UK Chip ‘Scale Up’ Receives Full £11m Funding

The UK government has recently unveiled plans to support 16 semiconductor projects with a total funding of £11.5 million. This initiative, backed by Innovate UK, aims to accelerate the development of semiconductor technologies within the country. While the individual project allocations are relatively modest, with most being under £1 million, the focus is on fostering innovation, particularly among startups with ties to universities. Notably, the funding also includes support for Vishay, the new owner of Newport Wafer Fab.

Science Minister Lord Patrick Vallance made the announcement during the G7 Semiconductors Point of Contact group meeting in Cambridge, UK. The gathering, hosted at ARM’s headquarters, brought together representatives from member states, research organizations, and industry stakeholders to discuss key issues impacting the global semiconductor industry. Topics ranged from early-stage innovation support to sustainability measures aimed at enhancing the industry's resilience.

One of the projects receiving funding is a collaboration between Vector Photonics and the University of Glasgow, focusing on the development of GaN blue lasers for medical equipment, quantum displays, and automotive headlights. Another initiative led by Quantum Advanced Solutions and the University of Cambridge aims to enhance vision in critical sectors like defense through advanced shortwave infrared (SWIR) sensors. By leveraging innovative quantum dot materials, these projects seek to drive efficiency, performance, and cost-effectiveness in semiconductor applications.

Among the beneficiaries of the funding is Quinas Technology, a spin-out from Lancaster University working on a novel memory architecture. Additionally, materials specialist IQE in Wales is set to advance its semiconductor capabilities with the support of the funding. These collaborations underscore the UK's commitment to fostering technological innovation and strengthening its position in the global semiconductor landscape.

Andrew Tyrer, Deputy Director of Electronics, Sensors, and Photonics at Innovate UK, emphasized the strategic importance of the investment in aligning with the National Semiconductor Strategy. The UK's active participation in international forums like the OECD reflects its dedication to enhancing collaboration between government and industry to address challenges in the semiconductor supply chain. A recent economic study by Perspective Economics highlights the growth potential of the UK semiconductor sector, projecting a significant increase in its value by 2030.