Professional Summary

Petar has broad experience in roles of Chief Scientist (Silanna), Chief Technology Officer (Translucent) and Senior Research Scientist (DSTG).

Bridging between commercial innovation, defence needs, and academic discovery by building end-to-end semiconductor ecosystems that integrate research, prototyping, and technology deployment.

Entrepreneur, quantum scientist and semiconductor technologist with over 30 years of direct experience across quantum materials, including Silicon CMOS, wide-bandgap semiconductors (SiC, GaN, AlN, and oxides), semiconductor device physics, state-of-the-art thin film atomic layer epitaxy, and unique electronic, optoelectronic and photonic devices.

Founder of two deep-tech companies, awarded Principal Investigator of a DARPA program, and worked as a Chief Scientist at Silanna for 15 years (2010-2025). He has created over 100 + US granted patents across 72 technology families and has assisted in creating a unique flagship university–industry–defence ecosystem at the University of Adelaide.

Deep Technical and Commercial Experience

• Silicon CMOS design, device physics and foundry processes (Si, SoS, SOI)
• Compound III-(As,P) quantum design, device physics and foundry processes
• Wide-bandgap (WBG) semiconductors (SiC, GaN, AlGaN, AlN)
• Ultra-wide-bandgap (UWBG) semiconductors (Ga₂O₃ + oxides)
• Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), MOCVD, advanced oxide epitaxy
• Quantum materials, electronic, optoelectronic, superconducting and photonic devices
• Semiconductor fabrication & cleanroom processes and infrastructure
• Electronic and Optoelectronic Device Design, Simulation and Fabrication
• Theoretical quantum modelling & simulation for materials discovery

Selected Major Achievements

• Founded unique semiconductor deep-tech companies and R&D programs.
• Inventor of foundational technology for new business ventures.
• Led creation of the world-first Oxide Semiconductor Discovery R&D platform (picoFAB).
• Experience with design small to medium-scale facilities, for example FAB3 (Silanna, Sydney), picoFAB, QuFAB, and the Jesper Munch Quantum Laboratory (University of Adelaide).
• Principal Investigator for DARPA EPIC program collaborating with Caltech, MIT and Luxtera.
• Participated in establishing sovereign Australian semiconductor capabilities in DUV LEDs (AlGaN) at Silanna.
• Founded Translucent Inc. (Silicon Valley, California), a deep-tech semiconductor startup acquired by a global leader (with co-founder Dr Larry Marshall).