Semiconductors
The Skills, Education, Manufacture Innovations for Semiconductors (SEMIconductors) programme was developed in close alignment with the National Semiconductor Strategy, to support the hardware, design and manufacturing capabilities of the UK semiconductor supply chain and to ensure a suitably skilled workforce to meet current and future requirements.
Semiconductors – an essential role
Semiconductors are the key hardware enablers for today’s critical technologies and will power future technological development.
Recognising their importance, the UK government has identified Semiconductors as 1 of the 5 transformative technologies critical to the UK economy. Semiconductors are also essential in the development of other critical technology areas e.g. Net-Zero, HPC, Quantum, AI, Future Telecoms and Security. They are critical to the UK’s economic and national security and to the strategic advantage that the UK will secure on the global stage.
This programme ensures that the UK has a secure and relevant position and capability within the global semiconductor landscape.
OPPORTUNITY
UK – Germany Bilateral: Collaborative R&D Round 4
UK registered organisations can apply for a share of up to £2 million to enhance UK and German collaborations in emerging fields of technology. Apply by 6 Dec 2024.
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How we support you
As part of the Future Economy Review (FER) Innovate UK are investing £18 million into the SEMIconductors programme to support innovation and aid the development of technologies in a wide range of sectors. The programme aims to identify common problems and underlying issues experienced throughout the semiconductor community and provide solutions.
Semiconductor related projects and investments:
- Skills – schools’ engagement/STEM, apprenticeships and internships, up-skilling and re-skilling of existing workforce, technical courses and vocational training, CPD
- Manufacturing – developing manufacturing through innovation projects, support a resilient UK supply chain, building collaborations across the wider UK semiconductor industry
- Collaborative research & development (CR&D) – further developing methods for the improvement and scale-up of UK semiconductors manufacturing
- Innovation Knowledge Centre (IKCs) – providing joint funding with Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) to encourage closer links between academia and industry and to drive emergent semiconductor technologies towards market
The SEMIconductor programme is conceived as an enabling technology programme in parallel with the IUK support already directed at the end-application aspect of semiconductors.
Testimonials
"Technology is vital to shaping the future of the UK economy. Innovate UK’s investment today in centres and skills underlines this importance. As the national innovation agency, Innovate UK will make these strategic investments to allow innovative businesses to grow and thrive in the UK and deliver against some of the biggest global challenges.”
— Professor Will Drury, Former Executive Director Digital and Technologies, Innovate UK
"The pre-visit workshop was critical in helping to fine tune our message. We’re used to working in a very niche, jargon-heavy industry, so having third-party feedback on how we can appeal to adjacent industries was very helpful."
— Dr Mirella Koleva, CEO, Quantopticon
"The UK’s Semiconductor Strategy is a great opportunity to boost our capabilities and competitiveness on a global scale. Compound semiconductors are a fundamental component of advanced technologies – powering our devices, driving innovation and fuelling economic growth."
— Sally Roberts, Business Development Manager, Advanced Telecoms from CSA Catapult
National semiconductor strategy
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) have launched a new strategy to bolster the UK’s semiconductor industry. The 20 year plan sets out a strategic approach supporting a range of measures to secure the UK’s advantage in this globally important sector.
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Catapult Network
A network of world-leading technology and innovation centres established by Innovate UK and deliver impact across the UK economy, enabling businesses to thrive in global markets. The Catapult Network supports businesses in transforming great ideas into valuable products and services.
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