News: Suppliers
13 November 2025
CSconnected announces £1m third call to Supply Chain Development Programme
The South Wales-based compound semiconductor cluster CSconnected has announced a £1m third call in its Supply Chain Development Programme (which was launched in March), delivered in partnership with Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), to accelerate the expansion of the compound semiconductor supply chain in South Wales. The initiative aims to drive job creation, stimulate economic growth and enhance the UK’s strategic position in advanced semiconductor manufacturing.
Supported by the Strength in Places Fund (UK Research and Innovation) and Cardiff Capital Region, CSconnected is the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster, and unites leading companies, research institutions, and government partners to drive innovation, economic growth, and global leadership in semiconductor technology.
The Supply Chain Development Programme is designed to strengthen supplier relationships, stimulate commercial growth and build long-term resilience across one of the UK’s most critical technology sectors. It is open to UK-based buyers and suppliers linked to the compound semiconductor industry in South Wales, including those providing advanced manufacturing, engineering, chemicals, raw materials, specialist design tools, fabless semiconductor solutions and system integration across key end markets such as automotive, communications, aerospace and healthcare.
The programme will support projects of up to £100,000 in grant value, with a maximum intervention rate of 50%, equivalent to a total project cost of £200,000. Micro-companies are eligible for a 70% intervention rate for grants up to £30,000. Projects must be led by a UK-registered limited company, run for between six and nine months, and demonstrate clear benefits to the Cardiff Capital Region. All proposals must be supported by a primary cluster organization and will be awarded as Minimum Financial Assistance (MFA) subsidies under the Subsidy Control Act 2022, with recipients receiving quarterly payments in advance.
“This £1m programme is about building resilience and capacity within the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem,” says CSconnected’s managing director Howard Rupprecht. “By connecting local suppliers with global manufacturers, we are helping to anchor high-value activity here in Wales, ensuring that South Wales remains at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation.”
Current projects are equipping suppliers with new production line capabilities enhancing throughput, new product/service validation to improve production and design efficiencies, and the utilization of UK suppliers to onshore an in-house manufacturing process.
The investment forms part of the CSconnected mission to strengthen regional supply chains and ensure that the compound semiconductor sector continues to deliver measurable economic impact for Wales and the UK.
CSconnected is delivering a webinar event on 20 November from 12noon-1pm, sharing further information and allowing for Q&A. Those interested can sign up here.
The deadline for applications is 17 December at 4pm.
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CSconnected names first recipients for £1m Supply Chain Development Programme