First published in Lighting - The Third Revolution, a Cleantech Infocus publication, May 2010. Copyright Cleantech Investor Ltd

www.bridgelux.com

Previously known as eLite Optoelectronics, Bridgelux is a Silicon Valley-based supplier of power-LED chips to high volume solid state lighting market segments. Bridgelux developed the first high volume ITO/InGaN (indium tin oxide/indium gallium nitride) power LED chip. The company claims to be the only vertically integrated LED manufacturer and developer of solid state light sources that designs its solutions specifically for the lighting industry.

Bridgelux has a ’fabless’ business model; its products are manufactured in Asia. The technology developed by the company is expected to meet demand for large area (~1mm square) power-LED chips exhibiting high light output (~40 lumens) while consuming only 1 watt of power. Applications include retail displays, personal reading lights, flashlights/torches, flat panel televisions and displays, emergency vehicle warning lights and architectural lighting. 

In February 2010 Bridgelux unveiled three new LED array product families: the Bridgelux ES Array Series; the RS Array Series; and the LS Array Series (miniaturised LED arrays). Bridgelux expects these products to “play an enabling role in breaking through cost barriers” in the LED space. Mark Swoboda, Bridgelux’s President, has been quoted as stating that, at the current rate of technology development, it may be possible for LED replacements for 60W incandescent bulbs to drop below $10 in price by the end of 2010.

The company raised $8.5 million in venture funding in April 2006 from Doll Capital Management, El Dorado Ventures, and Harris & Harris Group. In 2008 it raised $63.5 million from Chrysalix Energy Venture Capital, DCM, El Dorado Ventures, VantagePoint Venture Partners and VentureTech Alliance.  A $50 million Series D funding round, led by VantagePoint Venture Partners, was completed in January 2010. Also in January, Bridgelux announced the appointment of Bill Watkins, formerly of Seagate Technology, as CEO. Watkins reportedly has a track record of bringing companies to IPO.

In 2008 Bridgelux reached agreement with Cree on a LED patent infringement lawsuit, which related to six LED patents. Bridgelux agreed to pay to license the technology from Cree and signed an agreement to make Cree one of its major suppliers.