The UK government has announced a new £10 million investment fund to accelerate semiconductor development, positioning the UK in one of the fastest growing technology sectors in the world.
Announced by the Minister of High Tech, Kanish Kanarayan at the Microelectronics UK Conference, the initiative aims to strengthen domestic semiconductor capabilities, reduce dependence on global supply chains, and create sophisticated jobs for advanced manufacturing.
Narayan explained: “There is great potential in the UK semiconductor sector, and by investing in its growth, we will build on our country’s strengths, unlock new, skilled jobs at home, and set ourselves up in a highly competitive market to boost our economy.
“We are supporting and thriving UK businesses and turning world-class research into major advancements such as mobile phones and television, making life easier for people across the UK.”
Supports semiconductor innovation nationwide
Up to 40 UK companies are set up to benefit from the Innovate UK Fund, which offers access to cutting-edge manufacturing facilities, technical expertise and business mentoring.
Companies will be supported in transforming early-stage research into commercial products that power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to medical devices and renewable energy systems.
Among the companies that are supported is Paragraf Limited, a Cambridge-based pioneer of graphene technology. Its highly energy-efficient semiconductor devices promise to extend the battery life of your phone while reducing the energy consumption of transport and defense systems.
Another recipient, Silicon Microgravity Limited, is developing a compact navigation device that works without satellite signals. Essential for applications ranging from wearable technology to industrial robotics.
Iain Mauchline, Innovate UK’s semiconductor director, added:
“We are pleased to provide support to these innovative companies using semiconductors as a critical technology that enables them to make a difference in a vast range of industries.”
Global market opportunities
The global semiconductor industry is worth hundreds of billions of pounds, and the UK sector is projected to grow by 75% by 2030.
By targeting UK already superior regions such as chip design, flexible electronics and graphene innovation, the new fund aims to attract more international investments and solidify the UK’s reputation as a hub for technical breakthroughs.
The strategic value of national security
Beyond home appliances, semiconductors support key national infrastructures such as defense, satellites and cybersecurity.
Strengthening UK semiconductor development capabilities is seen as essential to ensuring resilience to global supply chain disruptions. This is an issue that has been highlighted during the pandemic and recent geopolitical tensions.
Built on a strong foundation
The investment is based on the achievements of major UK companies such as ARM, Pragmatic, Vishay and KLA, which are driving advances in chip design, flexible electronics and power semiconductors.
Together, these companies represent growing ecosystems that can provide the next wave of innovation.
By supporting world-class research and supporting businesses, the government wants to provide smarter and safer technologies to improve daily life while ensuring its UK status in the global semiconductor races.
This funding shows a clear commitment. The future of UK economic growth and national security will be driven by semiconductor development.
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