The UK government’s ChipStart programme has enabled semiconductor start-ups to secure over £10m in private investment and grants, with nearly £20m in total commitments.
This initiative works to promote innovation in various fields, from the efficiency of artificial intelligence to advanced healthcare technologies.
Eleven semiconductor start-ups have joined the second cohort of ChipStart, a £1.3m programme launched in October 2023 to nurture emerging chip designers and attract significant investment. The programme supports start-ups by providing access to commercial design capabilities, mentorship and exposure to private capital, with the aim of turning pioneering research into market-ready products.
New entrants include POM Health, which is developing a wearable patch to continuously monitor hormones to enhance fertility treatments. HeronIC also joined, bringing a software design tool that creates custom chips for AI applications, improving power efficiency and performance.
Science Minister Patrick Vallance said: “Innovation in semiconductors can drive progress across multiple sectors. Support from ChipStart is crucial to turning UK research into commercial success, tackling global challenges and driving economic growth.”
Following the success of the first cohort, which saw over £10m in funding and around £20m in commitments, ChipStart continues to drive early-stage semiconductor companies towards commercialisation and growth. This round includes nine companies from UK universities, strengthening the UK’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Shaun Redmond, Managing Partner of Silicon Catalyst UK, highlighted the impact of the programme: “ChipStart UK transforms academic innovations into market-ready technologies. The new programme builds on the achievements of the first cohort, positioning them for global success.”
Participants from the initial group, such as Vaire Computing and Wave Photonics, have already secured significant funding. Vaire Computing has raised $4.5 million to develop ultra-power-efficient chips that can extend smartphone battery life by a month. Wave Photonics has secured £4.5 million for its photonic chips, which use light instead of electricity, enabling faster, more power-efficient processes.
Rodolfo Rossini, CEO of Vaire Computing, praised the program: “The networking opportunities and support provided by ChipStart have been instrumental in setting our company on a path to long-term success.”
“ChipStart has given us access to the expertise and essential tools to deploy our technology in diverse applications, from biosensing to quantum computing,” added James Lee, CEO of Wave Photonics.
With continued support from ChipStart, the UK semiconductor industry is poised for significant growth, driving innovation and economic development.