The National Physical Laboratory (NPL) has been tasked with leading a £1.2m initiative to strengthen the UK’s position in the global semiconductor race.
Funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the project aims to establish new metrology capabilities to address critical bottlenecks in semiconductor innovation.
Semiconductors are typically made from silicon, however, in recent years to adapt to the high-demands of technologies used for 5G networks, electric vehicles and more, compounds are increasingly being relied upon, including gallium arsenide, gallium nitride and silicon carbide.
It is believed by DSIT and NPL that to harness the potential of these advanced materials, robust standards and access to measurement capabilities are essential.
“The semiconductor industry is evolving rapidly, driving breakthroughs in AI, quantum computing and advanced electronics. To compete globally, the UK must harness its strengths in research, innovation and precision measurement. Standards are key—they provide the framework that ensures reliability, interoperability and confidence across complex supply chains,” said Gareth Edwards, head of advanced manufacturing and materials strategy at NPL.
“This project brings together NPL’s world-leading metrology expertise with the technical capabilities of UK academia and industry to define standards for next-generation semiconductors.
“By doing so, we give the UK a strong global voice in shaping how these technologies are developed and adopted, strengthening supply chains, attracting investment and enabling British innovation to lead internationally,”
NPL will deliver this project in partnership with industrial and academic partners including Vishay Newport, GEN3, Custom Interconnect, Oxford Instruments, Swansea University, the University of Cambridge and more.
