Wales Driving Innovation in the Compound Semiconductor Sector

Wales Driving Innovation in the Compound Semiconductor Sector 

I’m thrilled to see the South Wales compound semiconductor cluster continuing to attract international recognition and investment, with the Welsh Government supporting its growth with £5 million in funding. This sector is vital to modern life, powering everything from our phones and trains to turbines, and Wales is increasingly a world leader in its production and innovation. 

Recent progress in Newport and across South Wales includes KLA constructing its new European headquarters at Imperial Park, Newport. A £100 million, 215,000 square foot facility with cleanrooms for R&D and manufacturing, set to create up to 750 jobs. At Cardiff Gate, the 51,000 square foot Centre 7 is already attracting international investors, with Microlink Devices and CS Connected as its first tenants. Wales is also leading in research, with a £2.5 million Net Zero project at Swansea University pioneering lower-emission practices for the semiconductor industry. Cardiff University recently hosted a prestigious international technical conference, and we’ll welcome Canadian semiconductor companies to Wales in the spring as part of further inward investment. 

I am proud that our sustained investment over the last decade is now paying off, with world-class facilities, strong R&D links, and well-paid employment and apprenticeship opportunities. This cluster demonstrates how Wales is not just keeping pace with global innovation, but actively leading it, and we remain committed to driving this sector forward. 

To find out more visit: https://www.gov.wales/51-million-newport-investment-latest-chapter-wales-compound-semiconductor-success-story