Zero-Error Systems (ZES) Pte Ltd

Background

Zero-Error Systems (ZES) Pte Ltd, established in 2019, is a Singapore-based deep-tech startup specializing in high-reliability semiconductor solutions for space and power management applications. Originating as a spin-off from Nanyang Technological University Singapore (NTU), ZES was founded by a team of semiconductor industry veterans and integrated circuit design experts. The company's mission is to enhance the reliability and performance of semiconductor devices in extreme environments, particularly in space, by developing radiation-hardened integrated circuits (ICs) and reliability testing services.

Key Strategic Focus

ZES focuses on:

Radiation-Hardened Semiconductor Solutions: Developing ICs that ensure power reliability and data integrity for Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) semiconductor devices used in space applications.

Power Management Applications: Providing solutions that achieve high power efficiency for various applications on Earth.

Global Expansion: Strengthening global sales and marketing efforts to meet the growing demand for radiation protection and power reliability solutions.

Financials and Funding

ZES has successfully secured funding to support its growth:

Seed Funding (2020): Raised S$2.5 million, led by Airbus Ventures.

Series A Funding (2023): Secured an oversubscribed USD $7.5 million round with participation from the Dart Family Office and Airbus Ventures. The funds are intended to expand global sales and marketing efforts, accelerate product development, and support R&D activities in Singapore.

Pipeline Development

ZES has developed and launched several key products:

Radiation-Hardened ICs: Products tested in three Japanese satellites in 2021, with market launch in 2022.

System-on-Modules (ZSOM): Radiation-tolerant solutions featuring FPGA (Xilinx ZU3EG) and MCU (ARM Cortex M0+), aimed at enhancing satellite longevity and performance.

Technological Platform and Innovation

ZES's technological innovations include:

Proprietary Radiation-Hardening Technologies: Patented solutions that protect COTS semiconductor devices from radiation-induced malfunctions, addressing single-event effects such as latch-ups and upsets.

Latch-up Detection and Protection (LDAP) IC: A signature-based detection system that accurately identifies and mitigates latch-up events, offering significantly better protection than existing methods.

Error Detection and Correction (EDAC) Solutions: Hardware-software integrated solutions that detect and correct multiple bit-errors in embedded memories, ensuring data integrity in radiation-prone environments.

Leadership Team

Rajan Rajgopal: Chief Executive Officer. Over 25 years of global experience in semiconductor manufacturing, quality, and operations, including leadership roles at DenseLight Semiconductor and Micron Technology.

Dr. Shu Wei: Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer. Expert in semiconductor and electronic circuit designs, with a Ph.D. from NTU. Leads R&D activities, product development, and customer engagement.

Niranjan Gundala: Vice President of Product Marketing & Strategy. Experienced in engineering and business, focusing on new product development for the 'New Space' semiconductor market.

Dr. Chong Kwen Siong: Co-founder & Director of Engineering. Leads engineering teams on ultra-low soft-error rate library cell development and system design for satellite applications.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, ZES expanded its operations by opening a U.S. office, Zero-Error Systems America LLC, to enhance customer interactions with U.S. space companies.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global space economy has been experiencing rapid growth, with spending reaching $469 billion in 2021 and projected to exceed $634 billion by 2026. This expansion is driven by increased demand for application-rich satellites and high-precision space robots for lunar and Mars missions.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the radiation-hardened semiconductor market include:

Texas Instruments: Offers a range of radiation-hardened products for space applications.

Microsemi Corporation: Provides radiation-tolerant and radiation-hardened solutions for aerospace and defense.

Qorvo, Inc.: Develops high-reliability components for space and defense markets.

United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC): Engages in semiconductor manufacturing with applications in various industries, including aerospace.

ASE Group Global: Specializes in semiconductor packaging and testing services, catering to multiple sectors.

Applied Materials: Supplies equipment and services for semiconductor manufacturing, impacting various industries, including aerospace.

Besi Netherlands B.V.: Focuses on semiconductor assembly equipment, serving diverse markets.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

ZES has established significant partnerships to enhance its market position:

Antaris: Collaborated to integrate ZES's radiation-hardened technology into Antaris's software-defined satellite platform, aiming to provide ultra-reliable electronics for space applications.

Airbus Ventures: Secured investments in both seed and Series A funding rounds, facilitating growth and expansion into global markets.

Operational Insights

ZES differentiates itself through:

Cost-Effective Solutions: Providing radiation-hardened semiconductor solutions at 60%-80% lower cost compared to traditional space-grade counterparts, making advanced technology accessible for a broader range of applications.

Innovative Technology: Offering proprietary technologies that enable the use of COTS devices in space, addressing critical issues like single-event effects and ensuring data integrity.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

ZES plans to:

Expand Engineering Capacity: Recruit additional electronics engineers specializing in space and power management applications to support product development and innovation.

Enhance Global Presence: Strengthen its footprint in the U.S. and European markets to cater to the growing demand for radiation-hardened semiconductor solutions.