The CSconnected Cluster Welcomes Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology Minister Saqib Bhatti MP
12th December 2023
Wales, UK
The CSconnected compound semiconductor cluster was honoured to host the newly appointed Minister Saqib Bhatti MP for his inaugural engagement as Parliamentary Undersecretary of State for the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT).
The visit featured tours of state-of-the-art facilities within the compound semiconductor cluster, showcasing significant recent industrial and manufacturing expansion in Newport, providing Minister Bhatti with firsthand insights into the collaborative work taking place in the region that has made the CSconnected community a recognised leader within the global semiconductor industry.
Minister Saqib Bhatti said:
"It's been a great experience visiting South Wales and the compound semiconductor cluster today, a true testament to British innovation and an example of our global leadership in semiconductor design and advanced manufacturing.
“This specialist group of businesses shows the value in our Semiconductor Strategy. This sector is not just creating national growth and high-skilled jobs for the area, but opening doors to innovation around the world."
Chris Meadows, Director of CSconnected said:
“Specialising in compound semiconductors, one of the key strategic opportunities outlined in the UK Semiconductor Strategy, CSconnected aims 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. We very much welcomed the opportunity to share our vision with Minister Bhatti during his visit.”
Wyn Meredith, Chair of the CSconnected Management board said:
“The CSconnected compound semiconductor cluster based in South Wales has a strong track record of contributing to the UK’s semiconductor industry, which is reflected in the many projects and investments showcased during the Minister’s visit in Newport. The collaborative initiatives undertaken by our partner, the CSA Catapult, support the cluster’s vision to make the UK more competitive and sovereign in the tech sector.”
CSconnected looks forward to continued collaboration with Minister Bhatti and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology, as the cluster continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the technology at the heart of our digital world from handsets to data centres, mobility and net-zero applications, healthcare, robotics and AI.
Contact:
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.