News: Suppliers
2 November 2026
Cardiff and Swansea universities sign MoU to explore developing UK compound semiconductor pilot foundry capabilities
Cardiff University and Swansea University are to work together to explore the development of the UK's first multi-institution approach to industry-connected national compound semiconductor pilot foundry capabilities.
Following the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU), the universities will work together to strengthen Wales’ position in such a strategically important technology sector, building on the success of the South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster.
The partnership will explore how coordinated pilot foundry capabilities across South Wales could help researchers and businesses to develop, test and scale new semiconductor technologies more quickly, helping to bridge the gap between research and commercial manufacture.
By bringing together their respective strengths in research, innovation and industrial engagement, Cardiff and Swansea universities aim to create a stronger pathway from scientific discovery to commercial impact.
The collaboration will support the continued growth of the South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster, helping businesses to access expertise, infrastructure and talent while iming to attract new investment into Wales and the wider UK.
Pilot foundries provide open-access environments where emerging technologies can be designed, fabricated and tested before entering full-scale production. They play a vital role in reducing the time and cost required to bring innovations to market.
“South Wales already has the research strength, the manufacturing base and a growing supply chain. What companies need now are facilities to prototype and prove their technology at pilot scale, aligned to the fab infrastructure where the products will be made. Cardiff and Swansea each bring complementary capability,” says Howard Rupprecht, managing director of CSconnected Ltd, the not-for-profit organization driving the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales.
“Investing in an integrated pilot line helps the cluster remain globally relevant and is a crucial step towards taking part in the EU’s Chips Act II program as it comes online. Joined up, this strengthens the cluster, with more companies able to develop and scale their technology, both in South Wales and with partners further afield,” he adds. “We look forward to working with both universities as they develop their roadmap and capabilities.”
The universities will also explore opportunities to develop the skills and workforce needed to support future growth across the semiconductor sector, helping Wales to remain internationally competitive in this strategically important industry.
“Universities have a vital role to play in bringing people, ideas and organizations together to tackle shared challenges and create new opportunities. This partnership combines the strengths of Cardiff and Swansea universities to support an area where Wales already has a significant international advantage,” says professor Wendy Larner, president & vice-chancellor of Cardiff University.
“By working closely with industry and government, we can help turn world-leading research into innovation, investment and high-quality jobs, ensuring that Wales continues to be a place where new technologies are developed, tested and brought to market,” she adds.
“This MoU reflects the unique role of our two universities within the thriving compound semiconductor ecosystem here in Wales,” says professor Paul Boyle, vice-chancellor of Swansea University. “It represents an opportunity to work together to forge the connections between people, expertise and knowledge which will strengthen Wales’ contribution to this critical sector,” he adds. “Building on our long tradition of collaboration, we look forward to working with partners in industry and government to translate our institutions’ complementary research strengths into practical applications which generate lasting economic benefits, new opportunities for businesses and skilled jobs for future generations, in Wales and beyond.”
The universities will establish a joint delivery group to engage with industry, government and other stakeholders as they develop a shared roadmap and investment proposition for the initiative.
www.swansea.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/research/semiconductors
