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Start-ups and SMEs

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The Semiconductor Catapult can help you to validate performance, develop prototypes and build the technical evidence you need to secure investment, win customers and progress towards manufacture. 

We understand that the strength of start-ups and SMEs lies in their technology and intellectual property, but progressing an early concept or prototype into a validated product ready for customer evaluation and commercialisation carries significant technical and commercial risk. 

Too often, that means limited access to the specialist equipment, engineering resource and application knowledge required to prove performance and progress towards commercialisation. You need to generate credible evidence, resolve technical risks and demonstrate your technology to investors, customers and partners – without making significant early investment into equipment and expertise. 

Semiconductor Catapult gives you access to specialist engineers, advanced facilities and practical, seamless development support: 

De-risk development & scale with confidence

Access world-class facilities and expertise without investing heavily in specialised equipment or permanent headcount.

Power lab

Accelerate your route to market

Move faster from initial proof-of-concept to pilot production through streamlined design, testing, and integration services.

Three people in blue lab coats and hairnets work together in a laboratory setting with equipment visible. - CSA Catapult

Fill critical capability gaps

Plug key engineering gaps allowing your team to stay focused on your core IP.

Six people sit at two round tables in a modern office, talking and working on laptops near green wall decor. - CSA Catapult

Unlock funding & supply chain access

Participate in collaborative research projects to attract investment and connect directly into technically advanced UK supply chains.

Close-up of hands using tweezers to handle a semiconductor chip under a microscope in a laboratory setting. - CSA Catapult

Validate performance

Obtain decision-grade characterisation and industrial validation to prove product quality and reliability to investors and customers.

Tailored expertise and capabilities for start-ups and SMEs

You can access specialist technologies, facilities and multidisciplinary engineering expertise across power electronics, RF and microwave, photonics and advanced packaging through a single organisation. 

  • Electrical, thermal, RF, optical and reliability characterisation 
  • Design, modelling and AI-assisted Multi-Objective Optimisation 
  • Rapid prototyping and advanced packaging 
  • PIC design, wafer-level testing and photonic packaging 
  • RF GaN power-amplifier design and characterisation 
  • SiC and GaN device, module and converter testing 
  • Access to expertise and facilities through the Business Connect scheme 
  • Introductions to supply-chain, manufacturing and scale-up partners 

Success stories

GANNT

GaNSiC - accelerating from TRL 4 to TRL 7

Working with Custom Interconnect Limited, the Catapult supported the design, modelling and validation of a new silver-sinter manufacturing process for GaN and SiC devices. Physical trials included assembly, thermal and dynamic testing, microscopy and materials evaluation. The technology progressed from TRL 4 to TRL 7, making it ready for integration into pilot systems.

View the case study
SPLICE

SPLICE - securing £12m investment

The Catapult helped QLM Technology commercialise its quantum gas-imaging system by testing single-photon detectors and optical amplifiers and evaluating their performance under extreme environmental conditions. QLM subsequently secured £12 million in Series A investment, entered into a collaboration with SLB and expanded its UK manufacturing operations.

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ORanGaN

ORanGaN - winning work and opening new markets

Working with Inex Microtechnology, Custom Interconnect Limited and Viper RF, the Catapult helped establish a UK design and manufacturing supply chain for RF GaN MMIC devices. The project contributed to ten new customers, 16 new jobs and approximately £369,000 in additional project income, while opening opportunities in 5G, radar and satellite communications.

View the case study

Get in touch

How can we work with you to validate performance, secure investment and get to market faster? Get in touch with a member of our team today to find out.

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