
The UK government has announced an independent Semiconductor Institute to bring together government, universities and the private sector.
The Institute will act as a coordinated entry point for overseas technology businesses and international partners who want to work with the UK semiconductor sector.
This comes one year on from the launch of the National Semiconductor Strategy and the formation of the Semiconductor Advisory Panel and will set its key focus areas in line with those identified by the Strategy in compound chips, design and research and development.
“Building on the early success of the strategy, the UK Semiconductor Institute will unify the semiconductor sector to focus our talented researchers on securing our status at the cutting edge of semiconductor science. This is a hugely significant milestone on our journey to becoming a science and tech superpower by 2030,” said Technology Minister Saqib Bhatti.
Industry responds to UK semiconductor strategy
“I believe the creation of the Semiconductor Institute is a very positive step in advancing the UK semiconductor strategy. The institute concept featured strongly in the IFM consultative study and it is seen as an effective way to create long term momentum for our industry, help in engaging international partners and attracting investment in the sector,” said Jalal Bagherli, co-chair of the Semiconductor Advisory Panel and former CEO of Dialog Semiconductor.
“The UK Semiconductor Institute will ensure the UK has a strategic and coordinated approach to developing new technologies, improving skills and exploiting areas in which the UK has existing strengths,” said Martin McHugh, CEO at CSA Catapult in Newport, Wales.
“One of these strengths is compound semiconductors and we look forward to working closely with the UK Semiconductor Institute to further the advancement of this critical technology that will accelerate our route to Net Zero through electrification and provide a secure and resilient telecoms network for the future.”
The UK government points to the ChipStart pilot incubator for start-ups with Silicon Catalyst, and £22m for two Innovation and Knowledge Centres in Bristol and Southampton.
“Semiconductor technology is the single most important component of all transformative technologies such as AI, telecommunications, quantum and electrification. As economic success becomes more dependent on semiconductors, it is crucial that the UK develops a long-term vision and strategy from research into commercial product and supportive partnerships with international partners to enable homegrown innovation to become global success stories. As the UK trade body for Deep Tech and Semiconductors, Techworks is pleased to support the formation of this institute as a critical step in this direction,” said Charlie Sturman of Techworks.
“We were delighted to complete the largest European semiconductor venture raise in December 2023, co-led by UK Infrastructure Bank and M&G, with 70% of the round coming from UK investors. This funding will accelerate continued expansion of our manufacturing capacity in the Northeast of England taking volume from billions of flexible integrated circuits (FlexICs) to tens of billions per year,” said David Moore, CEO of flexible chip maker Pragmatic.
“We welcome efforts to provide access to technology to foster the growth of emerging businesses, drive the expansion of the sector talent pool and promote international partnerships. The institute represents a significant opportunity for building out new infrastructure in support of areas where the UK can lead on the global stage, including advanced materials and disruptive, new approaches to semiconductor manufacturing at scale.
Comment: Underwhelming semiconductor strategy is set up to fail
“The establishment of a UK Semiconductor Institute is welcomed by techUK and other members of the Chips Coalition, including Global Tech Advocates and TechWorks. We have worked with UK government to develop the National Semiconductor Strategy and we look forward to turning that strategy into action,” said Julian David, CEO of techUK.
“We are confident that this Institute will serve as an authoritative and empowered body. By bringing together government, universities and the private sector, the Institute will be pivotal in advancing R&D, skills development, and fostering international collaboration. This collaboration will secure a robust and innovative future for the UK’s semiconductor landscape.”
“The Chips Coalition looks forward to continuing to engage with the government in this endeavour and to witnessing the positive impact this Institute will have on the UK’s growth.”
