The new semiconductor-focused funding is part of a wider Digital and Technologies Sector Plan. This is a set of announcements under the government’s Industrial Strategy.

Specifically, the £35 million will be used to scale up and continue the recently announced Semiconductor Talent Expansion Programme (STEP). This was originally funded for one year.

The STEP programme includes new chip design courses for students, bursaries, schools outreach, and a proposed master’s conversion course to help more people move into the semiconductor sector.

Investment

Note that the funding will cover four financial years years, ending in 2029/2030. And organisations will be able to submit bids for the contract due course.

To put the semiconductor funding it into context, £670 million is going to quantum computing. And engineering biology researchers are in line for £380 million.

“Britain is full of ambitious risk-takers driven by a desire to innovate and improve people’s everyday lives,” said Science and Technology Secretary, Peter Kyle (pictured). “It is on us in government to match that boldness by investing in our country’s immense potential and embracing businesses who can drive that change and grow our economy.”

“From quantum computers that could revolutionise drug discovery and make the NHS fit for the future, to sustainable fuels that can make the UK a clean energy superpower, science and technology has a key part to play in delivering our modern Industrial Strategy to renew our country and support our Plan for Change.”

Semiconductor talent

The CEO of UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF), Stewart Edmondson, was among those who welcomed the semiconductor funding.

“Together with the £5m skills package for this [financial year], this marks a major investment in the future talent pipeline for the industry,” he said.

“It is very welcome and is a significant vote of confidence from the Government in the semiconductor sector UK.”

UK Semiconductor Centre

Note that there will also be a new UK Semiconductor Centre. This will be receiving £19 million of funding.

It will be “a single point of contact for global firms and governments to engage with the UK semiconductor sector”.

The aim is to help form new industry partnerships and also strengthen the UK’s role in global supply chains.

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