UK government has launched ChipStart, a two-year pilot programme to support twelve cutting-edge startups in developing revolutionary semiconductor chips.
A £1.3 million investment backs the programme which SiliconCatalyst facilitates.
The two-year pilot initiative will provide critical support to twelve semiconductor design startups, helping them navigate the complex world of semiconductor chip design.
These companies are expected to address diverse global challenges, from brain implants for Parkinson’s patients to quantum computing for enhanced online security and more efficient AI model training.
ChipStart is part of the National Semiconductor Strategy and selected startups, which were chosen from a pool of 27 applicants following rigorous interviews by semiconductor experts, have the potential to revolutionise various sectors. They will be granted the tools and resources to bring their innovative semiconductor designs to the global market.
The companies involved in ChipStart are already creating ripples in their respective domains, for example. MintNeuro is pioneering semiconductor technology to develop physical neural implants.
Minister for Technology Paul Scully emphasised the importance of this initiative, stating: “Semiconductors are the bedrock of our modern economy and an increasingly integral part of our lives. Whether they’re innovating how we support patients with Parkinson’s or are on the cusp of supercharging how AI is used, these firms are the brightest sparks in the UK’s thriving semiconductor industry.”
ChipStart aligns with the National Semiconductor Strategy, an overarching government initiative to enhance the UK’s strengths and skills in semiconductor design and help domestic chip firms grow.
The ChipStart programme will equip these startups with the skills and resources to succeed and ensure they are well-positioned to revolutionise lives in the UK and worldwide. Additionally, it will provide the UK’s semiconductor industry with a robust pipeline of new startups with innovative products and routes to market, Scully said.
The programme is structured to span two successive cohorts, culminating in March 2025. Participating startups will enjoy several key advantages throughout this period, including access to comprehensive commercial design capabilities, encompassing Silicon Catalyst’s entire ecosystem, design tools, intellectual property and prototyping resources.
