Latest news with #CSACatapult
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Ambassador visits Newport and Magor in trade roadshow
Anne Sherriff, the UK's ambassador to Belgium, visited south Wales on June 30 as part of a new roadshow led by foreign secretary David Lammy. The roadshow aims to strengthen economic ties and drive growth across the UK by connecting regions with overseas markets. Mr Lammy said: "Wales has a strong connection to Belgium but there's so much more we can do to boost trade and investment. "I am sending my Ambassador to work directly with local businesses to build connections so they can harness their expertise and effectively champion the interests of Wales most effectively. "This nationwide roadshow is one of the ways I am ensuring the economic interests of British businesses sit at the heart of our foreign policy as we deliver on our Plan for Change." Ambassador Sherriff met with Andrew Gwatkin, the Welsh Government's director for international relations and trade, in Cardiff before touring CSA Catapult's headquarters in Newport. The visit also included a stop at AB InBev's brewery in Magor. Ms Sherriff said: "It's exciting to be in south Wales as part of this first-of-its-kind roadshow – going the extra mile to develop relationships that will help us supercharge growth to every corner of the UK. "We're hitting the road to speak directly to community leaders and businesses, so that not a single opportunity is missed to generate trade and investment wins overseas. "I am looking forward to building on today's roadshow discussions to showcase Wales on the international stage." The Magor brewery is AB InBev's largest in the UK and produces leading brands such as Budweiser and Stella Artois. The ambassador's visit aims to strengthen an already significant trade relationship. Total trade between the UK and Belgium reached £60.7 billion in 2024, with Belgian investment stock in the UK close to £50 billion. Several Welsh businesses benefit from this relationship. Belgian companies such as Syensqo in Wrexham, What's Cooking in Deeside, and United Petfoods in Llangadog all operate in Wales, supporting jobs and growth in the region.
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
CSA Catapult to Mobilise New UK Semiconductor Centre
The UK Government has announced that Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult will mobilise the new UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC). It comes alongside the publication of the UK Government's modern Industrial Strategy, which includes a new Digital and Technology Sector Plan to unleash the UK's strengths in science and innovation. The Plan sets out how government will work alongside business to turn breakthrough ideas into thriving enterprises, backing the UK's world-class talent and making the UK a top destination for global tech investment. For semiconductors, it reinforces the UK's long-term commitment to the sector, from supporting innovation and research to building stronger supply chains and helping more UK firms scale up and compete globally. CSA Catapult said it will draw on its expertise across the semiconductor supply chain and its extensive network with industry and academia to help get the UKSC up and running. The Centre is being backed by at least £19 million in government funding and will have an office in a location that is readily accessible for the UK's semiconductor clusters and international visitors. It will be guided by an independent advisory board. Secondments from industry will also shape the Centre's early activities, ensuring alignment with sector priorities and strong industry engagement. The UKSC will serve as a national independent hub bringing together industry, researchers, and government to make it easier for semiconductor businesses to scale, secure investment and find the skills they need to grow. It will also act as a front door for international collaboration, offering a single point of contact for global firms and governments to engage with the UK semiconductor sector and form new partnerships to help strengthen the UK's role in global supply chains. The Centre will be outcomes-focused and will undertake several activities including the creation of R&D roadmaps, establishment of communities of practice around core semiconductor technologies, skills development, improving access to venture funds and scaling up semiconductor SMEs. CSA Catapult will engage with stakeholders through a series of roadshows during the summer and autumn to outline the UKSC's priorities and activities. Science Minister Lord Vallance said: 'Semiconductors power everything from smartphones to medical devices – and with the right support, the UK can play a much bigger role in their supply and development. 'We're backing the long-term growth of this vital industry with a new national centre to boost investment, strengthen collaboration, and build skills to support the economic growth at the heart of our Plan for Change. 'We want industry at the heart of this effort – and we're working with experts from across the sector to make sure the UK Semiconductor Centre delivers what businesses need to thrive.' Raj Gawera, Interim CEO of CSA Catapult, said: 'Semiconductors are enabling technology for AI, net zero, mobility, quantum, neuromorphic computing and defence and they underpin the UK's Plan for Growth. The new UK Semiconductor Centre will play a pivotal role in creating a stronger, more connected UK semiconductor innovation ecosystem. The centre will build on the UK's recognised strengths in design, IP, advanced packaging and compound semiconductors and leverage existing semiconductor clusters in South Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cambridge, the North East, Bristol and Southampton. 'In close collaboration with industry, academia and government, the Centre aims to drive growth and scale of strategic technologies from materials to devices to applications. CSA Catapult, with the support of Innovate UK and DSIT, is pleased to play a strategic role in mobilising and establishing the UK Semiconductor Centre and working closely with stakeholders to shape the detailed plans so together we can grow the UK semiconductor sector.' Julian David OBE, CEO of techUK said: 'techUK welcomes the UK Government's announcement of the UK Semiconductor Centre. As outlined in our report UK Plan For Chips, we believe the Centre will be key to delivering skills, supporting international collaboration, and strengthening regional clusters—from photonics in Northern Ireland, design and IP in Cambridge, to compound semiconductors in Wales. 'As we move towards next steps, techUK would like to see the Centre become an independent, authoritative and empowered voice, with the ability to represent and unite UK industry alongside global partners. We look forward to working with the Government and seeing the Centre's positive impact.' Charles Sturman, CEO of Techworks, said: 'Since the birth of the integrated circuit in the 1960s the UK has been a pioneer in semiconductor innovation. Yet, we have failed to consistently turn that innovation into sustained commercial and competitive advantage compared to other leading nations. This matters because semiconductors have evolved from a useful technology into an essential component of our way of life, becoming crucial to our sustained wellbeing. 'Today, a strong semiconductor industry is vital to any developed country's economic security. To this end, the UK must unite around a shared, long-term strategy that drives innovation, investment, skills and scale up – building on our strengths to seize global growth opportunities. 'As the UK's semiconductor trade association, I am proud to see government not only delivering on their promise to support the sector but also engaging with us to convene industry dialogue and address stakeholder concerns. We must ensure that this new body delivers real value to the actors it aims to support, and I look forward to working closely with the centre as we grow a UK semiconductor industry ready for the 2030s.' Those across the sector interested in joining the advisory group or taking up a secondment can find out more by contacting: recruitment@
Business News Wales
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Search for Wales' STEM Stars of 2025 Begins
The 2025 Wales STEM Awards have officially launched, aiming to spotlight the organisations and individuals driving innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Wales. This year's ceremony will take place on 16th October at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. Entries are now open across 15 categories—including STEM Company of the Year, STEM Woman of the Year, and Innovation in STEM—with a submission deadline of 25th July 2025. Returning as headline sponsor is Cardiff Metropolitan University, joined by CSA Catapult and new to the sponsor lineup is IP firm, Wynne Jones IP, who sponsor the Innovation in STEM category. Category sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to align themselves with Wales' thriving STEM community. Martin McHugh, former CEO of CSA Catapult, has been appointed as the new Chair of Judges. He said: 'We must continue to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those individuals and companies that work tirelessly to encourage and support STEM. The awards are a great way of recognising those achievements and saying thank you for the incredible hard work. If you or your company are working in or promoting STEM, I would encourage you to enter the awards and get some recognition for your company and colleagues.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, added: 'As we launch the 2025 awards, it's inspiring to see the continued growth and innovation within Wales' STEM sectors. Each year, we uncover remarkable stories of dedication and ingenuity, and we look forward to celebrating these achievements on the national stage.' The awards come at a pivotal time. Recent research indicates that the STEM skills shortage could cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 if unaddressed. In Wales, the manufacturing industry alone provides over 147,000 jobs, accounting for one in nine of the workforce, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals in STEM fields. Last year's winners included companies such as Antiverse, Ipsen Biopharm and Wales Interactive, as well as inspiring individuals like Claire Jenkins from the Intellectual Property Office and Georgia Cox from Tata Steel UK, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent and innovation across Wales' STEM sectors. The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar. For more information on entering or sponsoring the awards, visit
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New R&D Innovation Hub opens in Newport city centre
The hub, set up by leading Malaysian semiconductor company SMD Semiconductor, is at the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult's Innovation Centre in the city. The company, which is a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government, has signalled its intent to work with UK companies on designing next-generation semiconductor chips. The hub was officially opened by the Premier of Sarawak at a special ceremony attended by delegates from the Sarawak, UK and Welsh governments, as well as industry partners. During the ceremony, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult signed and exchanged a formal agreement to collaborate on developing new compound semiconductor chips for AI and edge devices. Edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, perform data processing at the location of the device instead of sending it to the cloud. This makes them quicker, more energy efficient, more secure, and will enable real-time data processing, which is critical for applications in defence, healthcare, surveillance and robotics. SMD Semiconductor was established in September 2022 under State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.). It focuses on advanced technological research and development, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products. SMD Semiconductor is seeking to expand its capabilities into compound semiconductors and take advantage of the expertise of both CSA Catapult and UK industry. Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult, said: "Advances in AI computing are already rapidly spreading from data centres to Edge devices. "However, to unlock the full potential of Edge AI will require new and bold approaches to semiconductor devices. "We're delighted to have SMD Semiconductor locate with us at our Innovation Centre in Newport and to kickstart a programme of activity that will see us design, develop and innovate technology to enable the next generation of Edge AI devices. "This formal partnership strengthens ties between the UK, Sarawak and Malaysian governments and is another example of how international partnerships are helping the UK grow its semiconductor industry and create strong, resilient supply chains for the future." Shariman Jamil, CEO at SMD Semiconductor, said: "Today marks a bold leap forward for Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor arena. "Through our strategic partnerships with CSA Catapult, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Sarawak with some of the most advanced semiconductor innovators in the world. "The agreement is more than symbolic as they are actionable commitments to co-create breakthrough technologies, accelerate R&D, and open new markets. "With the opening of our R&D Innovation hub in UK, we are positioning ourselves on the world stage in driving future-ready chip design and innovation."
Business News Wales
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
SMD Semiconductor Opens R&D Innovation Hub at CSA Catapult in Newport
A leading Malaysian semiconductor company has opened a new R&D Innovation Hub in Wales and signalled its intent to work with UK companies on designing next-generation semiconductor chips. SMD Semiconductor, a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government, will be located at the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult's Innovation Centre in Newport. The hub was officially opened by the Premier of Sarawak at a special ceremony attended by delegates from the Sarawak, UK and Welsh governments, as well as industry partners. During the ceremony, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult signed and exchanged a formal agreement to collaborate on developing new compound semiconductor chips for AI and edge devices. Edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, perform data processing at the location of the device instead of sending it to the cloud. This makes them quicker, more energy efficient, more secure, and will enable real-time data processing, which is critical for applications in defence, healthcare, surveillance and robotics. SMD Semiconductor is a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government and was established in September 2022 under State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.). It focuses on advanced technological research and development, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products. SMD Semiconductor is seeking to expand its capabilities into compound semiconductors and take advantage of the expertise of both CSA Catapult and UK industry. Established by Innovate UK in 2018, CSA Catapult is the UK's authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation. With labs and offices across the UK, CSA Catapult is a centre of excellence with state-of-the-art equipment that specialises in the measurement, characterisation, integration and validation of compound semiconductor technology across four areas: power electronics, advanced packaging, radio frequency (RF) and microwave communications, and photonics. In 2024, CSA Catapult and SMD Semiconductor signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that laid the initial foundation for collaboration in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of next-generation chips. Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult said: 'Advances in AI computing are already rapidly spreading from data centres to Edge devices. However, to unlock the full potential of Edge AI will require new and bold approaches to semiconductor devices. We're delighted to have SMD Semiconductor locate with us at our Innovation Centre in Newport and to kickstart a programme of activity that will see us design, develop and innovate technology to enable the next generation of Edge AI devices. 'This formal partnership strengthens ties between the UK, Sarawak and Malaysian governments and is another example of how international partnerships are helping the UK grow its semiconductor industry and create strong, resilient supply chains for the future.' Shariman Jamil, CEO at SMD Semiconductor, said: 'Today marks a bold leap forward for Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor arena. Through our strategic partnerships with CSA Catapult, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Sarawak with some of the most advanced semiconductor innovators in the world. The agreement is more than symbolic as they are actionable commitments to co-create breakthrough technologies, accelerate R&D, and open new markets. With the opening of our R&D Innovation hub in UK, we are positioning ourselves on the world stage in driving future-ready chip design and innovation.'
