Nitride Semiconductors
Nitride Semiconductors is a privately held Japanese UV-LED specialist manufacturer founded in 2000 that produces GaN-based UV-LED wafers, chips, lamps, modules, and deep UV-LED sterilization devices for industrial OEMs, plus LEDPURE-branded consumer air purifiers and sterilization products, with exclusive UV-LED patent licensing to Seoul Semiconductor Group.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2000
- HeadquartersNaruto, Japan
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Nitride Semiconductors does
Nitride Semiconductors Co., Ltd. is a privately held Japanese specialty semiconductor manufacturer founded in 2000 in Naruto City, Tokushima Prefecture, that in its founding year achieved the world's first mass production of high-efficiency UV-LEDs at 350nm wavelength and subsequently added 375nm, 370nm, and 365nm products in 2001. The firm operates as a UV-LED specialist with a vertically integrated product stack spanning GaN wafers (n-GaN, p-GaN, undoped), bare LED chips, packaged lamps, power SMDs, high-power modules (365nm, 40W output), deep UV-LED packages (275nm, SMD/COB/Unit formats), and micro UV-LED chips (12µm x 24µm to 20µm x 40µm) targeting displays and sterilization applications. Core competence is gallium nitride (GaN) epitaxial crystal growth using MOCVD, with patented UV-LED structures covering both near-UV and deep UV wavelengths, including Micro UV-LED patents granted in Europe (UK, Germany, France) and the United States in 2021.
The firm runs a dual revenue model. On the B2B side it sells epitaxial wafers, chips, lamp and module packages to industrial OEMs serving banknote validator sensors, resin curing, photocatalytic air purification, and lighting/display applications, and holds a global niche top position in UV-LED for currency validator light sources. On the B2C side it sells LEDPURE-branded sterilization and air-purification products (LEDPURE AH1, AM1, HH1, HH1+, DDL-20 downlight, TDL-30 tube, AF1, and MOSPURE mosquito traps) via its own e-commerce site (ledpure.jp) and formerly via a Tokyo showroom. Patent licensing to Seoul Semiconductor Group on an exclusive basis for global UV-LED applications provides a parallel royalty stream, anchored by Seoul Semiconductor's portfolio of more than 10,000 LED-related patents and chip process capability.
The firm maintains deep research collaborations with Tokushima University's Professor Shiro Sakai (co-inventor of core UV-LED patents), the National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center Virus Center for pathogen inactivation verification, Tohoku University and V Technology for micro UV-LED display driving circuits, and the Philippine National Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM) for mosquito-borne disease applications. It has actively enforced its IP, winning a 2020 verdict against RayVio in the US District Court for the Northern District of California and settling against Digi-Key in 2021, with additional pending cases against Lite-On Technology and Crystal IS. The 2018 establishment of the wholly-owned Micro-Nitride subsidiary indicates a strategic pivot toward micro-LED display technology targeting AR/VR and major display customers.
Nitride Semiconductors firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Nitride Semiconductors
- Legal name
- NITRIDE SEMICONDUCTORS Co.,Ltd.
- Website
- https://nitride.co.jp
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2000
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Nitride Semiconductors is a privately held Japanese UV-LED specialist manufacturer founded in 2000 that produces GaN-based UV-LED wafers, chips, lamps, modules, and deep UV-LED sterilization devices for industrial OEMs, plus LEDPURE-branded consumer air purifiers and sterilization products, with exclusive UV-LED patent licensing to Seoul Semiconductor Group.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Nitride Semiconductors industry classification
Industry- Product category
- UV-LED optoelectronic components
- NAICS
- Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing (334517), Electric Lamp Bulb and Other Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (335139), Industrial and Commercial Fan and Blower and Air Purification Equipment Manufacturing (333413)
- SIC
- Electromedical & Electrotherapeutic Apparatus (3845), X-Ray Apparatus & Tubes & Related Irradiation Apparatus (3844), Laboratory Analytical Instruments (3826)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL) (HDAHALAL)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Wide-Bandgap Power Devices (SiC/GaN Discretes) (HDAHAHAG), Optoelectronic Components (LEDs, photodiodes, optocouplers, optical sensors) (IMAGAJAF), UV Germicidal Light (UV-C) & HVAC Disinfection Systems (HSAOAIAI)
Keywords
Where Nitride Semiconductors is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Naruto
- HQ country
- Japan
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
Nitride Semiconductors business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- UV-LED component sales (B2B): Sale of epitaxial wafers, LED bare chips, packaged lamps, power SMDs, and modules to industrial customers for sensor, resin curing, photocatalysis, and lighting applications.
- Deep UV-LED component sales (B2B): Deep UV-LED SMD, COB, and unit products for sterilization applications sold to manufacturers of air purifiers, water sterilizers, and medical equipment.
- LEDPURE consumer products (B2C): Consumer-facing products under the LEDPURE brand: air purifiers (AH1, AM1, AF1), humidifying air purifiers (HH1, HH1+), sterilization lamps (DDL-20 downlight, TDL-30 fluorescent type), mosquito traps (MOSPURE), and custom irradiation equipment. Distributed via Tokyo showroom, e-commerce, and retail.
- Patent licensing: Licensing of UV-LED technology patents to Seoul Semiconductor Group for exclusive use in UV applications, in exchange for royalties and strategic cooperation.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | International sales positions (海外営業) - base salary range |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LEDPURE AM1 UV sterilizing air purifier |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | LEDPURE SM1 UV sterilizer (Sanrio collaboration - Hello Kitty version) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | High-power DUV-LED module (290mW output) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Nitride Semiconductors product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Nitride Semiconductors manufactures and sells gallium nitride (GaN)-based ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) components, including epitaxial wafers, bare LED chips, packaged lamps, Power SMDs, and high-power modules, along with deep UV-LED (275nm) components for sterilization and disinfection. The company's finished products include the Deep UV LED Shower BOX for medical facility sanitization, UV LED flood lights and irradiators for industrial curing, and the LEDPURE consumer brand of UV air purifiers, humidifiers, mosquito traps (MOSPURE), and ceiling-mounted sterilization lighting for home use.
Product overview
Nitride Semiconductors is a UV LED specialist manufacturer offering a comprehensive product portfolio centered on gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology. The core offering consists of UV LED products in various form factors: GaN wafers (n-type, p-type, undoped), bare LED chips, packaged lamps, power SMDs, and high-power modules. The company pioneered the world's first mass production of UV-LEDs in 2000. Key product lines include Deep UV LEDs (275nm wavelength) for sterilization/disinfection available in SMD, COB, and unit formats; the Deep UV LED Shower BOX for medical facility sanitization; the LEDPURE consumer/commercial sub-brand featuring air purifiers, humidifiers, mosquito traps, and ceiling-mounted sterilization lights; and emerging Micro UV LED Display technology (385-400nm, <50μm chips) for AR/VR and next-generation displays. UV irradiation products include flood lights and custom irradiators for industrial curing applications.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LEDPURE (ピュア): Consumer-facing B2C brand for UV LED air purifiers, sterilizers, humidifiers, and mosquito traps for home use. Includes product lines: AH1 (air sterilizer), AM1 (multi-function sterilizer/mosquito trap), HH1 (UV sterilizing humidifier), HH1+ (humidifier with air purification), DDL-20 (deep UV ceiling downlight), TDL-30 (deep UV fluorescent tube), AF1 (large-space air sterilizer).
- MOSPURE (モスピュア)
- Micro Nightride (マイクロ・ナイトライド)
Products and services
- GaN Wafer (n-GaN, p-GaN, u-GaN) Gallium nitride (GaN) semiconductor epitaxial wafers in n-type, p-type, and undoped variants, serving as the foundational substrate material for UV LED chip manufacturing. Sold to LED chip makers and research institutions.
- UV LED Bare Chip Processed UV-LED bare chips sold to LED packaging houses and OEMs that integrate them into finished lighting, curing, and sterilization products.
- Micro UV LED (μLED / µUV LED) Microscale UV LEDs at 385-400nm wavelength with chip sizes of 12μm x 24μm to 20μm x 40μm, using superlattice structures and patterned sapphire substrates for high efficiency. Designed for next-generation micro-LED display, AR/VR, and flexible-display applications.
- UV LED Lamp (packaged lamp) Packaged UV LED lamps that OEMs drop into finished fixtures for curing, printing, sensor, and disinfection applications.
- UV Power SMD (3SLR series) Surface-mount device (SMD) packaged UV LED power components designed for high-density PCB mounting in OEM products including UV curing systems, 3D printers, and sterilization fixtures.
- High-Power UV LED Module (365nm, up to 40W) High-power UV LED modules with direct-on-copper mounting substrates for industrial UV curing of adhesives, inks, varnishes, photoresist, and 3D printing resins, replacing mercury UV lamps with mercury-free operation and 70% energy savings.
- Deep UV LED (275nm SMD, COB, and Unit) Deep UV LED components at 275nm wavelength in SMD, COB (Chip on Board), and unit package formats, intended for integration into medical equipment, air purifiers, water sterilizers, and surface disinfection products. Independently verified to inactivate virus and bacteria.
- Deep UV LED Shower BOX Walk-through sterilization chamber using 275nm deep UV LEDs for full-body 360-degree sanitization of medical staff and patients in protective equipment in approximately 4 minutes 20 seconds. Deployed at Yokohama City Medical Association hospitals, Tokushima public hospitals, and other medical facilities. Underlies the NASA International Space Station UV air cleaning system.
- UV LED Flood Light (FL Series) UV LED flood light fixtures providing high-power UV output for industrial curing, surface irradiation, varnishing, printing, and coating processes.
- UV LED Mini Irradiator and 3D Lime Light (Customizable Irradiators) Compact high-power UV LED irradiators, 3D lime light systems, and custom-made UV irradiation solutions tailored to specific customer requirements such as 3D curing, prototyping, and laboratory applications.
- LEDPURE Consumer Series (AH1, AM1, AF1, HH1, HH1+, SM1, MOSPURE, DDL-20, TDL-30) Consumer-facing brand of UV-LED air purifiers (AH1, AM1, AF1), UV humidifying air purifiers (HH1, HH1+), UV sterilizers including Sanrio Hello Kitty SM1, UV mosquito traps (MOSPURE), and ceiling-mounted deep UV LED sterilization lighting (DDL-20 downlight, TDL-30 fluorescent tube). Sold via ledpure.jp e-commerce, former Shinjuku Tokyo showroom, and nationwide TV and magazine advertising campaigns.
- Micro UV LED Display (μLED display technology) Next-generation micro-LED display technology using 385-400nm micro UV-LED chips below 50μm with superlattice structures and patterned sapphire substrates to excite RGB phosphors for full-color ultra-fine pitch displays. Targets AR/VR glasses, wearable displays, large-format panels, and flexible substrates.
Quantifiable outcome
- 70% energy savings when replacing mercury UV lamps with UV-LED
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Nitride Semiconductors
Customer profileNamed customers6 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Nitride Semiconductors technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Nitride Semiconductors partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Tokushima University - Professor Shiro Sakai (徳島大学 酒井士郎 名誉教授)coreJoint development of GaN-based UV-LED technology since 2000. Professor Sakai and Nitride jointly achieved the world's first high-efficiency UV-LED development in 2000. Professor Sakai is the co-inventor of core UV-LED patents.
- V Technology Co., Ltd. and Tohoku University COC Secretary General Goto Laboratory (東北大学未来科学技術共同研究センター 後藤哲也教授)minorCollaborative research on driving micro UV-LED displays using silicon single-crystal CMOS pixel circuit chips on flexible substrates. Presented at the 28th International Display Workshop 2021.
- Philippine National Institute of Tropical Medicine (RITM)minorJoint research on mosquito-borne disease prevention using UV mosquito traps (MOSPURE). Tested at RITM facilities in the Philippines, demonstrating capture of 450 mosquitoes in 1 hour in enclosed test chambers. Aims to address dengue fever, malaria, Zika, and other tropical diseases.
- US SETi (Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International subsidiary)minorUS SETi collaborated with Nitride on UV-LED technology for the International Space Station UV cleaning system. SETi was a defendant in Nitride's 2020 patent lawsuit but the relationship predates the litigation.
- Seoul Biosys ( Seoul BioSys / 韓国ソウルバイオシス社)minorSeoul Biosys collaborated with Nitride on the LEDPURE series products and the International Space Station UV cleaning technology. Part of the 17-year collaborative development effort leading to the ISS adoption.
- National Hospital Organization Sendai Medical Center - Virus Center (独立行政法人国立病院機構仙台医療センター臨床研究部ウイルスセンター)coreOngoing joint research collaboration on virus inactivation using deep UV-LED. Confirmed 275nm wavelength effectiveness against coronavirus OC43 (SARS-CoV-2 surrogate), influenza virus, norovirus, and other pathogens. Also verified that 275nm equals or exceeds 254nm mercury lamp effectiveness. Led by Dr. Nishimura Shuichi (西村秀一), Virus Center Director.
- Seoul Semiconductor Group ( Seoul Semiconductor / 韓国ソウル半导体グループ)coreSeoul Semiconductor Group is the exclusive global licensee of Nitride's UV-LED technology patents. The partnership combines Nitride's crystal growth technology with Seoul's chip process technology. Seoul holds over 10,000 LED-related patents and is a key manufacturing partner. The relationship dates to the early 2000s when Seoul recognized the value of Nitride's patents.
- Yokohama City Medical Association (横浜市立市民病院, 横浜市大付属市立総合医療センター, 聖マリアンナ医科大学病院)minorThree hospitals received donated Deep UV-LED Shower BOX units (¥5 million total) for COVID-19 medical staff protection. Equipment deployed in emergency surgery room entrances.
Scale indicators5 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Nitride Semiconductors competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Seoul Viosys: Seoul Semiconductor Group's UV-LED subsidiary and Nitride's exclusive licensee; directly comparable in deep UV LED chip manufacturing and global UV LED commercial deployment.
- Crystal IS (Asahi Kasei): US-based aluminum nitride deep UV-LED maker now part of Asahi Kasei; competes head-to-head in 260-280nm DUV-LED chips for sterilization.
- SETi (Sensor Electronic Technology): US developer of deep UV-LEDs and AlGaN-based UV LEDs; co-developed ISS sterilization technology with Nitride and is a direct competitor in DUV LEDs.
- Lite-On Technology: Taiwanese optoelectronics company and defendant in Nitride's pending UV-LED patent litigation in WD Texas; directly comparable in UV-LED component sales.
- RayVio: US deep UV-LED startup found to infringe Nitride's patents in 2020; materially comparable DUV-LED target markets and applications.
Broad incumbents
- Nichia Corporation: Dominant Japanese LED manufacturer with UV-LED and laser diode portfolio; competes in the same GaN epitaxial and LED chip space but at vastly greater scale.
- Toyoda Gosei (Pioneer Torch): Japanese optoelectronics manufacturer producing GaN-based UV and violet LEDs; broad incumbent with overlapping UV-LED chip capabilities.
- ams-OSRAM: Global optoelectronics major with UV-LED and phototherapy LED portfolio; broad incumbent in sterilization and industrial UV applications.
- Lumileds: Leading specialty LED maker with UV and horticulture LED product lines; comparable in advanced LED component technology.
- Signify (Philips Lighting): Global lighting giant with UV-C disinfection lamp products; competes in the downstream application layer where Nitride's DUV-LEDs are integrated.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Nitride Semiconductors social profiles
Digital presenceNitride Semiconductors financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Nitride Semiconductors leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Nitride Semiconductors subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Nitride Semiconductors funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Nitride Semiconductors 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 Nitride Semiconductors
What does Nitride Semiconductors do?
Nitride Semiconductors manufactures and sells gallium nitride (GaN)-based ultraviolet light-emitting diode (UV-LED) components, including epitaxial wafers, bare LED chips, packaged lamps, Power SMDs, and high-power modules, along with deep UV-LED (275nm) components for sterilization and disinfection. The company's finished products include the Deep UV LED Shower BOX for medical facility sanitization, UV LED flood lights and irradiators for industrial curing, and the LEDPURE consumer brand of UV air purifiers, humidifiers, mosquito traps (MOSPURE), and ceiling-mounted sterilization lighting for home use.
Is Nitride Semiconductors a public or private company?
Nitride Semiconductors is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Nitride Semiconductors founded?
Nitride Semiconductors was founded in 2000. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Nitride Semiconductors based?
Nitride Semiconductors is headquartered in Naruto, Japan, in the Asia region.
How does Nitride Semiconductors make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. UV-LED component sales (B2B) is the primary driver. The others are deep UV-LED component sales (B2B), LEDPURE consumer products (B2C) and patent licensing.
Who are Nitride Semiconductors's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Seoul Viosys, Crystal IS (Asahi Kasei), SETi (Sensor Electronic Technology), Lite-On Technology and RayVio. Broad incumbents are Nichia Corporation, Toyoda Gosei (Pioneer Torch), ams-OSRAM, Lumileds and Signify (Philips Lighting).
Does Nitride Semiconductors have an API?
No public API is recorded for Nitride Semiconductors.
What industry is Nitride Semiconductors in?
Nitride Semiconductors's product category is UV-LED optoelectronic components. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHALAL, Optoelectronic Emitters (LED/Laser/VCSEL), with a secondary code of HDAHAHAG, Wide-Bandgap Power Devices (SiC/GaN Discretes). Its NAICS code is 334517 and its SIC code is 3845.