Aeluma is an early-stage semiconductor company that develops high-performance photodetectors and image sensors for sensing, communication, and computing applications. Aeluma's core product is a shortwave infrared (SWIR) image sensor capable of detecting light in the 900–1700 nm spectrum — wavelengths that standard silicon sensors cannot capture. Target applications include facial recognition, lidar, augmented reality, autonomous navigation, and precision imaging. Aeluma's key differentiator is its ability to manufacture compound semiconductor devices on large-diameter silicon wafers (up to 12-inch), the same wafer sizes used in mass-market fabs. Aeluma argues this approach could cut manufacturing costs by up to 10x versus traditional InGaAs sensors, which are made on much smaller substrates. Aeluma currently generates revenue through two channels: government R&D contracts (including an $11.7M DARPA contract, plus contracts with NASA, the Navy, and the Department of Energy) and small-volume commercial chip and wafer sales plus NRE fees. The long-term model depends on transitioning to high-volume chip sales to consumer electronics, automotive, defense, and AI infrastructure customers. Aeluma operates its own R&D facility in Goleta, California, but plans to use external foundries for volume production. Aeluma targets system integrators, Tier-1 suppliers, and module manufacturers as go-to-market partners rather than selling directly to end users.