What activities does DIAMFAB carry out at its site in Fontaine (Isère)?

Khaled DRICHE: Diamfab is a Grenoble-based start-up specializing in the production of synthetic diamonds for use as semiconductors. We are a spin-off of the Néel-CNRS Institute, where teams have been working for over 30 years on the growth of high-quality synthetic diamonds for demanding electronic applications. We created the company in 2019 with Gauthier Chicot to transform this research into concrete products: wafers that perform much better with diamond than with silicon.

What exactly are the advantages of diamonds?

KD: Diamond can be used to manufacture components capable of operating under high voltages and temperatures and resisting radiation. In practice, this paves the way for more efficient, durable, and much more energy-efficient power electronics. It is a material that is significantly superior to silicon, as it does not degrade under the effect of heat and offers optimal conductivity. It is an exceptional innovation with applications in all cutting-edge industries, such as aerospace, nuclear power, aviation, mobility... the possibilities are endless. It is an alternative that we want to and can take very far.

What are your ambitions?

KD: We want to develop a technology that is entirely French and sovereign. We have the skills and know-how to do so and to build an independent industrial network with a chain of partners in France. The idea is to offer a national semiconductor diamond and create a French ecosystem around this technology.

Is that why you called on VÊPRES

KD: Absolutely. We needed to test the stability of our process in a controlled atmosphere in order to eliminate any factors that could interfere with our production. Manufacturing such sensitive components requires environments that meet very strict cleanliness standards. In addition, growing synthetic diamonds involves the use of toxic and hazardous products, which requires rigorous safety measures. For example, we use a scrubber to absorb and neutralize harmful particles and gases, thereby protecting people and the environment. We had to work on special fluids and specific extraction processes. To do this, we needed a trusted partner with solid expertise and recognized references. Their role was crucial in designing a cleanroom with ISO 7 standards and securing our transition from R&D to industrial production.

How did the collaboration with the teams go?

KD: It's an incredible experience. What's more, they delivered ahead of schedule. Their organization and responsiveness are impressive: everything runs like clockwork and they quickly find solutions. But it's not just technical expertise: these are people who understand our needs, adapt to our budget constraints, and know how to offer relevant solutions. For example, from the outset, they planned for future expansion, making it easy to add reactors if we needed more production capacity or to create mezzanines to accommodate more staff. Working with Éric Bernard-Brunel and Thierry Rognon is very comfortable.

Did you mention space for staff?

KD: VÊPRES as general contractor for all trades, taking charge of all the work and fitting out the tertiary section: offices, meeting rooms, reception areas, and relaxation spaces. The result is a cleanroom and a 400 m² tertiary area, both perfectly integrated and laid out. Incidentally, the interior design was carried out by Anne-Laure Vêpres, an interior designer who is the daughter of Guy Vêpres, former head of the company, and the granddaughter of its founder, Francis Vêpres.

Any final thoughts?

KD: Thanks to this collaboration, we have been able to take a major step forward in the industrialization of semiconductor diamond components. Honestly, we have recommended VÊPRES other companies, and we will do so again without hesitation.