14th August 2025
CSconnected Annual Review highlights Welsh compound semiconductor innovation and global impact
CSconnected, the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster based in South Wales, has published its 2024/25 Annual Review, revealing a year of exceptional growth, investment and international influence.
With the global semiconductor market projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030, the review outlines how South Wales continues to lead in the high-growth compound semiconductor sector; delivering innovation, talent, and economic impact for Wales, the UK and beyond.
Key highlights from the 2024/25 review include:
- £507 million in revenue generated by the South Wales cluster, with 95% of output exported
- 2,762 jobs supported across the region - a 32% increase since 2020
- £366 million in Gross Value Added (GVA) - up 48% from baseline
- Major inward investments, including KLA’s $138 million facility and Vishay’s £250 million expansion
- New UK-first qualification in compound semiconductors launched in partnership with WJEC
- Hosting win for ICSCRM 2027, a global silicon carbide conference coming to South Wales
The Annual Review also highlights progress from the CSconnected Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) programme – a £43 million initiative extended to 2026 – and activities funded by the Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), which support the coordination and development of the cluster alongside skills and outreach programmes.
Sparking STEM Futures, a flagship outreach campaign inspiring the next generation of tech talent, was launched during the year, made possible with funding from CCR and SIPF. The programme engages schools and young people across South Wales, showcasing career pathways in technology and engineering through hands-on activities, events, and industry engagement.
The year also saw the launch of the CSconnected Supply Chain Development Programme with CCR, designed to strengthen the regional supply base, improve resilience, and help local companies seize opportunities in the global semiconductor market.
Howard Rupprecht, Managing Director of CSconnected, said: "The 2024/25 review showcases the incredible momentum of the compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales. From cutting-edge research and international trade to skills development and policy influence, CSconnected is cementing South Wales as a global leader in advanced semiconductor technologies.”
The cluster also played a key role in shaping UK semiconductor strategy, contributing to national policy, hosting high-profile government visits, and securing mention in the UK’s refreshed Industrial Strategy.
The full CSconnected 2024/25 Annual Review is available to view here.
Notes to editors:
Contact
Rianne Mason / Zoe Fawcett
About CSconnected
CSconnected is the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, located in South Wales. Supported by the Strength in Places Fund (UK Research and Innovation) and Cardiff Capital Region, the cluster unites leading companies, research institutions, and government partners to drive innovation, economic growth, and global leadership in semiconductor technology.
