UK government to invest £26.8M into semiconductor projects
Hubs in Southampton and Bristol to receive £11million each for silicon photonic and high voltage device research
The UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has invested in two new research hubs in Southampton and Bristol to boost research in silicon photonics and compound semiconductors. Each will receive £11 million.
The REWIRE facility at the University of Bristol will support chip companies across the South West and Wales, helping to accelerate the UK’s net zero ambition by advancing high-voltage electronic devices using wide/ultra-wide bandgap compound semiconductors.
The 'Cornerstone' Information and Knowledge Centre in Southampton will build on the University’s specialism in silicon photonics.
A further funding of £4.8 million in 11 semiconductor skills projects nationwide aims to elevate talent across all educational tiers, from school through to university and beyond. This funding will not only raise awareness of the semiconductor industry but also help to address key gaps in the UK’s workforce talent and training framework.
Silicon photonics researcher Graham Reed, who will lead the Cornerstone facility, said: "The Cornerstone IKC will unite leading UK entrepreneurs and researchers, together with a network of support to improve the commercialisation of semiconductors and deliver a step-change in the silicon photonics industry."
Bristol lead Martin Kuball said: "Power devices are at the centre of all power electronic systems and pave the way for more efficient and compact power electronic systems, reducing energy loss. The REWIRE IKC will focus on power conversion of wind energy, high temperature applications, device and packaging, and improving the efficiency of semiconductor device manufacture."
