Germany Launches a Collaborative Project to Develop and Manufacture GaN-on-Silicon MicroLED Microdisplays

Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) has launched microPRO, a collaborative research and manufacturing initiative focused on developing gallium nitride on silicon (GaN-on-Si) microLED microdisplays for augmented reality (AR) applications.

The project brings together a consortium of German technology and manufacturing specialists, including ALLOS Semiconductors, Fraunhofer IPMS, Jabil Optics, Mimetik, Maintastic, and SUSS MicroTec. Together, the partners aim to establish a scalable production framework for next-generation microLED microdisplays.

A central objective of microPRO is to demonstrate that GaN-on-Si microLEDs can be manufactured efficiently in Germany using Industry 4.0 production methods. The project will leverage silicon-compatible fabrication processes available through GlobalFoundries and X-FAB, helping pave the way for domestic, high-volume manufacturing of advanced display technologies.

By combining expertise in semiconductor materials, optics, manufacturing, and process automation, the initiative seeks to strengthen Germany’s position in the rapidly growing market for AR display technologies and reinforce Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.