What is Channelium and what are its applications?

What is Channelium and what are its applications?

Channelium is an engineered material composed of a regular network of micro-channels that dramatically improves thermal conductivity and mechanical strength. By providing controlled paths for coolant flow, it has emerged as an innovative solution for thermal management in electronics and optoelectronics. When integrated with active cooling systems, Channelium helps prevent processor hot spots and extends equipment lifespan.

Beyond electronics, Channelium is used in automotive applications as a lightweight yet rigid substrate for powertrain and braking system components. By distributing pressure and heat evenly, it reduces wear and ensures stable performance under heavy duty conditions. Its adaptable nature enables multilayer structures with high curvature—crucial for the next generation of smart sensors in autonomous vehicles.

Looking ahead, researchers are developing Channelium-based electronic boards that combine rapid heat dissipation with integrated mmWave antennas and on-board light sources. This could pave the way for compact wearables with high compute density. The video below offers a brief tour of an academic Channelium lab and current R&D directions.