Applications Catapult appoints Martin McHugh as CTO
Previous head of Microchip’s advanced packaging business will lead Catapult’s technology teams
The UK's Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult has appointed Martin McHugh as its chief technology officer. McHugh brings a wealth of technology experience having worked in technical and commercial roles with responsibilities covering the UK, Europe and North America.
Most recently, he headed up business and technology development for Microchip’s (previously Microsemi Corporation) advanced packaging business where, during his 20-year tenure, he played a key role in transforming the company’s focus from analogue telecoms to wireless digital communications.
McHugh has also worked on over 30 Innovate UK and EU-funded collaborations worth a total of £50m over a period of 15 years and sits on the Industrial Advisory Board of the School of Engineering at Cardiff University.
From January 2019, McHugh will lead the strategic and technical direction of the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult’s four key technology areas of power electronics, RF & microwave, photonics and advanced packaging. As CTO, he will support the overall strategy of the organisation, leading the Catapult’s technology teams, which are focused on the complex and evolving compound semiconductor industry.
Commenting on his new role, McHugh said: “I am excited to be joining the CSA Catapult at such a key point in its development. At just over a year old, it is the right time for it to fully develop its technical expertise and equipment to enable it to provide a centre of excellence to further the adoption of compound semiconductors.
“One of my first priorities will be to drive forward the development of our evaluation modules that will enable companies to assess their new applications and bring them to market faster.”
With analysts predicting that the world market for compound semiconductors will increase from $74 billion today to over $300 billion by 20301, it is essential that the UK plays a substantial part in that growth and the Catapult is here to help make that happen. The CSA Catapult is set to create around 100 new jobs internally and by 2023 it aims to have helped create 1,000 new high-tech jobs within the businesses it has supported around the whole of the UK.
Commenting on this new appointment, Catapult CEO Stephen Doran said: “I am very pleased to welcome Martin to the team at this critical time in the development of our business. Martin’s role is pivotal in ensuring that the Catapult’s offer to businesses is informed by the highest standards and latest technology developments in compound semiconductors. His experience in the sector and collaborative approach will ensure that the Catapult delivers on its promise to bring all sectors of the supply chain together to further the adoption of compound semiconductors into applications.
Chairman of the Board at CSA Catapult, Kevin Crofton said: “The remit for the Catapult is to provide world class engineering and consultative expertise coupled with state-of-the-art design and test facilities to advance the UK’s compound semiconductor industry.
“As CTO, Martin will ensure that the Catapult offers the right core capabilities in design, simulation and test protocols necessary to augment our growth in the compound semiconductor space. Martin has a successful track record of working in collaborative environments – a skill that will benefit the Catapult and our industry partners.”
The CSA Catapult is a Not for Profit organisation headquartered in South Wales. It is focused on accelerating the adoption of compound semiconductors and on bringing applications to life in three technology areas: Power Electronics, RF & Microwave and Photonics.
