Who is Luo Weiwei? From NASA Scientist to China’s Semiconductor Powerhouse

Luo Weiwei, a former NASA scientist, has emerged as a central figure in China’s semiconductor race. After completing her doctorate in applied mathematics at Massey University, New Zealand, she spent 15 years at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama, where she advanced rocket fuel technology and rose to the position of chief scientist.

In 2015, Luo returned to China and founded Innoscience, a company specializing in gallium nitride (GaN) technology. With government support, private investment, and strong local supply chains, Innoscience rapidly scaled its operations and now controls nearly 30% of the global GaN market. The company also partners with Nvidia for AI data centers, reflecting its growing international influence.

Luo’s bold decision to focus on mass-producing 8-inch GaN wafers, instead of the industry-standard 6-inch versions, gave Innoscience a competitive edge. GaN chips outperform silicon by offering higher efficiency, compact size, and the ability to handle greater voltages, making them vital for next-generation electronics, electric vehicles, and defense applications.

Founded in Suzhou, Innoscience has become the world’s largest dedicated GaN manufacturer, with production expanding to nearly 70,000 wafers monthly. Despite export restrictions and patent disputes in the West, Luo overcame challenges by sourcing secondhand equipment and leveraging China’s dominance in gallium production, which accounts for 98% of global supply.

Her journey reflects not only technical innovation but also China’s broader push for technological self-reliance. By advancing GaN technology, Luo Weiwei has positioned Innoscience as a global leader, strengthening China’s hand in the fiercely competitive semiconductor industry.