UK CS Catapult to become 'Semiconductor' Catapult
Following the publication of the UK Government’s AI Hardware Plan, the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult will transition to become the 'Semiconductor' Catapult. The change of role will be to address a critical gap in UK AI infrastructure.
The Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult was established in 2018 by Innovate UK to help the UK become a global leader in compound semiconductors. CSA Catapult is currently the UK’s authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation.
Caroline O’Brien, CEO of CSA Catapult, said: “Improving the performance and energy efficiency of AI data centres remains a significant global and national challenge. UK semiconductor companies have world leading products and services that can be used in the hardware needed for AI data centres. The Semiconductor Catapult working with industry will deliver breakthroughs in R&D in energy efficient deployable systems, to reduce risk and ensure even more start-ups can leverage new supply chains anchored in the UK."
She added: "By refocusing, we will broaden our support for UK companies in design, development and commercialisation across the wider UK semiconductor sector. As the Semiconductor Catapult, we will work to increase the adoption of UK-designed semiconductor technologies in AI infrastructure, including data centres across the UK. We look forward to continuing our work with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) and Innovate UK to support delivery of the UK’s AI Hardware Plan.”
UK AI Minister Kanishka Narayan said:"Our AI Hardware Plan is about backing British firms at every stage, from early research through to deployment. AI hardware is one of the fastest growing and most strategically important sectors in the global economy, and the UK is well placed to lead.
"One of the biggest challenges for UK chip companies is getting from a brilliant design to a product that is ready for market. The new Semiconductor Catapult will help close that gap, supporting British firms to get their technology out of the lab and into the systems driving the AI revolution."
