TechWizard Feature: UK Joins EU’s Chip Research Program
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UK Joins EU’s Chip Research Program
The United Kingdom is set to join a European Union semiconductor research funding programme, providing the UK semiconductor sector with access to European funding for chip research purposes. The UK government has announced its participation in the EU’s ‘Chips Joint Undertaking’ (Chips JU), with a pledge of 35 million pounds ($45 million) towards a 1.3 billion euro ($1.4 billion) research and innovation fund.
The Chips JU aims to strengthen the European semiconductor ecosystem and technological leadership by bridging the gap between research, innovation, and production. It was launched with €1.67 billion of EU funding, which is expected to be matched by member states and private funds to reach €3.3 billion.
With the UK’s membership in the Chips JU, British semiconductor researchers and businesses will have enhanced access to research funding supported by the UK government and Horizon Europe. This access to a €1.3 billion fund from Horizon Europe will support research in semiconductor technologies up to 2027, with the UK contributing £35 million towards this initiative.
Technology Minister Saqib Bhatti expressed that the UK’s participation in the Chips Joint Undertaking will boost the country’s strengths in semiconductor science and research, securing its position in the global chip supply chain and shaping the future of semiconductor technologies worldwide.
Semiconductor Supply Chain
The UK’s involvement in Horizon Europe and the Chips JU comes in response to the chip shortage crisis during the Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of securing a domestic semiconductor supply chain. Many countries, including China, the United States, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan, have implemented plans to ensure domestic chip production through state-backed investment funds and incentive packages.
By joining the EU’s chip research programme, the UK is taking a proactive step towards enhancing its semiconductor capabilities and contributing to the advancement of semiconductor technologies on a global scale.
