A new wave of semiconductor startups will join a Government-backed incubator programme.
ChipStart provides technical expertise and commercial support to help UK-based semiconductor innovators grow and create high-skilled jobs.
Companies from the first two cohorts are already on track to raise over £40m in private investment.
Delivered by SiliconCatalyst.UK, the programme has helped early-stage semiconductor companies turn their ideas into real-world products by providing mentorship, industry connections, and access to cutting-edge design tools.
“The UK’s semiconductor industry is vibrant with innovation, and this third cohort shows just how much potential we have with many exciting start-ups,” said Science Minister, Lord Vallance.
“This sector holds incredible promise, and with the right partnerships, it will lead us into a future of greater economic growth and technological advancement – a key pillar of our Plan for Change.”
From the successful second cohort, Qontrol, a University of Bristol spinout, is developing technology that could transform the internet.
Their precision control systems for photonics – the use of light to process data – could lead to faster, more reliable internet connections, helping to bring high-speed connectivity to rural communities and build the networks needed for next-generation digital services.
Sean Redmond, managing partner, Silicon Catalyst UK, added: “We have been delighted with the high quality of new semiconductor startup applications we received for our third cohort of ChipStart from across the UK semiconductor clusters.
“Our now proven incubation process, that provides no cost design tools and chip manufacturing, will help these competitively selected companies attract the right private investment at the right time, launching them onto the global semiconductor stage.
“With the help of our experienced semiconductor executive advisors, which includes co-founders of Arm, we can help these young companies make great decisions and build the next generation of UK semiconductor unicorns.
“The next ten years of semiconductors will be a race to a £2 trillion industry. These new UK scale-ups will be in pole position to win that race.”
The 10 companies who are on the third cohort
Chipletti
Ethicronics
Kahu
Kelvin Quantum
Unnamed from the University of Glasgow
Prospectral
Quantopticon
RxWatt
SiDesign
Smith Optical