Latest news with #CSACatapult
Business News Wales
01-05-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
Search for Wales' STEM Stars of 2025 Begins
The 2025 Wales STEM Awards have officially launched, aiming to spotlight the organisations and individuals driving innovation and excellence in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics across Wales. This year's ceremony will take place on 16th October at the Holland House Hotel in Cardiff. Entries are now open across 15 categories—including STEM Company of the Year, STEM Woman of the Year, and Innovation in STEM—with a submission deadline of 25th July 2025. Returning as headline sponsor is Cardiff Metropolitan University, joined by CSA Catapult and new to the sponsor lineup is IP firm, Wynne Jones IP, who sponsor the Innovation in STEM category. Category sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses looking to align themselves with Wales' thriving STEM community. Martin McHugh, former CEO of CSA Catapult, has been appointed as the new Chair of Judges. He said: 'We must continue to recognise and celebrate the achievements of those individuals and companies that work tirelessly to encourage and support STEM. The awards are a great way of recognising those achievements and saying thank you for the incredible hard work. If you or your company are working in or promoting STEM, I would encourage you to enter the awards and get some recognition for your company and colleagues.' Liz Brookes, co-founder of the Wales STEM Awards, added: 'As we launch the 2025 awards, it's inspiring to see the continued growth and innovation within Wales' STEM sectors. Each year, we uncover remarkable stories of dedication and ingenuity, and we look forward to celebrating these achievements on the national stage.' The awards come at a pivotal time. Recent research indicates that the STEM skills shortage could cost the UK economy £120 billion by 2030 if unaddressed. In Wales, the manufacturing industry alone provides over 147,000 jobs, accounting for one in nine of the workforce, underscoring the critical need for skilled professionals in STEM fields. Last year's winners included companies such as Antiverse, Ipsen Biopharm and Wales Interactive, as well as inspiring individuals like Claire Jenkins from the Intellectual Property Office and Georgia Cox from Tata Steel UK, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent and innovation across Wales' STEM sectors. The Wales STEM Awards are jointly organised by Grapevine Event Management and communications agency jamjar. For more information on entering or sponsoring the awards, visit
South Wales Argus
30-04-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
New R&D Innovation Hub opens in Newport city centre
The hub, set up by leading Malaysian semiconductor company SMD Semiconductor, is at the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult's Innovation Centre in the city. The company, which is a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government, has signalled its intent to work with UK companies on designing next-generation semiconductor chips. The hub was officially opened by the Premier of Sarawak at a special ceremony attended by delegates from the Sarawak, UK and Welsh governments, as well as industry partners. During the ceremony, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult signed and exchanged a formal agreement to collaborate on developing new compound semiconductor chips for AI and edge devices. Edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, perform data processing at the location of the device instead of sending it to the cloud. This makes them quicker, more energy efficient, more secure, and will enable real-time data processing, which is critical for applications in defence, healthcare, surveillance and robotics. SMD Semiconductor was established in September 2022 under State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.). It focuses on advanced technological research and development, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products. SMD Semiconductor is seeking to expand its capabilities into compound semiconductors and take advantage of the expertise of both CSA Catapult and UK industry. Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult, said: "Advances in AI computing are already rapidly spreading from data centres to Edge devices. "However, to unlock the full potential of Edge AI will require new and bold approaches to semiconductor devices. "We're delighted to have SMD Semiconductor locate with us at our Innovation Centre in Newport and to kickstart a programme of activity that will see us design, develop and innovate technology to enable the next generation of Edge AI devices. "This formal partnership strengthens ties between the UK, Sarawak and Malaysian governments and is another example of how international partnerships are helping the UK grow its semiconductor industry and create strong, resilient supply chains for the future." Shariman Jamil, CEO at SMD Semiconductor, said: "Today marks a bold leap forward for Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor arena. "Through our strategic partnerships with CSA Catapult, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Sarawak with some of the most advanced semiconductor innovators in the world. "The agreement is more than symbolic as they are actionable commitments to co-create breakthrough technologies, accelerate R&D, and open new markets. "With the opening of our R&D Innovation hub in UK, we are positioning ourselves on the world stage in driving future-ready chip design and innovation."
Business News Wales
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business News Wales
SMD Semiconductor Opens R&D Innovation Hub at CSA Catapult in Newport
A leading Malaysian semiconductor company has opened a new R&D Innovation Hub in Wales and signalled its intent to work with UK companies on designing next-generation semiconductor chips. SMD Semiconductor, a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government, will be located at the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult's Innovation Centre in Newport. The hub was officially opened by the Premier of Sarawak at a special ceremony attended by delegates from the Sarawak, UK and Welsh governments, as well as industry partners. During the ceremony, SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult signed and exchanged a formal agreement to collaborate on developing new compound semiconductor chips for AI and edge devices. Edge devices, such as sensors and cameras, perform data processing at the location of the device instead of sending it to the cloud. This makes them quicker, more energy efficient, more secure, and will enable real-time data processing, which is critical for applications in defence, healthcare, surveillance and robotics. SMD Semiconductor is a wholly owned entity of the Sarawak Government and was established in September 2022 under State Financial Secretary Incorporation (SFS Inc.). It focuses on advanced technological research and development, with an emphasis on chip design and the development of integrated circuit products. SMD Semiconductor is seeking to expand its capabilities into compound semiconductors and take advantage of the expertise of both CSA Catapult and UK industry. Established by Innovate UK in 2018, CSA Catapult is the UK's authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation. With labs and offices across the UK, CSA Catapult is a centre of excellence with state-of-the-art equipment that specialises in the measurement, characterisation, integration and validation of compound semiconductor technology across four areas: power electronics, advanced packaging, radio frequency (RF) and microwave communications, and photonics. In 2024, CSA Catapult and SMD Semiconductor signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that laid the initial foundation for collaboration in the design, prototyping and manufacturing of next-generation chips. Raj Gawera, head of CSA Catapult said: 'Advances in AI computing are already rapidly spreading from data centres to Edge devices. However, to unlock the full potential of Edge AI will require new and bold approaches to semiconductor devices. We're delighted to have SMD Semiconductor locate with us at our Innovation Centre in Newport and to kickstart a programme of activity that will see us design, develop and innovate technology to enable the next generation of Edge AI devices. 'This formal partnership strengthens ties between the UK, Sarawak and Malaysian governments and is another example of how international partnerships are helping the UK grow its semiconductor industry and create strong, resilient supply chains for the future.' Shariman Jamil, CEO at SMD Semiconductor, said: 'Today marks a bold leap forward for Sarawak's presence in the global semiconductor arena. Through our strategic partnerships with CSA Catapult, we are building a collaborative ecosystem that connects Sarawak with some of the most advanced semiconductor innovators in the world. The agreement is more than symbolic as they are actionable commitments to co-create breakthrough technologies, accelerate R&D, and open new markets. With the opening of our R&D Innovation hub in UK, we are positioning ourselves on the world stage in driving future-ready chip design and innovation.'
Daily Express
30-04-2025
- Business
- Daily Express
Sarawak launches world's first AI-based power conversion device
Published on: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Published on: Wed, Apr 30, 2025 By: FMT Reporters Text Size: Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg (centre) and other members of a Sarawak government delegation with the Keteq AI power conversion device during a visit to the CSA Catapult facility in Cardiff, Wales, on Tuesday. (Sarawak public communications unit pic) PETALING JAYA: The Sarawak government has introduced the world's first artificial intelligence (AI)-based power conversion device after a partnership with a UK technology and innovation centre. Sarawak premier Abang Johari Openg said the development of Keteq AI was a significant milestone for Sarawak as it showcased the state's commitment to building its own strategic technological capabilities. Abang Johari said Keteq AI, which was developed entirely by Sarawakian talent, was one of the key outcomes under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 and Beyond initiative, which aims to position Sarawak as a high-tech hub in the Southeast Asian region. 'The development of this power converter is more than just the result of policy, it is a game-changing catalyst for Sarawak. This innovation represents a transformational leap in our technological landscape,' he said in a statement. 'Keteq AI has broad application potential, including in smart grids, electric vehicle systems, autonomous technologies, industrial Internet of Things, predictive maintenance systems, and critical control mechanisms.' Abang Johari said Keteq AI also promised high energy efficiency and was designed to operate on a scalable platform with real-time response capabilities. He said it was engineered with the capability to automatically detect and correct system disturbances in under 0.1 milliseconds, making it one of the most responsive systems in the field of smart control and power electronics. He said the project began last April after state-owned chip design and technology company SMD Semiconductor signed a memorandum of understanding with Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, a UK government-backed technology and innovation centre focused on advancing the use of compound semiconductors in commercial applications. Abang Johari arrived in London on Tuesday to lead a state government delegation for a five-day working visit to the UK as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration in semiconductor development. The Sarawak premier is also scheduled to meet officials from the International Hydropower Association and Global Renewables Alliance, and to deliver a keynote address at a gathering of UK industry players and captains of industry. * Follow us on Instagram and join our Telegram and/or WhatsApp channel(s) for the latest news you don't want to miss. * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Barnama
30-04-2025
- Business
- Barnama
KETEQ AI: Sarawak Launches Groundbreaking Power Conversion Device
KUCHING, April 30 (Bernama) -- The Sarawak government has marked another significant milestone in global technology by introducing KETEQ AI, the world's first artificial intelligence (AI)-based power conversion device, developed entirely by local Sarawakian talent. Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the achievement is one of the key outcomes under the Sarawak Semiconductor Roadmap 2030 and Beyond initiative, which aims to position Sarawak as a high-tech hub in the Southeast Asian region. 'The development of this Edge AI Power Converter is more than just the result of policy, it is a game-changing catalyst for Sarawak. This innovation represents a transformational leap in our technological landscape,' he said in a statement issued by the Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS). He made the announcement during a visit to the CSA Catapult facility in Cardiff, Wales, on Tuesday, where he explained that the KETEQ AI project began on April 23 last year, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between SMD Semiconductor and CSA Catapult. According to Abang Johari, KETEQ AI is engineered with the capability to detect and correct system disturbances automatically in under 0.1 milliseconds, making it one of the most responsive systems in the field of smart control and power electronics. Abang Johari said the technology marks a significant advancement, showcasing Sarawak's commitment to building its own strategic technological capabilities. The device not only promises high energy efficiency but is also designed to operate on a scalable platform with real-time response capabilities. 'KETEQ AI has broad application potential, including in smart grids, electric vehicle systems, autonomous technologies, industrial Internet of Things (IoT), predictive maintenance systems, and critical control mechanisms,' he added. Meanwhile, SMD Semiconductor chief executive officer Shariman Jamil conducted a live demonstration of the prototype, showcasing its ability to handle various complex operational scenarios. With the slogan 'Innovation in just a Snap', KETEQ AI stands as proof of Sarawakian talent's capability to create world-class technology, placing Sarawak firmly on the global map in AI and smart energy systems.
