Compound Semiconductor Catapult Expands its Presence to Bristol, Glasgow, and Durham

CSA Catapult, the organization responsible for commercializing UK compound semiconductor innovation, is planning to expand its presence by establishing new centers in Bristol, Glasgow, and Durham. Currently headquartered in Newport, South Wales, CSA Catapult will open the following facilities: Future Telecoms Hub at the Bristol and Bath Science Park, CSA Scotland at the University of Strathclyde's Technology Innovation Centre, and an office in collaboration with the Satellite Applications Catapult at NETPark in Sedgefield, County Durham. These locations have been strategically chosen due their proximity to electronics company clusters.

The newly established catapult sites will have access to CSA Catapult's module prototyping facility in Newport, as well its collaborative activities with CSconnected (the compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales) and the Western Gateway (a regional partnership between South Wales and Western England focused on achieving UK net-zero goals while ensuring inclusivity for all). The aim of these catapult sites is to increase technology readiness level and manufacturing readiness level across the UK, bridging the gap between invention and mass production.

In collaboration with the University of Strathclyde and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), the Scottish office will enhance CSA Catapult's expertise power electronics and packaging work. This expansion aims to serve various sectors such as automotive, energy, aerospace, marine, and rail industries.

The Future Telecoms Hub at the Bristol and Bath Science Park will serve as a hub for advancements in telecommunications technology. It will bring together experts from academia, industry, and government to drive research and development in areas such as 5G networks, Internet of Things (IoT), and next-generation communication systems. This initiative aims to position the UK at the forefront telecommunications innovation and support the growth of digital infrastructure.

CSA Scotland, located at the University of Strathclyde's Technology Innovation Centre, will focus on power electronics and packaging work. Collaborating closely with the university and the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS), this center will contribute to the advancement of technologies used in automotive, energy, aerospace, marine, and rail sectors. leveraging the expertise and resources available in Scotland, CSA Catapult aims to accelerate the adoption of compound semiconductor solutions in these industries, driving economic growth and sustainability.

The office at NETPark in Sedgefield, County Durham, in partnership with the Satellite Applications Catapult, will facilitate collaboration between CSA Catapult and the satellite applications sector. This collaboration will explore the potential of compound semiconductors in satellite communications, Earth observation, and other space-related applications. By tapping into the expertise of the Satellite Applications Catapult and the thriving ecosystem at NETPark, CSA Catapult aims to unlock new opportunities and drive innovation in the space industry.

Overall, the expansion of CSA Catapult into Bristol, Glasgow, and Durham signifies a strategic effort to leverage regional strengths, foster collaboration, and accelerate the commercialization of compound semiconductor technologies across various sectors. Through these initiatives, the UK aims to maintain its position as a global leader in compound semiconductor innovation and drive economic growth in key industries.