The UK Government has announced that Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult will mobilise the new UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC). This comes alongside the publication of the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, which includes a new Digital and Technology Sector Plan to unleash the UK’s strengths in science and innovation.
The Plan outlines how the government will collaborate with businesses to transform breakthrough ideas into thriving enterprises, supporting the UK’s world-class talent and making the UK a top destination for global tech investment.
For semiconductors, it reinforces the UK’s long-term commitment to the sector, from supporting innovation and research to building stronger supply chains and helping more UK firms scale up and compete globally.
Independence and International Collaboration
CSA Catapult will draw on its expertise across the semiconductor supply chain and its extensive network with industry and academia to help get the UKSC up and running. The Centre is being backed by at least £19 million in government funding and will have an office in a location that is readily accessible for the UK’s semiconductor clusters and international visitors. It will be guided by an independent advisory board.
Secondments from industry will also shape the Centre’s early activities, ensuring alignment with sector priorities and strong industry engagement. The UKSC will serve as a national independent hub bringing together industry, researchers, and government to make it easier for semiconductor businesses to scale, secure investment and find the skills they need to grow. It will also act as a front door for international collaboration, offering a single point of contact for global firms and governments to engage with the UK semiconductor sector and form new partnerships to help strengthen the UK’s role in global supply chains.
An Outcomes-Focused Entity
The Centre will be outcomes-focused and will undertake several activities, including the creation of R&D roadmaps, the establishment of communities of practice around core semiconductor technologies, skills development, improving access to venture funds, and scaling up semiconductor SMEs.
CSA Catapult will engage with stakeholders through a series of roadshows during the summer and autumn to outline the UKSC’s priorities and activities.
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