Cardiff University and Swansea University have announced they will 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 one of the world's most strategically important technology sectors, building on the success of the South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster.
Compound semiconductors are vital to a wide range of technologies, including power electronics, advanced communications systems, artificial intelligence hardware, and have a variety of applications in defence, security, clean energy, and space exploration. Demand for these technologies is increasing globally, creating significant opportunities for economic growth and investment.
The partnership will explore how coordinated pilot foundry capabilities across south Wales could help researchers and businesses 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 access expertise, infrastructure, and talent while attracting 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.
Welcoming the announcement, Howard Rupprecht, Managing Director of CSconnected Ltd, the not-for-profit organisation driving the world's first compound semiconductor cluster in South Wales said: "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.
"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 programme 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. 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 to ensure Wales remains internationally competitive in this strategically important industry.
Professor Wendy Larner, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cardiff University, said: "Universities have a vital role to play in bringing people, ideas, and organisations 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.
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.
Professor Paul Boyle, Vice-Chancellor of Swansea University, said: "This MoU reflects the unique role of our two universities within the thriving compound semiconductor ecosystem here in Wales. 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.
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.
Professor Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Chair of UKRI said: "I'm delighted to see local university collaboration in action. It's imperative that we fully utilize our existing national innovation assets to drive productivity growth and thus maintain its international competitiveness. This is exactly what Cardiff and Swansea Universities plan to do as central enablers of the south Wales and indeed UK semiconductor sectors."
