications. Hi-Z designs and manufactures modules tailored to unique thermal and electrical requirements.
- Systems Design and Prototyping: Engineering services for designing, fabricating and evaluating complete thermoelectric power generating systems for specific applications including industrial, automotive, and remote power scenarios.
- Materials Processing Services: Vacuum hot pressing, diffusion bonding, thermal spraying, and sputtering services for advanced materials research and small-scale production runs for external customers.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HZ-2 Module - 2.3W continuous power |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HZ-14/HZ-14HV Module - 14W continuous power |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | HZ-20/HZ-20HV Module - 20W continuous power |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Discounted/Used Modules |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels2 records
Marketing channels3 records
Hi-Z Technology product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Hi-Z Technology designs, develops, manufactures, and sells thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules and complete power generating systems that convert waste heat directly into electricity using bismuth telluride-based semiconductor materials. The company also sells a Milliwatt Radioisotope Power Supply for space applications and offers custom module design, systems prototyping, and specialized materials processing services such as vacuum hot pressing, thermal spraying, and sputtering. Products are sold directly via an e-commerce store and through direct enterprise/government engagement.
Product overview
Hi-Z Technology offers a portfolio of thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules and power systems for converting waste heat to electricity. The core product line includes commercial thermoelectric modules (HZ-2, HZ-14, HZ-14HV, HZ-20, HZ-20HV) ranging from 2.3W to 20W continuous power output, plus the Milliwatt RTG for space/radioisotope applications. Supporting the module business, the company provides complementary manufacturing services including custom module making, systems design and prototyping, materials preparation, vacuum hot pressing and diffusion bonding, thermal spraying, and sputtering services. The modules use bismuth telluride-based semiconductors and are designed for waste heat recovery, self-powered devices, and industrial applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- HZ-2 Thermoelectric Module Compact 2.3W continuous / 4.0W max thermoelectric generator module measuring 29.21×29.21×5.08mm with 6.1V open circuit voltage, using bismuth telluride semiconductors, designed for power generation from heat sources up to 250°C continuous / 400°C intermittent.
- HZ-14 Thermoelectric Module Thermoelectric generator module with 49 thermocouples electrically in series and thermally in parallel using Bridgman Cast bismuth telluride-based semiconductors, designed for power generation up to 250°C continuous / 400°C intermittent.
- HZ-14HV Thermoelectric Module High-voltage thermoelectric generator module with 14.0W continuous / 25.0W max power output, 8.0V open circuit voltage, dimensions 61.05×71.05×7.87mm, designed for power generation up to 250°C continuous / 400°C intermittent.
- HZ-20 Thermoelectric Module Thermoelectric generator module with 16.0W continuous / 28.8W max power at 80% capacity, 71 thermocouples using bismuth telluride-based semiconductors, designed for power generation up to 250°C continuous / 400°C intermittent.
- HZ-20HV Thermoelectric Module High-voltage thermoelectric generator module with 20.0W continuous / 36W max power output, 160 thermocouples electrically in series / thermally in parallel, operating up to 250°C continuous / 400°C intermittent.
- Milliwatt RTG (Radioisotope Power Supply) Miniature radioisotope power supply designed for space applications, producing ~40 milliwatts of power using bismuth-telluride thermoelectric modules and intended for 20-year operational lifetime missions such as NASA Mars probes and surface landers.
- Custom Module Making Service Bespoke thermoelectric module design and manufacturing service tailored to specific customer thermal and electrical requirements for unique applications.
- Systems Design and Prototyping Service Engineering service for designing, fabricating, and evaluating complete thermoelectric power generating systems for specific applications such as radioisotope power systems, industrial waste heat recovery, and diesel engine generators.
- Materials Preparation Service Materials preparation service for thermoelectric and advanced materials, including consolidation of powders into bulk solid materials such as alloys, composites, ceramics, and sputtering targets for R&D and small-scale production.
- Vacuum Hot Pressing and Diffusion Bonding Service Custom R&D and small-scale production service using 25-ton (max 1900°C, vacuum <1×10⁻⁴ Torr) and 15-ton (vacuum <5×10⁻⁵ Torr) vacuum hot pressing and diffusion bonding systems to consolidate powders into bulk solid materials.
- Thermal Spraying Service Thermal spraying (metallization) service using arc spray equipment, licensed to apply aluminum, molybdenum, zinc, and other non-toxic coatings. Applied to Hi-Z's thermoelectric power modules for over 20 years; available for external R&D projects and small production runs.
- Sputtering Services Custom sputtering service for advanced materials research, capable of fabricating unique structures with repeatable alternating 10nm layers of electrical conductors and insulators (over 500 layers) using materials including Au, Si, SiGe, SiO2, SiC, B4C, B9C, Si3N4, Mo, and Bi2Te3 on substrates including silicon, alumina, fused silica, aluminum nitride, and polymers such as Kapton and Upilex.
Quantifiable outcome
- Modules can operate continuously at 250°C and intermittently to 400°C without degradation
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Hi-Z Technology
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Hi-Z Technology technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature7 records
Hi-Z Technology partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Two partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- NASAcoreNASA is the end-user for Hi-Z's milliwatt radioisotope power supply (MRPS) designed for space exploration missions including Mars atmospheric probes and surface landers. The generators are designed to meet 20-year operational lifetime requirements.
- DARPAcoreDARPA has funded Hi-Z's milliwatt module development for powering micro air vehicles (MAVs), indicating a defense application partnership.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Hi-Z Technology competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- II-VI Marlow Industries: Marlow (a II-VI/Coherent business) is a leading global manufacturer of thermoelectric modules for both Peltier cooling and Seebeck power generation. It is the closest direct competitor to Hi-Z, with overlapping bismuth telluride module products serving industrial, aerospace, defense, and scientific customers.
- Laird Thermal Systems: Laird is a major thermoelectric module supplier covering Peltier coolers and TEGs across industrial, medical, telecom, and defense markets. Overlapping product architecture and customer segments make it a direct comparator to Hi-Z's TEG module business.
- Ferrotec Corporation: Ferrotec is a diversified Japanese materials and thermoelectric manufacturer with significant global module production capacity. Comparable in bismuth-telluride TEG/Peltier module offerings across industrial and semiconductor-equipment customer segments.
- Phononic: Phononic develops solid-state thermoelectric-based cooling and heating solutions for refrigeration and electronics thermal management. Overlaps with Hi-Z's reversible Peltier functionality and the cold chain / HVAC end-markets Hi-Z targets.
- Kryotherm: Kryotherm is a Russian thermoelectric module manufacturer producing bismuth telluride-based TEG and Peltier modules. Comparable technology stack and module-level product overlap with Hi-Z, particularly in industrial and scientific applications.
- Custom Thermoelectric (formerly permaTEMP / Rentric): Custom Thermoelectric designs and manufactures custom thermoelectric modules and assemblies for specialized industrial and scientific applications. Closely parallel to Hi-Z's custom module making and systems design service line.
Broad incumbents
- Gentherm: Gentherm is a large thermal-management company that develops thermoelectric technologies (notably for automotive seat comfort and battery climate). It is a broader incumbent whose thermoelectric capability overlaps with Hi-Z's reversible module applications, though Gentherm's scale and vertical focus differ.
Emerging players
- Evident Thermoelectrics: Evident is a smaller, emerging thermoelectric company focused on waste-heat recovery TEG modules. Closely mirrors Hi-Z's positioning in the niche industrial and remote-power application space, with comparable target customers.
- Alphabet Energy (acquired by Whisper Labs / undisclosed): Alphabet Energy was a venture-backed thermoelectric generator startup focused on waste-heat recovery from industrial exhaust. It overlapped strongly with Hi-Z's industrial TEG mission and serves as a relevant adjacent emerging player in this space.
Regional players
- RMT Ltd: RMT Ltd is a Russian manufacturer of thermoelectric modules and TEG systems. It targets comparable industrial and remote-power segments but operates primarily in a different geographic market from Hi-Z.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Hi-Z Technology social profiles
Digital presenceHi-Z Technology financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Hi-Z Technology leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Hi-Z Technology funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Hi-Z Technology 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 Hi-Z Technology
What does Hi-Z Technology do?
Hi-Z Technology designs, develops, manufactures, and sells thermoelectric generator (TEG) modules and complete power generating systems that convert waste heat directly into electricity using bismuth telluride-based semiconductor materials. The company also sells a Milliwatt Radioisotope Power Supply for space applications and offers custom module design, systems prototyping, and specialized materials processing services such as vacuum hot pressing, thermal spraying, and sputtering. Products are sold directly via an e-commerce store and through direct enterprise/government engagement.
Is Hi-Z Technology a public or private company?
Hi-Z Technology is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Hi-Z Technology founded?
Hi-Z Technology was founded in 2006. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Hi-Z Technology based?
Hi-Z Technology is headquartered in San Diego, United States, in the North America region.
How does Hi-Z Technology make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Thermoelectric Module Sales are the primary driver. The others are custom Module Making Services, systems Design and Prototyping and materials Processing Services.
Who are Hi-Z Technology's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are II-VI Marlow Industries, Laird Thermal Systems, Ferrotec Corporation, Phononic, Kryotherm and Custom Thermoelectric (formerly permaTEMP / Rentric). Gentherm is listed as a broad incumbent. Emerging players are Evident Thermoelectrics and Alphabet Energy (acquired by Whisper Labs / undisclosed). RMT Ltd is listed as a regional player.
Does Hi-Z Technology have an API?
No public API is recorded for Hi-Z Technology.
What industry is Hi-Z Technology in?
Hi-Z Technology's product category is Thermoelectric Power Generation. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAFANAI, Industrial Process Heat TES (Steam, Kilns, Furnaces, Waste-Heat Coupling), with a secondary code of EUAFANAJ, Cold Chain & Refrigeration TES (Warehouses, Food & Pharma). Its NAICS code is 3353 and its SIC code is 3585.