CSconnected celebrates 10 years of compound semiconductor innovation in South Wales
30th October 2025
CSconnected, the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, marks its 10-year anniversary this month with a celebration at the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff. The event, sponsored by KLA, the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Wynne-Jones IP and the Welsh Government, will bring together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and educators to celebrate a decade of transformation and growth, while looking ahead to the future of advanced technology in Wales.
The evening will include reflections from founding figures, recognition of “Cluster Champions,” and a keynote address from Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, whose portfolio aligns closely with the cluster’s focus on talent pipelines and skills development.
From its origins in 2015, CSconnected has grown into a globally recognised cluster, anchoring South Wales as a powerhouse of compound semiconductor innovation. With over 3,000 high-value jobs, £434M+ generated for the UK economy and 90%+ exports, the cluster has become a cornerstone of the UK’s deep-tech and manufacturing sector.
The cluster is anchored by global firms including IQE, Vishay, KLA, and Microchip, alongside leading research institutions such as Cardiff and Swansea Universities. Together, they form a full research-to-manufacturing supply chain for the compound semiconductor industry, which is not only unique but also extremely difficult to replicate making it strategically valuable to Wales and the UK.
This density of firms, skills, and facilities creates an end-to-end supply chain in a single region, from epiwafer growth and device fabrication through to testing, packaging, and applications. This integrated model reduces lead times, lowers risk, and makes Wales an attractive location for organisations looking to scale in a constrained global market.
Howard Rupprecht, managing director of CSconnected commented: “Ten years ago, CSconnected was an ambitious idea. Today, it’s a thriving ecosystem that connects research, manufacturing, and talent.
“We’re building a future where Wales leads in quantum, photonics, and AI, collaboration continues to be our competitive edge, and talent development is central to our strategy. This anniversary marks the beginning of that next chapter
“We aim to double the size of the cluster, which means the creation of an additional 3,000 new jobs by 2030. Every pound invested in this cluster has delivered local dividends many times over. The real battle is not for facilities, but for talent. That’s why we’re calling for sustained support for education, skills, and workforce development to ensure Wales remains globally competitive and can reap the benefits of this opportunity.”
The cluster’s success has been driven by deep collaboration between universities, industry, and government. Key milestones include the establishment of the Compound Semiconductor Centre, the Institute for Compound Semiconductors at Cardiff University and the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials at Swansea University, and the UKRI-funded Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult. A major inflection point came in 2020, when CSconnected secured £43M in Strength in Places Fund (SIPF) support, formalising the cluster and embedding operational collaboration.
The event takes place on Thursday 13 November at the Parkgate Hotel, Cardiff. Tickets are available from CSconnected.
ENDS
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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.
