The South Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster: From Collective Vision to Strategic National Asset
About
The South Wales compound semiconductor cluster is the UK's only region with a fully integrated semiconductor capability spanning research, innovation, pilot lines, specialist equipment and high-value manufacturing across a 70-mile corridor from Chepstow to Swansea.
The ecosystem grew from a collective vision set out in 2015 and has since become recognised as a strategic national asset, with deep alignment between universities, industry, the public sector and global investors. The cluster combines a highly skilled workforce with advanced manufacturing and internationally recognised research facilities, providing the capabilities needed to develop and scale compound semiconductor technologies.
Compound semiconductors are the technology behind AI data centres and their power infrastructure, electric vehicles, clean energy systems, radar and defence applications, and 5G and 6G communications networks. Global semiconductor market demand is forecast to reach $1.9 trillion by 2027, with the South Wales cluster providing the UK with world-class capability across several of the fastest-growing segments.
This talk will highlight the progress made in building the ecosystem over the last decade, and give a forward view of a vision of the Cluster in 2030.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
15 Oct 2026
5:30pm - 8:00pm
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Organiser
- Wales South East Local Network
Speakers
Dr Wyn Meredith
Director - Compound Semiconductor Centre
Wyn Meredith FLSW, Director, The Compound Semiconductor Centre has 25 plus years of industrial experience gained at Ferranti, British Telecom Research Labs, Detica (now BAE), Sharp Research labs, IQE plc and Compound Semiconductor Technologies Ltd (now Sivers Semiconductors). Wyn is the founding Director of the Compound Semiconductor Centre, a Joint Venture between IQE Plc and Cardiff University, focussed on technology translation of R+D in compound semiconductor materials and devices. Wyn is a Founder Non-Executive Director of The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, an Honorary Professor at Cardiff University, and Chair of CSconnected.
Programme
5.30 pm – 6.30 pm – Networking and food
6.30 pm – 7.30 pm – Talk
7.30 pm – 8.00 pm – Q&A and further networking