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Opportunities for growth in the UK’s South West semiconductor cluster  

Date: 02.10.2024

Topics: Clusters, Supply Chains

A man is speaking to a group of people gathered in a modern, well-lit room with large windows and decorative hanging elements. Attendees, dressed in business casual attire, are standing or sitting on chairs, attentively listening. Tables are arranged around the room e - CSA Catapult
A group of people are gathered in a modern room with large windows and blue lighting. A man is speaking to the group, while others listen attentively or engage in conversation. The room, featuring blue cushioned seating, wooden floors, and a few tables, exudes a contemporary ambiance. - CSA Catapult

Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult hosts semiconductors experts across the South West to understand strategic priorities, facilitate collaboration and help the cluster continue to grow. 

At a recent meet up experts highlighted talent in the South West as a key opportunity but noted that more government support will help cultivate skills and build communities.

With this support the cluster can produce technical breakthroughs, drive economic growth and build capabilities that are internationally recognised.

The South West is recognised semiconductor powerhouse. Start-ups such as Blu Wireless, XMOS and Graphcore have received multi-million pounds’ worth of investment, whilst Broadcom, HP Labs, Infineon and Qualcomm have located to the region.

CSA Catapult believes there is a significant opportunity for semiconductor companies in the South West.

A recent report commissioned by the Western Gateway – a pan-regional partnership that also extends into South Wales – revealed that the regional economy will grow faster than any other part of the UK economy, outside of London, over the next five years.

However, the report flagged that the region is being held back by a lack of investment and is missing out on between £3m and £9m in private sector investment per businesses per year on average, when compared to other parts of the UK.

Opportunities for growth in the UK’s South West semiconductor cluster  

A key part of CSA Catapult’s purpose is to deliver long-term benefit to the UK economy and accelerate UK economic growth in industries where applying compound semiconductors creates a competitive advantage and enables new products or end markets.

To strengthen the semiconductor community in the South West, CSA Catapult hosts regular meet ups in Bristol. These events provide a space for experts to discuss the challenges they face and share insights.  

As well as help companies design, test and validate competitive products, CSA Catapult can identity and access new markets, funding streams and customers, to build supply chains and help companies grow, and ultimately, to deliver long-term benefit to the UK economy.

"I’m delighted our South West semiconductor meet ups have brought the semiconductor community together.

"A key part of our role is to connect and champion companies across the local ecosystem so they can explore potential collaborations for product development and and technology acceleration. We want to continue to support companies in the South West as we can see significant opportunities for growth."

Martin McHugh, chief executive officer at CSA Catapult