A semiconductor base substrate having a substantially planar growth surface is provided. A first type III-V semiconductor layer is epitaxially grown on the growth surface. First and second trenches that vertically extend from an upper surface of the first type III-V semiconductor layer at least to the growth surface are formed. The first and second trenches are filled with a filler material that is different from material of the type III-V semiconductor layer. A cut that separates the first type III-V semiconductor layer and the base substrate into two discrete semiconductor chips is formed. The cut is formed in a lateral section of the first type III-V semiconductor layer that is between the first and second trenches.