1. The U.K. recently joined the EU’s Chips Joint Undertaking to access €1.3 billion for semiconductor research and development, with the government also committing £35 million in funding over the next few years.
2. The semiconductor industry is crucial for advancements in technology, and the U.K.’s partnership with the EU aims to strengthen its position in this competitive space.
3. The U.K. has recognized the importance of collaboration in technology post-Brexit, with recent partnerships with countries like Korea, Canada, and the U.S., and is also involved in the Horizon Europe program for R&D funding.
The UK has officially exited the European Union but is now looking to partner with the EU in semiconductor development for better economies of scale and funding opportunities. The government announced its participation in the EU’s “Chips Joint Undertaking,” providing £35 million in funding for UK semiconductor research and development efforts. This funding will help UK organizations apply for grants worth up to £450,000 on average.
Semiconductors are crucial for technological advancements in AI, consumer electronics, and automotive industries. The UK’s decision to join the EU’s Chips Joint Undertaking highlights the country’s recognition that it cannot afford to go it alone in the technology sector post-Brexit. This move follows partnerships with other countries like Korea, Canada, and the US for data sharing, science, innovation, and technology collaborations.
The Chips Joint Undertaking, part of the larger Horizon Europe program, has a budget of €11 billion to reduce Europe’s reliance on semiconductor imports. In addition to funding, UK companies can access cutting-edge research opportunities through this partnership. Major players in the UK’s chip research sector include Arm and Graphcore, with the government actively investing in promising startups like Pragmatic Semiconductor.
The UK’s participation in the Chips Joint Undertaking as a participating state will contribute to the European industrial ecosystem in microelectronics and semiconductor technologies. This collaboration aims to enhance Europe’s scientific excellence and innovation leadership in the semiconductor industry.