Daily Business Report: July 11, 2024
Small Components, Big Impact
Inside Northrop Grumman’s Space Park Microelectronics Foundry
By Kelly McSweeney | Northrop Grumman
At the microelectronics foundry in Northrop Grumman’s Space Park campus, technicians and engineers hover over wafers — the bases that microchips are built in — that enable a range of missions, from advanced satellite communications to complex astrophysics systems. In the digital age, microelectronics foundries are not unusual, but the one at our Space Park site in Redondo Beach, California, is unique: it’s focused exclusively on developing microchips that can withstand the harsh conditions of outer space.
The team members working at the foundry are covered head-to-toe in specialized clothing made from fabric with metallic wire woven throughout for grounding, to avoid electrostatic discharge that could destroy components. These “bunny suits” are also designed to avoid shedding. Lint and dust are the enemies of the cleanroom. Even the air is treated with care: A laminar airflow system keeps the air moving in a uniform way to avoid particles contaminating the sensitive microelectronics. The room is illuminated by yellow lights because blue-toned ultraviolet light could damage the photoresist used to form the miniature electronic components, such as transistors and amplifiers.
There, they produce 4-inch wafers that contain hundreds of microchips, and those chips are made of even smaller components. Technicians build the components using a process called photolithography, which is similar to using a stencil.
“The wafer is what the technicians and engineers are handling, and once it’s gone through the buildup of the circuit, the wafer gets diced into individual chips. Then, technicians use tweezers to get each individual chip,” explained Rachael Ferizovic, Microelectronics Manufacturing Engineering Section manager.
Top Photo: Technician displays wafer. (Courtesy Northrop Grumman)
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Illumina acquires Fluent BioSciences
SAN DIEGO — Illumina, Inc., a global leader in DNA sequencing and array-based technologies, announced that it has acquired Fluent BioSciences, developer of an emerging and highly differentiated single-cell technology. Fluent’s single-cell analysis technology eliminates the need for complex, expensive instrumentation and microfluidic consumables. This novel approach removes many of the barriers and limitations of current methods, making single-cell analysis accessible for a broader set of customers.
“The addition of Fluent BioSciences to Illumina will provide significant and new capabilities to our customers in a key growth area and advances our multiomics growth strategy,” said Steven Barnard, chief technology officer of Illumina. “Single-cell research opens doors to new areas of discovery, and Fluent’s innovative, accessible, and flexible single-cell method will accelerate our ability to deliver full multiomics solutions for our customers.”
Inmarsat, a Viasat company, launches NexusWave connectivity service
Inmarsat Maritime, a Viasat company, has launched NexusWave, a fully managed connectivity service underpinned by a “bonded” multi-dimensional network, offering high-speed connectivity, unlimited data, global coverage, and “secure by design” infrastructure. Delivered by a single provider, NexusWave is a fully managed service that seamlessly integrates multiple high-speed networks in real time – Global Xpress (GX) Ka-band, low-Earth orbit (LEO) services, and as-available coastal LTE service – with an additional layer of L-band for resiliency – for fast, always-on connectivity. The solution also offers enterprise grade firewall security trusted by global enterprises and governments.
Pure Sound Labs announces back-to-school sale
SAN DIEGO — Puro Sound Labs, a leader in safe listening technology, announces significant discounts on its volume-limited kid’s headphones for the back-to-school season. Starting on July 9, parents and students can save up to 25 percent on award-winning headphones that offer superior audio quality and hearing protection. Puro Sound Labs has received accolades from top reviewers. Wirecutter praised our noise-cancelling headphones for their superior sound quality and hearing protection. The company offers a range of products for children, adults, and audiophiles.
649th consecutive monthly dividend reported by Realty Income
SAN DIEGO —Realty Income Corporation (Realty Income, The Monthly Dividend Company, announced that it has declared the 649th consecutive common stock monthly dividend. The dividend amount of $0.2630 per share, representing an annualized amount of $3.156 per share, is payable on Aug. 15, 2024 to stockholders of record as of Aug. 1, 2024. Realty Incom was founded in 1969 and invests in diversified commercial real estate. It has a portfolio of over 15,450 properties in all 50 U.S. states, the U.K., and six other countries in Europe.
Steve Dalton joins Cetera Wealth Partners
Cetera Financial Group, the premier financial advisor Wealth Hub, announced that Steven Dalton has joined Cetera Advisor Network via Cetera Wealth Partners. Dalton provides comprehensive financial planning and investment advice to clients and had more than $146 million in assets under administration as of Jan. 24, 2024. Dalton serves on the board of the Mary Gale Foundation, which supports low-income women aged 65 or older in Manchester, NH.
Leading education finance company Ascent wins industry awards
SAN DIEGO — Ascent, a leading provider of innovative financial products and student support services that enable more students to access education and achieve academic and economic success, was recently awarded “Best Student Loan for Independent Students” in NerdWallet’s 2024 Best-Of Awards. The company was concurrently named “Best Private Lenders of 2024” by The College Investor, “Best Student Loansof 2024” by Forbes Advisor, and a “2024 Best Places to Work in Fintech” by American Banker.
Alliant International University launches Master of Science in Nursing degree
Alliant International University’s School of Nursing & Health Sciences has announced the launch of the new Master of Science in Nursing, Nurse Executive (MSN Nurse Executive) program. As the health care landscape shifts, Alliant’s forward-thinking approach caters to aspiring nurse leaders eager to bridge the impending leadership gap as many nurse execs, primarily from the baby boomer generation, approach retirement. Delivered online, the program welcomes students from California, Arizona, Texas, and Colorado.
Taco Bell is opening an early retirement community
Taco Bell is opening “The Cantinas,” and early retirement community where everyone can live like a retiree, coming to San Diego Aug. 17-18, 2024. The Cantinas invites guests to indulge in a Taco Bell-fueled, sun-soaked experience filled with senior-inspired recreation and cross-generational activities. From early morning tee times to afternoon aerobics and pickleball matches, attendees will feel rejuvenated and immersed in a community oasis that celebrates the diverse art of living más.
CalciMedica announces first patient enrolled in Phase 2 KOURAGE Trial of Auxora
CalciMedica Inc.,a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channel inhibition therapies for acute and chronic inflammatory and immunologic illnesses, announced that the first patient has been dosed in KOURAGE, the company’s Phase 2 trial evaluating Auxora for the treatment of severe acute kidney injury (AKI) with associated acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.
Athletic Brewing Company announces $50 million equity financing round
SAN DIEGO — Athletic Brewing Company, America’s largest non-alcoholic brewery, announced it has closed a $50 million equity financing round led by General Atlantic, a leading global growth investor, with participation from multiple existing investors. Athletic plans to use the new capital to drive continued long-term growth, including through the recently announced purchase of a third U.S. brewing facility and the ongoing expansion of its world-class non-alcoholic beer at retailers across the globe.
Term Labs announces $5 million in strategic funding
SAN DIEGO —Term Labs,Inc., a leader in blockchain R&D, is proud to announce the closure of a strategic funding round totaling $5.5 million. This brings the company’s cumulative funding to date to $8 million. Leading this round was Electric Capital, with Maelstrom (Arthur Hayes), Ava Labs Blizzard Fund, Arete Capital, Inception, Delta Blockchain Fund and others participating. Angel investors, including Ether.fi founder and CEO Mike Silagadze, GP and Founder of Paper Ventures, Danish Chaudhry, Founder and Managing Partner of Neoclassic Capital, Steve Lee, Co-host of Up-Only.
