REWIRE is an £11m programme being led by Professor Martin Kuball from the School of Physics which will develop the next generation of semiconductor power electronics.
The project involves collaboration with the faculty of Engineering and School of Business at the University of Bristol, alongside partners from the Universities of Cambridge and Warwick.
Attendees at the prelaunch event included University of Bristol Vice-Chancellor Professor Evelyn Welch, Jane Nicholson, Executive Director of Research from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC), and Richard Duffy, Senior Policy Advisor on Semiconductors with the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology.
The event highlighted the UK Government’s UK National Semiconductor Strategy, presented by Richard Duffy, and reviewed REWIRE’s aims and targets, presented by Professor Kuball, followed by Dr Saeed Jahdi, Dr Minhao Zhang and Professor Palie Smart from the University of Bristol.
REWIRE will advance the next generation of semiconductor power device technologies and enhance the security of the UK’s semiconductor supply-chain.
Semiconductors, also known as microchips, are a key component in nearly every electrical device from mobile phones and medical equipment to electric vehicles.
They are increasingly being recognised as an area of global strategic significance due to the integral role they play in net zero, AI and quantum technology.
Compound semiconductor devices have been recognised in the UK National Semiconductor Strategy as key elements to support the net zero economy through the development of high voltage and low energy-loss power electronic technology.
They are essential building blocks for developing all-electric trains, ships and heavy goods electric vehicles, better charging infrastructure, renewable energy and High Voltage Direct Current grid connections, as well as intelligent power distribution and energy supplies to telecommunication networks and data centres.
Industry partners including Ampaire, BMW, Bosch, Cambridge GaN Devices (CGD), Element Six, General Electric, Hitachi Energy, IQE, Oxford Instruments, Siemens, ST Microelectronics and Toshiba will also be supporting the REWIRE project.