• Swindon & Wiltshire Tech
• Friday February 9 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Bristol chosen to host government’s microchip research centre

Bristol has been chosen to host one of two microchip research centres in a multi-million-pound scheme unveiled by the government.

The University of Bristol will be home to the new £11 million Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) REWIRE, which is set to deliver pioneering semiconductor technologies and new electronic devices.

Semiconductors – or microchips – are a key component in nearly every electrical device from mobile phones and medical equipment to electric vehicles.

They are increasingly being recognised as an area of global strategic significance due to the integral role they play in net zero, AI, and quantum technology.

Co-created and delivered with industry, the University of Bristol-led REWIRE IKC is being delivered with partners at the Universities of Cambridge and Warwick.

A second centre will be established at the University of Southampton.

The project is being led by Professor Martin Kuball and his team at the University of Bristol. Industry partners including Ampaire, BMW, Bosch, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), Element-Six Technologies, General Electric, Hitachi Energy, IQE, Oxford Instruments, Siemens, ST Microelectronics and Toshiba will also be supporting the project.

“Power devices are at the centre of all power electronic systems and pave the way for more efficient and compact power electronic systems, reducing energy loss,” said Professor Kuball.

“The REWIRE IKC will focus on power conversion of wind energy, electric vehicles, smart grids, high-temperature applications, device and packaging, and improving the efficiency of semiconductor device manufacture.”

The government’s minister for tech and the digital economy, Saqib Bhatti, said: “This investment marks a crucial step in advancing our ambitions for the semiconductor industry, with these centres helping bring new technologies to market in areas like net zero and AI, rooting them right here in the UK.

“Just nine months into delivering on the National Semiconductor Strategy, we’re already making rapid progress towards our goals. This isn’t just about fostering growth and creating high-skilled jobs, it’s about positioning the UK as a hub of global innovation, setting the stage for breakthroughs that have worldwide impact.”