UK government announces new ChipStart incubator
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) of the UK government has launched ChipStart UK – a two-year pilot programme designed to provide early-stage companies involved in the design of semiconductors with the support they need to help bring new products to market. 12 startups have been named as members of the new incubator programme, including Wave Photonics – a company working to accelerate integrated photonics design.
The £1.3M programme will be delivered by the semiconductor startup accelerator SiliconCatalyst.UK. It aims to give companies access to bespoke chip design tools, commercial expertise, specialised mentorship, and networking opportunities with prospective investors and partners.
Minister for Technology Paul Scully said: “Semiconductors are the bedrock of our modern economy and an increasingly integral part of our lives. These firms are building on Britain’s research leadership to open doors to innovation and growth, while designing chips that could truly change the way we live our lives.
“Whether they’re innovating how we support patients with Parkinsons or are on the cusp of supercharging how AI is used, these firms are the brightest sparks in the UK’s thriving semiconductor industry. This incubator will make sure they have the skills they need to revolutionise the lives of people not only in the UK, but across the world.”
SiliconCatalyst.UK CEO Sean Redmond said: "This is one of the most exciting times to start and grow a globally successful semiconductor company from the UK. The first group of 12 UK semiconductor startups to enter ChipStart UK incubator have been selected from 27 applications following two rounds of intensive panel interviews made up of semiconductor startup experts from the UK and Silicon Valley. Over the next 9 months we will shape and mould these outstanding new innovative companies into the next generation of semiconductor leaders."
