Industry leaders, researchers and policymakers will gather in Bristol on 18 November to explore how the UK's world-leading semiconductor research is being translated into commercial technologies, international partnerships and economic growth, helping to accelerate the transition to net zero and turn next-generation concepts into reality.
Hosted for the first time in the recently-opened landmark Sloane Robinson Building at the heart of the University’s new Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus (TQEC), the event will bring together experts from across academia, industry and government to celebrate progress, share new opportunities and help shape the future of one of the world's most strategically important technologies.
Professor Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Provost at the University of Bristol, who will also be speaking at the event, said: “Bristol is at the forefront of world-leading semiconductor research and innovation, with technologies that are critical to the UK's transition to net zero. This event showcases the strength of the partnerships we have built across academia, industry and government, and highlights how these collaborations are translating cutting-edge research into real-world impact.
“It is particularly encouraging to see the next generation of talent driving advances in this field, developing more energy-efficient and sustainable technologies that will benefit society for years to come. We are proud of these achievements and excited by the opportunities ahead to strengthen our global leadership in semiconductor innovation.”
Turning semiconductor breakthroughs into real-world solutions
The REWIRE Annual Showcase 2026 will demonstrate how researchers and industry partners are working together to transform cutting-edge research into practical solutions. Supported by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), REWIRE brings together expertise, investment and emerging talent to accelerate innovation, strengthen the UK's semiconductor industry and develop more energy-efficient technologies.
Martin Kuball, REWIRE Director and Professor of Physics at the University of Bristol, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to host this exciting gathering of illustrious research, industry and government leaders at the tremendous Sloane Robinson Building, which is a fitting representation of our excellence in terms of design, execution and impact.
“We also excel at bringing people and organisations together, and I’m particularly looking forward to the rewarding discussions and opportunities for future growth and innovation this event presents. Bristol is already renowned for its preeminent semiconductor and power electronics research as well as ambitious industry partnerships. Our summit not only demonstrates this but also paves the way for even more impressive breakthroughs and successful alliances in future.”
From shipping containers to suitcases: transforming the future of power
Imagine shrinking electrical equipment the size of a shipping container to something that fits inside a suitcase, while significantly reducing energy losses.
That's the potential of pioneering research at the University of Bristol, home to the UK's first machine capable of producing layers of gallium oxide, an advanced semiconductor material that could transform how electricity is converted and used.
This technology could pave the way for smaller, more efficient power devices, with the potential to reduce energy consumption by around 20% in certain domestic and industrial applications, helping cut emissions and accelerate progress towards net zero.
Bristol's expertise is also driving international collaboration across the global semiconductor ecosystem, including with Japan, where partnerships are bringing together world-leading research and manufacturing capabilities to accelerate the development and commercialisation of next-generation technologies.
Akito Kuramata, President and CEO of Novel Crystal Technology, Inc. – a leading developer, manufacturer and supplier of gallium oxide products in Japan, said: “The REWIRE delegation's visit to Japan in March reinforced our shared vision for advancing next-generation semiconductor technologies.
“By combining the University of Bristol's expertise in semiconductor research and device innovation with Novel Crystal Technology's leadership in gallium oxide materials and manufacturing, we are accelerating the journey from discovery to commercialisation. As we explore new joint research and innovation opportunities, I look forward to building on this partnership and sharing that vision at the REWIRE Showcase."
Katie Hore, Innovation Director of REWIRE IKC, said: “Our work with Japan has shown the value of connecting complementary strengths, in this case design, compound semiconductors expertise and a strong IP portfolio in the UK and materials, scale-up, and high-volume manufacturing in Japan, while giving researchers and companies the community and connections to advance technology that we cannot develop in isolation. The UK-Japan Frontier Technology Partnership will help deepen such positive relationships, enhance capabilities, and take leading edge technologies and devices to the next level.”
Building a new generation of talent and a more inclusive sector
REWIRE IKC is also making great strides in developing future talent and championing equality and diversity across the semiconductor sector.
Since its launch, the centre has supported around 50 early-career researchers and delivered training and development opportunities to more than 800 participants from academia and industry. REWIRE is also leading its first sector-wide study into equality, diversity and inclusion and contributes to the wider CANUTE initiative, helping to build a stronger and more inclusive semiconductor ecosystem.
Along with industry representatives from across the world spanning AI, medical technology, automotive and aviation speaking at the event, top researchers, trailblazing PhD students, and semiconductor policy and government representatives will also be in attendance.
PhD students from the University of Bristol, University of Cambridge, and University of Warwick will be presenting their research and discussing topics, including how to improve high-performance and reliability of pioneering power devices, demonstrating their vital role in shaping the future of semiconductor innovation
Andy McLean, Chief Executive Officer of the UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC), said: “The UK's strength lies in its ability to turn world-class research into innovative products and technologies. Organisations such as REWIRE are an important catalyst in that transformation, working at the leading edge of power management to improve efficiency and tackle one of the most pressing issues facing the global semiconductor sector today."
Minyeong Kim, PhD Student in Physics at the University of Bristol, said: “My research focuses on improving the performance and reliability of power semiconductor devices. Through REWIRE, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with leading researchers and industry partners tackling real-world challenges. I'm excited to present my work at the showcase, learn from others and contribute to future advances in semiconductor technology.”