Representatives of the Semiconductors Point of Contact Group from the G7 group of nations met in Cambridge today. The meeting was held at ARM, which designs over 95% of the processors in the world. Representatives from the University of Cambridge, as well as representatives from local semiconductor companies, participated in the events.
Semiconductors underpin nearly every electrical, optical and quantum device, from mobile phones and medical equipment to electric vehicles. They are of global strategic significance due to the integral role they play in net zero, AI and quantum technology.
The G7 Semiconductor Points of Contact group is dedicated to facilitating information exchange and sharing best practises among G7 members. The PoC Group plans to exchange information on issues impacting the semiconductor industry, including pre-competitive industrial research & development priorities, sustainable manufacturing, the effect of non-market policies and practices, and crisis coordination channels.
Cambridge was chosen for today’s meeting in part because of its strong innovation ecosystem, which has produced more ‘unicorns’ – privately held startup companies valued at over US$1 billion – than anywhere else in the UK.
A 2023 report found that the University of Cambridge contributes nearly £30 billion to the UK economy annually and supports more than 86,000 jobs across the UK, including 52,000 in the East of England.
For every £1 the University spends, it creates £11.70 of economic impact, and for every £1 million of publicly-funded research income it receives, it generates £12.65 million in economic impact across the UK.
The National Quantum Strategy (2023) and the National Semiconductor Strategy (2023) highlight the UK’s national strengths in quantum and photonic technologies and compound semiconductors. These sectors foster growth and create high-skilled jobs, and position the UK as a hub of global innovation.
Dr Diarmuid O’Brien, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Innovation at the University of Cambridge, said: “Semiconductors are a vital technology for the UK’s economic growth, and Cambridge is a leader in semiconductor research and development. Working with our partners in academia, industry and government, we can develop next-generation semiconductor technologies and companies, and train the next generation of semiconductor scientists and engineers.”
Prof. Andrea Ferrari, Director of the Cambridge Graphene Centre, hosted on behalf of the University, a formal dinner in Pembroke College today for the attendees of the G7 Semiconductors group. He stated that “Cambridge played a key foundational role in the development of electronics. The electron was discovered here in 1897, by JJ Thomson. In 1961, electron beam lithography, a key method for integrated circuit fabrication, was invented in Cambridge. These early achievements were followed by many advances in circuit design, innovative advanced materials, photonic and quantum communications. It is thus fitting that the G7 Semiconductors representatives met at the heart of where all started.”
Science Minister, Lord Vallance, said: “Semiconductors are an unseen but vital component in so many of the technologies we rely on in our lives and backing UK innovators offers a real opportunity to growth these firms into industry leaders, strengthening our £10 billion sector and ensuring it drives economic growth. Hosting the G7 semiconductors Points of Contact group is also a chance to showcase the UK’s competitive and growing sector and make clear our commitment to keeping the UK at the forefront of advancing technology.”
