Cardiff University and IQE have recently expanded their strategic collaboration, a move set to invest in the development of expertise in compound semiconductors and support the growth of IQE’s manufacturing operations in South Wales.
The renewed partnership entails a five-year commitment from both parties to augment research capabilities in the realm of compound semiconductor technologies.
The collaboration includes the establishment of two new professorial chairs in compound semiconductors at Cardiff University, one within the School of Physics and Astronomy and the other in the School of Engineering. These chairs will leverage the state-of-the-art facilities at the recently inaugurated Institute for Compound Semiconductors, located at the University’s Translational Research Hub on Maindy Road.
Additionally, the agreement aims to enhance postgraduate and doctoral skill development, supporting two postdoctoral researchers and at least six PhD students, with an emphasis on inclusion of underrepresented groups.
Professor Rudolf Allemann, Head of the University’s College of Physical Sciences and Engineering and Pro Vice-Chancellor, International, remarked: “The close and focused partnership between IQE Plc and Cardiff University has already delivered results, helping position south Wales as a leader in the field of semiconductor research and development. Over the next five years, we will build on that success with the partnership further benefiting industry and the regional economy.”
The strategic collaboration also involves the formation of a Strategic Collaboration Committee between Cardiff University and IQE. This committee will work to align research and development interests, formulate a joint research roadmap, and assess external funding opportunities to enhance the value of their joint efforts.
Americo Lemos, Chief Executive Officer of IQE, stated: “People are at the heart of innovation in the semiconductor industry and there is a recognised shortage of talent worldwide. By strengthening our partnership with Cardiff University, we are creating a talent pipeline for the benefit of IQE and the wider South Wales semiconductor industry to underpin growth. By supporting university-level training and collaborating on research and development, together we will continue to build a resilient and competitive world-class compound semiconductor ecosystem.”
The initial collaboration between IQE plc and Cardiff University led to the formation of the Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC), focusing on the commercialisation of research in compound semiconductor materials and technologies. The CSC employs Cardiff University’s research to develop novel materials and technologies for a range of new applications in photonics and micro-electronics, offering a full capability chain from research to high-volume manufacturing.
Professor Wyn Meredith, Founding Director of the CSC, commented: “We are delighted to be at the core of further strengthening the relationship between Cardiff University and IQE Plc. Since 2016, the CSC business model has delivered over £80M of collaborative research activity in compound semiconductor technologies for emerging applications in Quantum systems, consumer electronics, future communications, and efficient electronics for net zero. This agreement will allow CSC to accelerate commercialisation of our IP, further extend our research and development roadmap, and steer doctoral level training activity for the benefits of the local semiconductor industry.”
