A III-N template formed on a silicon substrate includes a Distributed Bragg Reflector positioned on the silicon substrate. The Distributed Bragg Reflector is substantially crystal lattice matched to the surface of the silicon substrate. An aluminum oxide layer is positioned on the surface of the Distributed Bragg Reflector and substantially crystal lattice matched to the surface of the Distributed Bragg Reflector. A layer of aluminum nitride (AlN) is positioned on the surface of the aluminum oxide layer and substantially crystal lattice matched to the surface of the aluminum oxide layer. A III-N LED structure including at least one III-N layer can then be grown on the aluminum nitride layer and substantially crystal lattice matched to the surface of the aluminum nitride layer.