CSconnected welcomes UK Government Science & Technology Framework
09th March 2023
CSconnected, Cardiff, UK
The UK Government’s newly created Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (DSIT) has published its new Science and Technology framework that clearly identifies semiconductors and quantum technologies as two of the five technologies that are critical to the UK.
Introducing the framework, the Rt Hon Michelle Donelan MP, Secretary of State at DSIT noted that “Britain has a long history of leadership and innovation” and said: “investment in science and technology is more important than ever.”
The UK is home to the world’s first Compound Semiconductor (CS) cluster. Representing the South Wales based technology cluster, CSconnected welcomes the recognition of the importance of semiconductors and quantum as critical enabling technologies.
The ability of silicon “chips” to process and store digital data has transformed our lives over the last few decades.
Compound semiconductors complement silicon based microprocessors by providing enhanced capabilities such as sensing and the ability to handle high powers and high frequencies, and so underpin UK innovation priorities in future communications, mass adoption of AI and are a critical enabler for practical Quantum systems.
Chris Meadows, CSconnected Director said: “Sadly, the UK’s enviable reputation for developing technological innovations has too often not been matched by an environment that encourages exploitation and commercialisation of those innovations.
“We look forward to the publication of the UK strategies for semiconductors and quantum technologies that we expect to help support the creation of conditions for establishing the UK as a clear global leader in next generation technologies.”
The UK strategies for semiconductors and quantum technologies are anticipated in early 2023.
Contacts:
CSconnected
info@csconnected.com
Chris Meadows
Camille Colombier
About CSconnected
CSconnected is the collective brand for a growing number of advanced semiconductor related activities in Wales, home to a unique community of academic institutions, prototyping facilities and global, high-volume manufacturing capabilities that collaborate across a range of research and innovation programs. CSconnected is uniquely positioned to develop a global advantage in a sovereign, key enabling technology which will allow Wales and the UK to increase trade globally in critical sectors such as 5G communications, autonomous and electric vehicles, advanced medical devices, and consumer electronics of the future.
In 2020, CSconnected received government funding provided through UK Research and Innovation’s flagship Strength in Places Fund (SIPF). The 55-month CSconnected SIPF project has a total value of £43million, supported by £25million of UKRI funds. It builds on Wales's regional strengths and integrates research excellence with a unique regional supply chain in compound semiconductor manufacturing.
