New Optoelectronics Foundry and Research Center Opens in Glasgow
Source: Compound Semiconductor Technologies Ltd.
New £7.5 Million Optoelectronics Foundry & Research Center To Spearhead Scotland s Drive In Global Communications Market
Compound Semiconductor Technologies Ltd, (CST), a £7.5 million (USD 11 million) optoelectronics foundry and technology transfer company was officially opened at the West of Scotland Science Park, Glasgow by Sir Iain Vallance Chairman of British Telecom. Formed to pioneer and commercialize new technology and position Scotland at the forefront of the optoelectronics revolution, CST is now recognized as the flagship project for the optoelectronics industry in both Scotland and the UK. Initially set up by Scottish Enterprise, Glasgow University, Strathclyde University, Scottish Enterprise Glasgow and the Strathclyde European Partnership it will act as a catalyst for innovation, and a hub linking nation-wide academia with the optoelectronics industry. The new research center and III-V foundry will front the nation s drive to become a leading contender in the burgeoning global optoelectronics market. This is a market currently dominated by Japan and the US and valued at *$209 Billion with an estimated growth of approximately 25% p.a. (*Statistics Source - OIDA based on 1999 market value for Optoelectronic Applications - Components and Enabled Products).
To achieve this objective CST has brought together two world-class research departments from the University of Glasgow and the University of Strathclyde, to operate within this single facility in tandem with one of the most advanced key component foundry facilities in this sector. Newly formed start-up companies taking advantage of CST s unique concept - to - market service package, will be able to greatly reduce the seven digit figure cost, the lengthy time involvement and high risk factor associated with commercializing new technology.
All crucial aspects which currently confront venture capital companies, independent investors and entrepreneurs during the embryonic phase of device design, product development and manufacture.
Unveiling a plaque to record the event, Sir Iain Vallance said: "This is truly a significant day, not only for CST and Scotland, but also for the UK in its aim to become a major player in what will be seen as the dawn of a new era. During the decade ahead optoelectronics will supersede electronics as the engine which will drive e-commerce, the Internet and the global telecommunications industry. The new and imposing research and foundry facility which we have seen here today will go a long way towards making this possible."
Neil Martin, Chief Executive of CST, said: "The opening of our new facility coincides with the emergence of a new technological revolution, which will spawn a whole host of new hi-tech products and services in the decade ahead. This will have a significant effect in re-shaping the daily working, leisure and living environment of each and every one of us.
With major incubation contracts for two photonic start-up companies - and other similar contracts now at an advanced stage of negotiation - we should be well ahead of target by the end of the year. As part of our commitment to playing a leading role in this fast growth global market, plans are now nearing completion to establish a presence on both the East and West Coast of the US." George Bennett, Chairman of CST, said: "At long last, Scotland is now delivering on it s promise to commercialize university technologies by removing the risk factor new start-up companies face, enabling Scotland to grow tomorrow s international companies. I have little doubt that the impact of this optoelectronics revolution on the Scottish economy will come to be regarded as the modern equivalent of shipbuilding and whisky at the turn of the century. CST s new research and foundry facility will play an pivotal role in this development - as the driving force towards achieving a quicker and more profitable route to successful commercialization for new technologies now being developed by our first class universities."
Contact: Neil Martin, CST Tel: +44 (0)141 579 3000, Fax: +44 (0)141 579 3040 Email: n.martin@compoundsemi.co.uk
Marion Watson, RW Kinnaird & Co Ltd Tel: +44 (0)141 616 0616, Fax: +44 (0)141 616 0173 Email: marion@kinnairdcom.fsnet.co.uk
Neil Martin, CST
Tel: +44 (0)141 579 3000, Fax: +44 (0)141 579 3040
Email: n.martin@compoundsemi.co.uk
Marion Watson, RW Kinnaird & Co Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)141 616 0616, Fax: +44 (0)141 616 0173
Email: marion@kinnairdcom.fsnet.co.uk
E-mail: marion@kinnairdcom.fsnet.co.uk
Web site: http://www.compoundsemi.co.uk
