A new wave of semiconductor start-ups will join ChipStart, a UK Government-backed incubator programme helping companies scale up, create jobs, and boost growth.
ChipStart provides technical expertise and commercial support to help UK-based semiconductor innovators grow and create high-skilled jobs.
Companies from the first two cohorts are already on track to raise over £40m in private investment.
The role of semiconductors in new technological innovations
Semiconductors are a cornerstone of the UK’s tech economy, with the sector already worth £10bn and projected to grow to £17bn by 2030.
They power the technology we rely on daily, from smartphones and medical devices to electric cars and cutting-edge AI.
They control the flow of electricity in electronic systems, and as demand for smarter, more efficient tech grows, the UK is well placed to lead, backed by a world-class innovation ecosystem and a thriving entrepreneurial environment.
The UK is the number one country in Europe for venture capital investment, has the lowest corporation tax in the G7, and benefits from a highly skilled workforce and leading academic institutions.
ChipStart: From early stage to commercialisation
ChipStart, delivered by SiliconCatalyst.UK, has successfully helped early-stage semiconductor companies turn their ideas into real-world products by providing expert mentorship, industry connections, and access to cutting-edge design tools.
As part of the government’s Plan for Change and the wider Industrial Strategy, supporting these high-potential companies will reinforce the UK’s position as a global leader in entrepreneurship, creating the conditions for the next generation of world-changing technologies to thrive and driving growth in communities across the UK.
Science Minister Lord Vallance explained: “The UK’s semiconductor industry is vibrant with innovation, and this third cohort of ChipStart shows just how much potential we have with many exciting start-ups.
“This sector holds incredible promise, and with the right partnerships, it will lead us into a future of greater economic growth and technological advancement.”
Huge growth in the UK chips industry
This announcement builds on the UK’s growing momentum in semiconductors, following Vishay Intertechnology’s plans to invest £250m in the UK’s largest semiconductor factory.
Announced by the Chancellor during a visit to South Wales yesterday, this investment will strengthen the UK’s domestic semiconductor supply chain – critical for industries like automotive, renewable energy, and defence.
With South Wales emerging as a key semiconductor cluster, this investment underscores the UK’s competitive advantage in advanced chip manufacturing.
Companies from the first two ChipStart cohorts are already on track to raise over £40m in private investment, proving the strength of UK semiconductor start-ups and the impressive return on investment associated with government backing.
Wave Photonics, another successful company from the first cohort, is pioneering design technology to accelerate the development and mass production of integrated photonics – circuits that use light instead of electricity.
These innovations are paving the way for energy-efficient AI communications, next-generation healthcare sensors, quantum technologies, and more.
James Lee, co-founder of Wave Photonics, said: “ChipStart was fantastic preparation for raising and deploying our seed round to deploy our new approach to photonics design for quantum technologies, sensing and data centre applications.
“As well as training and connection to mentors, ChipStart helps you directly plug into the UK semiconductor ecosystem and learn from the successes of the previous generation of UK semiconductor startups.”
Companies joining the new cohort
This year’s cohort – backed by £1.1m of government funding – includes RX-Watt, a company pioneering battery-free sensors that can be wirelessly powered using safe microwave signals.
Their technology could save industries time and money where they depend on monitoring products and goods in real-time – helping manufacturers prevent costly equipment failures and ensuring critical goods like vaccines are stored at the right temperature throughout the supply chain.
