UK govt announces £16.6m funding boost to enhance semiconductor technology for green industries

In an ambitious move to advance the semiconductor technology pivotal for green industries, including electric vehicles and renewable energy systems, a £16.6 million investment has been unveiled today. Spearheaded by Innovate UK, this significant financial infusion is set to provide semiconductor researchers and businesses across the UK with access to cutting-edge equipment essential for testing and manufacturing chips. These chips are crucial for high-energy applications found in electric cars and various manufacturing equipment.

A substantial portion of the investment, amounting to £14 million, is dedicated specifically to semiconductors within the realm of power electronics. This field plays a critical role in energy-intensive machines, facilitating the conversion and control of power in devices such as electric vehicles and manufacturing apparatuses.

The allocation of new tools, primarily located in Newcastle and Strathclyde, is a strategic move designed to bolster the UK’s capacity in testing new innovations in power electronics and enhancing semiconductor packaging processes. Packaging, in this context, refers to the sophisticated encapsulation of silicon wafers, allowing them to effectively communicate with the devices they are intended to service.

This investment aligns with the UK’s broader Semiconductor Strategy, which highlights the significance of new packaging and testing techniques in improving semiconductor performance. Technology Minister Saqib Bhatti emphasized the transformative potential of innovations in semiconductor packaging, noting their ability to “transform whole industries and vastly improve consumer devices, all while driving long-term economic growth.”

The provision of open-access tools for a wide array of semiconductor design and testing processes, including the precision slicing of silicon wafers and the intricate bonding of materials, is a game-changer. This approach not only facilitates the rapid transformation of semiconductor science into practical business solutions but also contributes to making energy-intensive sectors more environmentally sustainable.

Mike Biddle, Executive Director of Net Zero at Innovate UK, highlighted the pivotal role of these technologies in the UK’s economy and the global pursuit of net-zero emissions. The investment is seen as a strategic complement to the National Semiconductor Strategy, bolstering the UK’s capabilities in post-wafer semiconductor technology.

The funding builds upon the foundation laid by the Driving the Electric Revolution Industrial Centres (DER-IC), which received £33 million in funding in 2019. DER-IC’s collaborations, such as with McLaren Applied, have already made strides in developing power electronics technologies for the automotive and aerospace industries.

The £16.6 million investment marks a significant milestone in the UK’s efforts to lead in sustainable technological innovation. By focusing on the development and enhancement of semiconductor technology, especially in power electronics, this initiative is poised to make a substantial impact on the green energy sector and electric vehicle manufacturing. This strategic investment not only underscores the UK’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions but also positions the country as a leader in the global race towards a more sustainable future.