A major technology cluster in South Wales has revealed ambitious expansion plans that could create thousands of high-skilled jobs and generate significant economic growth for the region over the next decade.
A Decade of Growth and Achievement
The CS Connected compound semiconductor cluster, celebrating its tenth anniversary, has set a bold target of employing 6,000 high-skilled staff by 2030 while driving combined revenues to reach £1 billion. This represents a substantial scaling up of operations for the growing network of semiconductor industry partners that includes leading tech firms such as IQE, KLA, Microchip and Vishay Intertechnology.
Howard Rupprecht, managing director of CSconnected, reflected on the cluster's journey: "Ten years ago, CSconnected was a bold idea. Today, it's a globally recognised cluster that has delivered real economic impact and put Wales on the map for advanced semiconductor technologies."
Collaboration Driving Success
The remarkable success of the Welsh semiconductor hub has been powered by deep collaboration between universities, industry, and government. Several key institutions have played crucial roles in this ecosystem, including:
- The Compound Semiconductor Centre
- The Institute for Compound Semiconductors at Cardiff University
- The Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials at Swansea University
- The UKRI-funded Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult
A significant turning point occurred in 2020 when CSconnected secured £43 million from the Strength in Places Fund (SIPF), which formalised the cluster and embedded operational collaboration across the partnership.
Substantial Economic Impact Already Delivered
Since its establishment a decade ago, the cluster has already made impressive strides in building Wales' technological capabilities and economic resilience. The achievements to date include:
- £850 million invested in facilities
- More than £150 million in collaborative research and development
- Approximately 3,000 jobs supported across the region
The cluster's success has attracted further government support, with the Chancellor expected to announce a £10 million funding boost in the upcoming Budget to accelerate growth.
Building Wales' Technological Future
Looking ahead, CSconnected has ambitious plans to cement Wales' position as a global leader in advanced semiconductor technologies. Mr Rupprecht emphasised: "Our ambition is to grow the cluster's revenue to £1bn by 2030, increase skilled employment to 6,000 people, and ensure that value is captured across the region through well-paid jobs and a resilient supply chain."
The vision extends beyond current capabilities, with Rupprecht adding: "This is about building a future where Wales leads in enabling technologies for quantum, photonics, AI and beyond—and where local talent is at the heart of that success."
Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnerships, praised the collaborative effort: "CSconnected's tenth anniversary is a testament to government, business and university collaboration. Over the past decade, this cluster has attracted significant investment, created thousands of high-quality jobs, and established Wales as a global leader in compound semiconductors."
To mark its decade of achievement and facilitate further growth, CSconnected has launched a membership programme enabling more organisations in the advanced semiconductor supply chain to become part of this thriving technological ecosystem.
