Innovate UK

Innovate UK is a non-departmental public body established in 2007 and based in Swindon, United Kingdom. Funded by a government grant, it supports innovation in science and technology by providing funding services to businesses across various sectors and regions. The organization aims to drive productivity and economic growth by facilitating advancements that contribute to the UK’s economic landscape. In addition to funding, Innovate UK offers a range of services and information related to business and economic development, thereby fostering a supportive environment for innovation.

Mike Biddle

Programme Director of Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund

Will Drury

Executive Director, Digital and Technologies

Paul Gadd

Deputy Director

Dr. Tom Jenkins

Deputy Director

Scott James O'Brien

Director, Innovation Finance

Nigel Walker

Deputy Director, Lending and Investor Partnerships

Dave Wilkes

Director of Innovation Ecosystem

Past deals in Semiconductor

Paragraf

Grant in 2025
Paragraf Ltd. is a UK-based company established in 2015, specializing in the development and production of graphene-based electronic devices and materials. The company employs contamination-free technology to create high-purity graphene products, which are designed to enhance the performance of various electronic applications. Paragraf's innovations include devices for green energy generation, such as solar photovoltaic cells, as well as advanced sensors for monitoring environmental and health-related parameters. These products aim to optimize process and quality control across industries including electronics, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. By leveraging graphene's unique properties, Paragraf seeks to significantly impact the electronics industry and contribute to advancements in automation and disease research.

SmartKem

Grant in 2024
SmartKem Limited is a Manchester-based company that specializes in the development and marketing of organic semiconductors aimed at enhancing the manufacturing of liquid crystal and organic light-emitting diode displays. Founded in 2008, SmartKem focuses on the design, development, industrialization, and technology transfer of low-temperature, solution-deposited organic semiconductors, specifically its patented truFLEX inks. These inks are applied on low-cost substrates to create organic thin-film transistor circuits, which are essential for a range of applications including mini-LED displays, AMOLED displays, fingerprint sensors, and logic circuits. The company generates revenue through the sale of truFLEX inks and demonstration products, positioning itself at the forefront of semiconductor innovation for next-generation electronic devices.

Vector Photonics

Grant in 2024
Vector Photonics, based in Glasgow, Scotland, is a spin-out company from the University of Glasgow. It specializes in developing semiconductor laser technology for data communications and additive manufacturing, including metal and plastic printing. The company's innovation lies in photonic crystal surface-emitting lasers, which are low-cost and emit light from the top surface, facilitating easy packaging and integration into printed circuit boards (PCBs) and electronic assemblies. This enables various industries to adopt their semiconductor laser technology in daily operations.

Quinas Technology (ULTRARAM)

Grant in 2023
Quinas is a leading-edge developer of revolutionary next-generation dual-use semiconductor memory technology designed to drive the proliferation of intelligent devices for Future Compute, Novel AI and Military/Aerospace. ULTRARAM is a revolutionary new type of computer memory that was invented and is under development in the Physics Department at Lancaster University. It combines speed, endurance, retention, and energy efficiency into a single memory concept. These astonishing properties are achieved by harnessing a quantum mechanical effect called resonant tunnelling. Benefits to end user: Ultra-efficient - extending battery life and/or reducing battery weight in the field Non-volatile - data retained in the absence of power, instant reboot for fast response when power is restored. High endurance - high reliability with long lifetime High performance - no compromise in speed despite non-volatility Low carbon – reduces large system power consumption. Sectors: -Future Compute -Novel AI -Data Centres -Automotive -Military/Aerospace

Kubos Semiconductors

Grant in 2023
Kubos Semiconductors Ltd, established in 2017 and headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom, specializes in the development and commercialization of semiconductors. The company focuses on cubic-GaN technology, which is used to produce high-efficiency, low-cost light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Kubos Semiconductors leverages its intellectual property to create wafers for LED manufacturers, aiming to enhance energy savings through advanced semiconductor solutions.

Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult

Grant in 2023
Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult is a non-profit organization that aims to accelerate growth in sectors that use compound semiconductors.

Intrinsic

Grant in 2023
Intrinsic Semiconductor Technologies specializes in the development of silicon-oxide based resistive random-access memory (RRAM) technologies. The company focuses on creating non-volatile memory solutions that are fully air stable and compatible with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Intrinsic's innovative technology can be adapted for various applications, including multilevel memory, hardware acceleration for machine learning, and neuromorphic devices. By utilizing low-power, cost-effective semiconductors and gallium nitride materials, the company enables the integration of its devices into standard CMOS architectures, even at advanced process nodes. This capability allows clients to achieve higher performance under demanding conditions, such as elevated temperatures and frequencies.

Dynex Semiconductor

Grant in 2023
Dynex Power Inc., through its subsidiary Dynex Semiconductor Limited, specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of industrial power equipment globally. The company offers a range of products, including high power bipolar discrete semiconductors, insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules, and high power electronic assemblies. These products serve various sectors such as railway propulsion, industrial electric power transmission, renewable energy, heavy industries, factory automation, marine propulsion, aerospace systems, and electric vehicles. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Kanata, Canada, Dynex operates a facility in Lincoln, England, which houses integrated operations for silicon fabrication, assembly, testing, and product development. The company is primarily owned by Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd.

Silveray

Seed Round in 2022
Silveray is a company focused on developing affordable large-area direct conversion detectors specifically for the X-ray imaging market. It leverages advanced core technology that delivers high-performance X-ray imaging through the use of nanoparticle-based X-ray conversion materials. These materials are produced as a semiconductor ink, which is then deposited onto a pixel backplane. This innovative approach enables healthcare providers and various industries to generate an electrical current response to detected X-ray photons, all while maintaining a sustainable cost point. Silveray aims to enhance the efficiency and accessibility of X-ray imaging solutions.

Aegiq

Grant in 2022
Aegiq Ltd. is a company specializing in the development of semiconductor-based quantum photonic chips, which are designed for various communications and computing applications such as broadband quantum communication, imaging, microscopy, and scalable quantum computing. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Sheffield, United Kingdom, Aegiq adopts a full-stack photonic quantum computing approach that provides speed, compactness, and modularity. The company's technology serves a diverse range of industries, including defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, addressing complex computational challenges. Aegiq's integrated photonic platform aims to facilitate large-scale quantum computing with multi-million qubit operations, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and systems related to quantum cybersecurity and networking.

Paragraf

Grant in 2022
Paragraf Ltd. is a UK-based company established in 2015, specializing in the development and production of graphene-based electronic devices and materials. The company employs contamination-free technology to create high-purity graphene products, which are designed to enhance the performance of various electronic applications. Paragraf's innovations include devices for green energy generation, such as solar photovoltaic cells, as well as advanced sensors for monitoring environmental and health-related parameters. These products aim to optimize process and quality control across industries including electronics, energy, healthcare, and agriculture. By leveraging graphene's unique properties, Paragraf seeks to significantly impact the electronics industry and contribute to advancements in automation and disease research.

Dynex Semiconductor

Grant in 2022
Dynex Power Inc., through its subsidiary Dynex Semiconductor Limited, specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of industrial power equipment globally. The company offers a range of products, including high power bipolar discrete semiconductors, insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) modules, and high power electronic assemblies. These products serve various sectors such as railway propulsion, industrial electric power transmission, renewable energy, heavy industries, factory automation, marine propulsion, aerospace systems, and electric vehicles. Founded in 1956 and headquartered in Kanata, Canada, Dynex operates a facility in Lincoln, England, which houses integrated operations for silicon fabrication, assembly, testing, and product development. The company is primarily owned by Zhuzhou CRRC Times Electric Co., Ltd.

SeeQC

Grant in 2021
SeeQC, Inc. is a semiconductor company specializing in the development of a digital quantum computing platform aimed at global businesses. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Elmsford, New York, the company designs, tests, and manufactures quantum-ready superconductors and application-specific quantum computing systems. Its innovative approach combines classical and quantum technologies to enhance the efficiency, stability, and cost-effectiveness of quantum computing systems. SeeQC integrates superconducting qubit chips, proprietary Single Flux Quantum technology, and application-specific integrated circuits to create a commercially viable quantum computing solution. The company serves various industries, including machine learning, logistics optimization, quantum chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and fintech, catering to clients in the United States and Europe. With additional facilities in London and Naples, SeeQC aims to facilitate access to scalable, fault-tolerant quantum computing applications, thereby addressing the growing demand for advanced computational capabilities.

Ionoptika

Grant in 2021
Ionoptika is the provider of high-performance ion beam technologies for surface analysis and nanofabrication applications, and are the experts in cluster ion beams for secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).

Aegiq

Grant in 2020
Aegiq Ltd. is a company specializing in the development of semiconductor-based quantum photonic chips, which are designed for various communications and computing applications such as broadband quantum communication, imaging, microscopy, and scalable quantum computing. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Sheffield, United Kingdom, Aegiq adopts a full-stack photonic quantum computing approach that provides speed, compactness, and modularity. The company's technology serves a diverse range of industries, including defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence, addressing complex computational challenges. Aegiq's integrated photonic platform aims to facilitate large-scale quantum computing with multi-million qubit operations, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and systems related to quantum cybersecurity and networking.

Evince

Grant in 2020
Evince Technology is a UK-based startup focused on the development of innovative electron devices utilizing synthetic diamonds. The company aims to revolutionize the high-frequency electronics industry by introducing a new type of solid-state switch that serves as a foundational element for effective electrical energy control. Its products are designed for various applications, including metrology, healthcare, communications, and advanced manufacturing. By harnessing the superior thermal and electronic properties of diamonds, Evince Technology provides manufacturers and developers with the potential for enhanced performance through its licensed thermionic valve technology.

Evince

Venture Round in 2020
Evince Technology is a UK-based startup focused on the development of innovative electron devices utilizing synthetic diamonds. The company aims to revolutionize the high-frequency electronics industry by introducing a new type of solid-state switch that serves as a foundational element for effective electrical energy control. Its products are designed for various applications, including metrology, healthcare, communications, and advanced manufacturing. By harnessing the superior thermal and electronic properties of diamonds, Evince Technology provides manufacturers and developers with the potential for enhanced performance through its licensed thermionic valve technology.

Spectrum Logic

Grant in 2020
Spectrum Logic is an innovator and manufacturer of detection and imaging products using CMOS image sensors. We develop custom detectors for X-ray, electron beam, near infrared and ultraviolet imaging with experience in wafer scale CMOS image sensors (50 μm to 150 μm pixel pitch), sCMOS and NIR sensors.

Space Forge

Seed Round in 2020
Space Forge Limited is a company based in Bristol, United Kingdom, that specializes in the development of reusable satellites for manufacturing purposes. Founded in 2018, it focuses on creating advanced materials, including metals and crystals, that are not feasible to produce on Earth. By leveraging the unique conditions of space, Space Forge aims to manufacture super materials that enhance the efficiency of various industries, including computing, telecommunications, and pharmaceuticals. The company operates laboratories in Bristol and Wales, where it conducts research and development to support its mission of leading a clean industrial revolution through innovative manufacturing processes that reduce energy loss and carbon emissions.

UltraSoC

Grant in 2019
UltraSoC Technologies Ltd., established in 2005 and headquartered in Cambridge, UK, specializes in semiconductor intellectual property (IP) for system monitoring, analysis, and optimization. The company's core offering is an independent, non-intrusive system-level architecture that enables real-time, wire-speed monitoring of System-on-Chip (SoC) internal behavior. This IP accelerates and de-risks development by providing engineers with insights into complex interactions between on-chip sub-systems, buses, and software. UltraSoC's toolkit comprises configurable modules and software for IP configuration, debug, and analytics, serving applications in SoC debug, analytics and optimization, in-field monitoring, and security. Since June 2020, UltraSoC operates as a subsidiary of Siemens AG.

Crypta Labs

Debt Financing in 2019
Crypta Labs Ltd is a London-based company founded in 2014 that specializes in quantum security technology. The firm focuses on developing quantum random number generation chips to enhance security protocols for the Internet of Things (IoT) across various sectors, including transportation, military, intelligence, and healthcare. Its main products include a Quantum Random Number Generation (QRNG) encryption module, which integrates a light source, detector, and processor into a single Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) chip, delivering military-grade encryption. Additionally, Crypta Labs offers a Mobile Security Technology Module, which utilizes mobile phone cameras along with an Application Process Interface (API) and Software Development Kit (SDK) to aid mobile application developers in securing their software. This innovative approach aims to future-proof the cybersecurity of IoT systems for various industries.

Irresistible Materials

Grant in 2018
Irresistible Materials Ltd is a materials technology company based in Swansea, United Kingdom, specializing in the development and commercialization of fullerene-based photoresist technology. Founded in 2010 as a spin-out from the University of Birmingham, the company collaborates with Nano-C Inc in the United States to create advanced materials for next-generation lithography applications. Irresistible Materials focuses on providing innovative solutions, including EUV resists, spin-on-carbon, and e-beam resists, aimed at meeting the demands of the semiconductor industry for increasingly smaller microchip feature sizes. The company has established a robust patent portfolio that encompasses various resist and hard-mask materials and maintains strong partnerships with the University of Birmingham and a network of global collaborators to further advance its materials offerings.

Cella Energy

Grant in 2013
Cella Energy Limited is an advanced materials company based in Didcot, United Kingdom, with additional operations in Florida. Founded in 2011, it specializes in developing and producing innovative hydrogen storage materials capable of storing up to one liter of hydrogen per gram at room temperature. These materials are designed for various applications, including transportation and portable power industries, as well as military power solutions for unmanned systems. Additionally, Cella Energy manufactures radiation shielding materials to protect space satellites from harmful radiation, thereby extending their operational life. The company offers a range of production facilities and systems, catering to low, medium, and high power applications.

Cella Energy

Grant in 2013
Cella Energy Limited is an advanced materials company based in Didcot, United Kingdom, with additional operations in Florida. Founded in 2011, it specializes in developing and producing innovative hydrogen storage materials capable of storing up to one liter of hydrogen per gram at room temperature. These materials are designed for various applications, including transportation and portable power industries, as well as military power solutions for unmanned systems. Additionally, Cella Energy manufactures radiation shielding materials to protect space satellites from harmful radiation, thereby extending their operational life. The company offers a range of production facilities and systems, catering to low, medium, and high power applications.

Diamond Microwave Devices

Grant in 2009
Diamond Microwave Devices Ltd. specializes in the development of semiconductor devices utilizing chemical vapor deposition (CVD) diamond technology. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Leeds, United Kingdom, the company focuses on creating devices that serve both civil and defense applications, particularly in microwave power amplifiers and transmitters. As a subsidiary of Element Six (Pty) Ltd., Diamond Microwave Devices is positioned at the forefront of innovation in high-performance microwave technology.
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