Three University of Glasgow projects have been selected for the ChipStart UK programme, the UK Government-backed incubator designed to support early-stage semiconductor startups and foster innovation.

Joining the third cohort of the programme from Glasgow University are RX Watt Ltd, Kelvin Quantum and AIDE, with all three firms still at the pre-incorporation stage.

RX Watt specialises in simultaneous wireless transfer of power and data, technology that aims to revolutionise maintenance-free sensing through integrated wireless power and communication and reduce battery waste.

Meanwhile, Kelvin Quantum is developing cryo-capable electronics for quantum applications, offering products from individual integrated circuits to entire systems tailored for control and readout requirements in quantum computing.

Finally, AIDE is working on new AI tools to enable electronics engineers to achieve new levels of productivity and efficiency in the design of antennas, analogue integrated circuits (ICs), radio frequency integrated circuits (RFICs) and filters, with the company aiming to launch its first products later this year.

“We are delighted that three of our exciting early-stage start-ups have been selected to take part in this prestigious UK government-backed incubator programme,” said Helen Harkness, interim director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the University of Glasgow.

“Their selection is proof of the depth and quality of the research and innovation coming through the entrepreneurial teams in all parts of the institution. 

“We very much look forward to seeing how these projects benefit from their inclusion on the ChipStart programme and how they can go on to create impact in the commercial world.”

Last year, Glasgow University received a £3 million grant from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council to build one of the UK’s most advanced research facilities for silicon chip integration and packaging, aiming to boost R&D across the semiconductor industry.

More recently, the university launched an Innovation Cluster Development Fund in January to support researchers and staff with spinout ideas, including a focus on critical technologies like semiconductors.    

With the ChipStart programme, Glasgow’s semiconductor startups will be provided with more technical expertise and commercial support relevant to the sector, including networking opportunities and access to cutting-edge design tools to help early-stage semiconductor firms turn their ideas into real-world products.

Through the scheme, the three Glasgow projects join companies from the first two ChipStart cohorts, which are already on track to raise over £40 million in private investment.

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The UK’s science minister, Patrick Vallance said: “The UK’s semiconductor industry is vibrant with innovation, and this third cohort shows just how much potential we have with many exciting start-ups.

“This sector holds incredible promise, and with the right partnerships, it will lead us into a future of greater economic growth and technological advancement – a key pillar of our Plan for Change.”

Despite the UK Government backing nascent semiconductor firms, recent studies have warned that more needs to be done to promote innovation and support semiconductor scale-ups if the country is to keep up in this critical sector.

In its updated Plan for Chips report, the UK’s tech industry trade body, techUK, found that the UK has so far spent less than its nearest European neighbours on financial support for the semiconductor industry, with major barriers for UK chip startups in accessing private investment and capital.