# Pragmatic Semi is Breaking the Rules and Bending Silicon Electronics

- Show: [Moore's Lobby](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby)
- Published: 2024-03-26
- Length: 57m
- Episode: 6
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics
- Listen: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/podcast/pragmatic-semi-breaking-rules-bending-silicon-electronics

## Summary

Scott White, founder and executive director of Pragmatic Semiconductor, explains how his company produces ultra-low-cost, flexible thin-film silicon integrated circuits using a rapid, low-temperature manufacturing process. He details the technology's ability to replace rigid silicon in applications like smart packaging and automotive sensors, offering a 48-hour fab cycle time compared to months for traditional silicon. White also discusses the company's recent $230 million Series D funding, its strategy to build modular fabs globally, and the need to democratize chip design tools to accelerate adoption.

## Chapters

- [0:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=1) Introduction and Scott White's Background
- [2:18](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=138) From McKinsey to Pragmatic Semiconductor
- [12:37](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=757) The Technology: Thin-Film Flexible Silicon
- [18:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=1127) Manufacturing Process and Cycle Time
- [28:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=1706) Design Flow and EDA Integration
- [35:50](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=2150) Scaling Production and Fab Economics
- [42:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=2546) Fab-as-a-Service and Global Expansion
- [45:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics#t=2709) Funding, Ecosystem Challenges, and Future Applications

## Topics

- [Materials & manufacturing processes](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/materials-and-processes)
- [Scaling production](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/scaling-production)
- [EDA & CAD tools](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/eda-and-cad-tools)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Fundraising & investors](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/fundraising)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Pragmatic Semiconductor (company)
- Nano-E-Print (company)
- McKinsey (company)
- TSMC (company)
- GDS II (other)

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## Citing this page

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