News: Microelectronics
23 April 2024
UK’s CSA Catapult and Sarawak’s SMD sign MoU
Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult in Newport, South Wales, UK and Malaysia-based SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd (a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government established in September 2022 under the Sarawak Research and Development Council Ordinance 2017) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that lays the foundation to work together in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of next-generation semiconductor and compound semiconductor chips in the automotive and space industries.
SMD Semiconductor focuses on advanced technology R&D, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products.
Established in 2018 by UK Government agency Innovate UK (which provides funding and support for business innovation as part of UK Research and Innovation), CSA Catapult is a centre of excellence that specializes in the measurement, characterization, integration and validation of compound semiconductor technology across four areas: power electronics, advanced packaging, radio frequency (RF) and microwave, and photonics. As a not-for-profit organization, it is focused on accelerating the adoption of compound semiconductors. It works across the UK in a range of industry sectors, from automotive to medical, and from digital communications to aerospace.
The MoU also signals SMD’s intent to establish an office in the UK to enable the co-creation of ideas and product development while also working with academia, industry and government in the UK and Sarawak to develop a pipeline of talent.
The MoU was exchanged during the AI and Semiconductor Summit held in the UK House of Commons and attended by members of the Sarawak government, UK and Welsh governments, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult. The event was hosted by Stephen Metcalfe MP in collaboration with the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence and Big Innovation Centre Ltd (a London-based think-tank and technology consultancy, appointed by the UK Parliament to serve as the Secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Artificial Intelligence). A keynote address was given by Saqib Bhatti MP, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy. Representatives from the UK and Sarawak discussed opportunities in areas of mutual strategic importance and ways to encourage future collaborations in the development of next-generation semiconductor technology.
The partnership will “allow us to explore new opportunities to develop next-generation technology for critical industries such as automotive and space,” says CSA Catapult’s CEO Martin McHugh. “The partnership will allow us to call on each other’s strengths in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of semiconductor and compound semiconductor technologies to enable new concepts, ideas and products. The MoU also represents a significant landmark for both the UK and Sarawak. By entering into agreements such as this, we are championing international partnerships and helping the UK increase its cooperation with close partners to help build resilience in our supply chains,” he adds.
SMD is recognising the potential of compound semiconductor technology and investing heavily in its development and commercialization, says SMD’s CEO Shariman Jamil. “By harnessing the unique properties of compound semiconductors, we aim to unlock new frontiers in performance, efficiency and functionality across a wide range of applications. SMD is doubling down on its investment in compound semiconductor technology, recognizing its potential to drive innovation, accelerate growth, and create lasting value for our customers and stakeholders,” he adds.
“Semiconductors and chips are the hardware driving force of our time. They can unlock AI possibilities and spearhead smart infrastructure development to tackle our productivity and sustainability challenges head-on,” notes Big Innovation Centre’s CEO professor Birgitte Andersen. “From revolutionizing energy optimization to reshaping our interaction with the environment and each other, semiconductors play a pivotal role. Yet, realising their complete potential demands relentless research and development, and global collaboration,” she adds.
“Semiconductors are the backbone of our economy, underpinning our national security and driving advancements in technologies of the future,” notes Saqib Bhatti, Minister for Tech and the Digital Economy. “This partnership between CSA Catapult and SMD Semiconductor will catalyse the development of cutting-edge semiconductors, which are essential for our automotive and space industries. As a result, it will not only help fortify our supply of this critical technology, but also drive innovation and economic growth in both of our nations.”
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