CSconnected announced as a finalist for Bhattacharyya Award
05th September 2024
Five finalists announced for prestigious Bhattacharyya Award celebrating UK’s most impactful academia-industry partnerships
The CSconnected cluster among the finalists, driving innovation and economic growth in the UK
Wales, 05 September 2024 — CSconnected, representing the world's first compound semiconductor (CS) cluster, is proud to be among the five finalists for this year’s Bhattacharyya Award, which recognises the UK’s most impactful academia-industry collaborations. This prestigious award, supported by the UK government, celebrates the significant contributions that long-term partnerships between universities and industry bring to innovation and the economy.
CSconnected, located in and around South Wales, includes Cardiff University, Swansea University, the Compound Semiconductor Centre, and industry partners, including multinationals IQE plc, KLA Corp, Microchip Technology, Vishay Intertechnology and Microlink.
Since its inception in 2015, the CS cluster has grown to support over 2,660 high-productivity jobs and contributing £381 million GVA annually. The cluster has also attracted over £82 million in industrial R&D projects and more than £500 million in regional investment in RD&I infrastructure and manufacturing capacity.
“Being shortlisted for the Bhattacharyya Award is a testament to the success of the compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales,” said Wyn Meredith, Chair of CSconnected. “Our close partnership with Cardiff and Swansea Universities is a prime example of how collaboration between academia and industry can drive technological advancements, create high-value jobs, and position the UK at the forefront of the global semiconductor industry.”
Professor Paul Meredith, head of the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials at Swansea University said: "We are absolutely delighted to be part of the CSconnected team shortlisted for this prestigious award. Our partnership with Cardiff University and the South Wales Semiconductor Cluster is an important strategic priority for us and aligned with our mission to help grow the prosperity of our region."
The CSconnected cluster has leveraged the expertise of its academic partners to advance research in areas such as photonics, power electronics, and quantum technologies. These advancements have had significant impacts on a wide range of industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, and automotive, further solidifying South Wales as a hub for cutting-edge semiconductor technology.
Other Finalists:
- University of Bristol and EDF Energy: A long-standing collaboration focusing on safe, clean, and affordable energy for the UK.
- Cranfield University and Airbus: A 53-year partnership advancing aeronautics, aviation, space, and defence.
- Heriot-Watt University and Renishaw: A strategic alliance producing innovative research with significant commercial and societal impact.
- University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) and Boeing: A partnership transforming the manufacturing innovation landscape in the UK.
The Bhattacharyya Award, named in honour of Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, celebrates the mutual benefits of academia-industry collaborations, which include creating a talent pipeline, advancing research, and generating significant economic impact.
The winner of the 2024 Bhattacharyya Award will be announced on Thursday 26th September 2024 at a special ceremony at the Royal Academy of Engineering in London.
Read the full announcement from The Royal Academy of Engineering here: 5 finalists for annual prize for UK academia-industry partnerships (raeng.org.uk)
Contact:
CSconnected Ltd
info@csconnected.com
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.
