Creating a flourishing national and international semiconductor ecosystem should be a priority for the UK

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At this year’s IEEE Workshop on Wide Bandgap Power Devices and Applications in Europe (WiPDA-Europe 2024), Martin McHugh, CEO of CSA Catapult said in his keynote address on Tuesday 17th September, that creating a flourishing national and international semiconductor ecosystem should be a priority for the UK.

As part of his keynote address, he outlined how now more than ever international collaboration is more important, with the UK looking to build alliances with key nations across the world to help meet challenges like delivering Net Zero. The Catapult plays a vital role in the semiconductor ecosystem, building UK supply chains in power electronics and future telecoms.

The UK needs to pull together and play to its strengths of design, IP, advanced packaging and compound semiconductor research as outlined in the UK National Semiconductor Strategy. He also said building on the growing semiconductor clusters in South Wales, South West, Cambridge, North East, Scotland and Northern Ireland remains a key part of the organisation’s strategy. There are significant global challenges facing the entire semiconductor supply chain, so the need for strong ecosystems and alliances for the long term.

CSA Catapult has created significant value for UK industry, leading key collaborative research and development programmes such as @FutureBEV, ESCAPE and Secure 5G. The Catapult has engaged with companies like BMW, McLaren Applied, BT Group and National Gas. CSA Catapult has a series of strategic international partnerships with organisations in Taiwan, India and Malaysia to strengthen UK’s position in the global ecosystems.

CSA Catapult has an estimated GVA contribution of £600m and a long-term benefit to multi-factor productivity in the UK economy of between £55.7m and £85.7m, according to independent research.

Martin McHugh, Chief Executive Officer, CSA Catapult, said: “It is a great honour to host WIPDA-Europe 2024. It has been fascinating to hear about the latest research into wide band gap power devices, which will play a key role in accelerating technology development for Net Zero. It was a very thought provoking event, where we were able to help convene.”

WiPDA-Europe serves as a dynamic platform for device scientists, circuit designers, and application engineers to converge, exchange valuable insights, and explore the latest advancements in wide bandgap power devices and their diverse applications. This event promises an enriching experience through technical sessions, tutorials, and thought-provoking keynotes delivered by distinguished leaders from both industry and research sectors.