Latest news with #CSACatapult
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
SMD Semiconductor to showcase keteq.ai Power Converter Prototype at Microelectronics UK 2025
Shariman (third right) and the SMD delegation join Ajay (middle) and British High Commissio in Malaysia officials for a group photo. KUCHING (Aug 5): Sarawak Microelectronics Design (SMD) Semiconductor will showcase several key innovations, including the Power Converter Prototype, at the upcoming Microelectronics United Kingdom 2025. Chief executive officer Shariman Jamil said the Microelectronics UK 2025 is one of Europe's premier platforms for semiconductor and electronics innovation. The event will be held on Sept 24 and 25 at the Exhibition Centre (ExCel) London in the United Kingdom (UK). 'The Power Converter Prototype is a revolutionary innovation chip developed in collaboration with Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult (CSA Catapult). 'The prototype was first unveiled during a partnership ceremony in Wales, officiated by the Premier of Sarawak last April,' he said in a statement today. The statement was issued after he recently led a SMD delegation on a courtesy call to British High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, in Kuala Lumpur. Shariman said the meeting with the British High Commissioner was to explore long-term collaboration with UK partners in the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors. He added the meeting highlighted SMD's strategic commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in innovation, technology exchange, and the development of advanced semiconductor capabilities. A key topic of the discussion was SMD's collaboration with the UK's CSA Catapult, along with the development of a new AI chip integration, chiplet and heterogeneous integration. 'These initiatives mark significant steps forward in advancing high-performance chip design and applications for global markets,' he said Shariman also said the engagement reflects the deepening ties between Sarawak and the UK, united by a shared ambition to lead in semiconductor innovation. 'We are deeply honoured by the support extended by His Excellency Mr Ajay Sharma. This visit marks an important milestone as we work towards unlocking greater opportunities with UK partners, while positioning Sarawak on the global map of advanced chip design,' he added. During their meeting, Shariman also shared Sarawak's Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 – Beyond Moore's Law – and briefed the High Commissioner on SMD's upcoming participation in Microelectronics UK 2025. Meanwhile, Ajay in his remarks expressed his strong support for the growing engagement between Sarawak and the UK in the field of semiconductors and advanced technologies. 'This mutually beneficial collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing trade relationships and supporting sustainable development. I strongly welcome initiatives like these and look forward to developing further our dialogue and partnership in areas of mutual interest,' he said in the statement.
The Star
6 days ago
- Business
- The Star
S'wak keen on long-term collab in chips and microelectronics with British partners
SMD Semiconductor chief executive Shariman Jamil (third right) leading the courtesy visit to British High Commissioner to Malaysia Ajay Sharma (centre). KUCHING: Sarawak is exploring long-term collaboration with British partners in the semiconductor and microelectronics sectors. This was highlighted in a courtesy visit by state-owned SMD Semiconductor Sdn Bhd to Britain's High Commissioner to Malaysia, Ajay Sharma, in Kuala Lumpur on Monday (Aug 4). ALSO READ: Sarawak eyes becoming SEA semiconductor hub SMD chief executive Shariman Jamil, who led the visit, said the company was committed to strengthening bilateral cooperation in innovation, technology exchange and the development of advanced semiconductor capabilities. A key topic of discussion was SMD's collaboration with Britain's CSA Catapult, along with the development of new AI chip integration, chiplets and heterogeneous integration. "The engagement reflects the deepening ties between Sarawak and Britain, united by a shared ambition to lead in semiconductor innovation. ALSO READ: S'wak takes a leap of faith as semiconductor hub through partnership with British companies "This visit marks an important milestone as we work towards unlocking greater opportunities with UK partners while positioning Sarawak on the global map of advanced chip design," he said in a statement. He also briefed Sharma on Sarawak's Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 as well as SMD's participation in the upcoming Microelectronics UK 2025 in London on Sept 24 and 25. He said SMD would showcase several key innovations, including the power converter prototype developed in collaboration with CSA Catapult. ALSO READ: Abang Johari: Keteq AI a major leap forward in power electronics Sharma expressed strong support for the growing engagement between Sarawak and Britain in semiconductors and advanced technologies. "This mutually beneficial collaboration reflects our shared commitment to fostering innovation, enhancing trade relationships and supporting sustainable development. "I strongly welcome initiatives like these and look forward to developing further our dialogue and partnership in areas of mutual interest," he said.
Business News Wales
09-07-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Deadline Approaching for Wales STEM Awards Entries
The countdown is on for entries to the Wales STEM Awards 2025, with just two weeks left to submit nominations before the deadline on Friday 25th July. Celebrating the brightest talent and boldest innovations in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, the awards aim to recognise the organisations and individuals making a real difference to Wales' STEM landscape. Now in their sixth year, the awards feature 15 categories, including STEM Company of the Year, STEM Woman of the Year, and Innovation in STEM. Winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony on 16th October at the Holland House Hotel, Cardiff. Martin McHugh, newly appointed Chair of Judges and former CEO of CSA Catapult, urged potential nominees not to miss out: 'These awards shine a much-needed spotlight on the people and companies powering STEM forward in Wales. With just two weeks to go, I'd encourage anyone doing impactful work in the sector to put themselves forward. It's a fantastic opportunity to celebrate your achievements and gain wider recognition.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, added: 'We know there are so many unsung heroes across Wales championing STEM—from start-ups to long-established companies, educators to engineers. This is your chance to tell your story. The deadline is fast approaching, so don't delay.' This year's awards are supported by headline sponsor Cardiff Metropolitan University, with category sponsors including CSA Catapult and Wynne Jones IP, who have joined as sponsor of the Innovation in STEM category. Further sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to engage with Wales' thriving STEM community. The organisers say the importance of celebrating STEM in Wales has never been greater. A growing skills shortage in STEM could cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 if left unaddressed. In Wales, the manufacturing sector alone employs over 147,000 people, highlighting the vital role STEM plays in the nation's future prosperity. Past winners have included pioneering companies such as Antiverse, Ipsen Biopharm, and Wales Interactive, and inspiring individuals like Claire Jenkins from the Intellectual Property Office and Georgia Cox from Tata Steel UK. The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar. For more information or to submit your entry, visit .
South Wales Argus
01-07-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Ambassador visits Newport and Magor in trade roadshow
Anne Sherriff, the UK's ambassador to Belgium, visited south Wales on June 30 as part of a new roadshow led by foreign secretary David Lammy. The roadshow aims to strengthen economic ties and drive growth across the UK by connecting regions with overseas markets. Mr Lammy said: "Wales has a strong connection to Belgium but there's so much more we can do to boost trade and investment. "I am sending my Ambassador to work directly with local businesses to build connections so they can harness their expertise and effectively champion the interests of Wales most effectively. "This nationwide roadshow is one of the ways I am ensuring the economic interests of British businesses sit at the heart of our foreign policy as we deliver on our Plan for Change." Ambassador Sherriff met with Andrew Gwatkin, the Welsh Government's director for international relations and trade, in Cardiff before touring CSA Catapult's headquarters in Newport. The visit also included a stop at AB InBev's brewery in Magor. Ms Sherriff said: "It's exciting to be in south Wales as part of this first-of-its-kind roadshow – going the extra mile to develop relationships that will help us supercharge growth to every corner of the UK. "We're hitting the road to speak directly to community leaders and businesses, so that not a single opportunity is missed to generate trade and investment wins overseas. "I am looking forward to building on today's roadshow discussions to showcase Wales on the international stage." The Magor brewery is AB InBev's largest in the UK and produces leading brands such as Budweiser and Stella Artois. The ambassador's visit aims to strengthen an already significant trade relationship. Total trade between the UK and Belgium reached £60.7 billion in 2024, with Belgian investment stock in the UK close to £50 billion. Several Welsh businesses benefit from this relationship. Belgian companies such as Syensqo in Wrexham, What's Cooking in Deeside, and United Petfoods in Llangadog all operate in Wales, supporting jobs and growth in the region.
Business News Wales
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
CSA Catapult to Mobilise New UK Semiconductor Centre
The UK Government has announced that Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult will mobilise the new UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC). It comes alongside the publication of the UK Government's modern Industrial Strategy, which includes a new Digital and Technology Sector Plan to unleash the UK's strengths in science and innovation. The Plan sets out how government will work alongside business to turn breakthrough ideas into thriving enterprises, backing the UK's world-class talent and making the UK a top destination for global tech investment. For semiconductors, it reinforces the UK's long-term commitment to the sector, from supporting innovation and research to building stronger supply chains and helping more UK firms scale up and compete globally. CSA Catapult said it will draw on its expertise across the semiconductor supply chain and its extensive network with industry and academia to help get the UKSC up and running. The Centre is being backed by at least £19 million in government funding and will have an office in a location that is readily accessible for the UK's semiconductor clusters and international visitors. It will be guided by an independent advisory board. Secondments from industry will also shape the Centre's early activities, ensuring alignment with sector priorities and strong industry engagement. The UKSC will serve as a national independent hub bringing together industry, researchers, and government to make it easier for semiconductor businesses to scale, secure investment and find the skills they need to grow. It will also act as a front door for international collaboration, offering a single point of contact for global firms and governments to engage with the UK semiconductor sector and form new partnerships to help strengthen the UK's role in global supply chains. The Centre will be outcomes-focused and will undertake several activities including the creation of R&D roadmaps, establishment of communities of practice around core semiconductor technologies, skills development, improving access to venture funds and scaling up semiconductor SMEs. CSA Catapult will engage with stakeholders through a series of roadshows during the summer and autumn to outline the UKSC's priorities and activities. Science Minister Lord Vallance said: 'Semiconductors power everything from smartphones to medical devices – and with the right support, the UK can play a much bigger role in their supply and development. 'We're backing the long-term growth of this vital industry with a new national centre to boost investment, strengthen collaboration, and build skills to support the economic growth at the heart of our Plan for Change. 'We want industry at the heart of this effort – and we're working with experts from across the sector to make sure the UK Semiconductor Centre delivers what businesses need to thrive.' Raj Gawera, Interim CEO of CSA Catapult, said: 'Semiconductors are enabling technology for AI, net zero, mobility, quantum, neuromorphic computing and defence and they underpin the UK's Plan for Growth. The new UK Semiconductor Centre will play a pivotal role in creating a stronger, more connected UK semiconductor innovation ecosystem. The centre will build on the UK's recognised strengths in design, IP, advanced packaging and compound semiconductors and leverage existing semiconductor clusters in South Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Cambridge, the North East, Bristol and Southampton. 'In close collaboration with industry, academia and government, the Centre aims to drive growth and scale of strategic technologies from materials to devices to applications. CSA Catapult, with the support of Innovate UK and DSIT, is pleased to play a strategic role in mobilising and establishing the UK Semiconductor Centre and working closely with stakeholders to shape the detailed plans so together we can grow the UK semiconductor sector.' Julian David OBE, CEO of techUK said: 'techUK welcomes the UK Government's announcement of the UK Semiconductor Centre. As outlined in our report UK Plan For Chips, we believe the Centre will be key to delivering skills, supporting international collaboration, and strengthening regional clusters—from photonics in Northern Ireland, design and IP in Cambridge, to compound semiconductors in Wales. 'As we move towards next steps, techUK would like to see the Centre become an independent, authoritative and empowered voice, with the ability to represent and unite UK industry alongside global partners. We look forward to working with the Government and seeing the Centre's positive impact.' Charles Sturman, CEO of Techworks, said: 'Since the birth of the integrated circuit in the 1960s the UK has been a pioneer in semiconductor innovation. Yet, we have failed to consistently turn that innovation into sustained commercial and competitive advantage compared to other leading nations. This matters because semiconductors have evolved from a useful technology into an essential component of our way of life, becoming crucial to our sustained wellbeing. 'Today, a strong semiconductor industry is vital to any developed country's economic security. To this end, the UK must unite around a shared, long-term strategy that drives innovation, investment, skills and scale up – building on our strengths to seize global growth opportunities. 'As the UK's semiconductor trade association, I am proud to see government not only delivering on their promise to support the sector but also engaging with us to convene industry dialogue and address stakeholder concerns. We must ensure that this new body delivers real value to the actors it aims to support, and I look forward to working closely with the centre as we grow a UK semiconductor industry ready for the 2030s.' Those across the sector interested in joining the advisory group or taking up a secondment can find out more by contacting: recruitment@
