Soctera, a client of Cornell’s Praxis Center for Venture Development, is preparing to bring its next-generation radio frequency amplifier technology to commercial production following a $4 million pre-seed funding raise. The company expects its first commercial shipments in early 2027, and more than 30 prospective customers have already requested samples for evaluation.
Most people will never see a radio frequency amplifier, but the technology plays an essential role in wireless systems that power everyday life. These components strengthen the signals used in cellular networks, satellite communications, radar systems, and other wireless technologies. As demand for faster, more reliable connectivity continues to grow, improving the efficiency of these systems has become increasingly important.
Founded by Cornell researchers Austin Hickman, Ph.D. ’21 and Reet Chaudhuri, Ph.D.’21, Soctera is developing radio frequency amplifiers that deliver more power while using less energy than conventional technologies. By reducing wasted energy and improving performance, the company’s technology has the potential to make wireless communications more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective across a wide range of industries.
The company grew from research conducted in the Jena-Xing Laboratory within Cornell Duffield Engineering, where Hickman and Chaudhuri worked to address longstanding challenges in semiconductor performance. Their work has since evolved into a commercial technology designed to meet the growing demands of wireless communication and advanced electronics.
Now, with new funding in place, Hickman said the company is focused on scaling its technology for commercial production.
“Our seed funding is a critical inflection point for Soctera. It gives us the runway to scale from device-level breakthroughs to full production-ready RF power amplifiers, and to deepen relationships with defense and commercial partners ready to integrate our technology into their systems. We’re proud that this milestone builds directly on the research foundation from the Jena-Xing group at Cornell, and we’re excited to carry that innovation from the lab into the field.”
Soctera’s progress reflects Cornell’s growing role in advancing semiconductor innovation and helping researchers translate scientific discoveries into commercial ventures. With support from the Praxis Center and Cornell’s broader innovation ecosystem, the company has continued to build momentum as it prepares to bring its technology to market.
As wireless technologies continue to expand across telecommunications, aerospace, defense, and other industries, Soctera aims to provide a more efficient foundation for the systems that keep people and devices connected.