British startups solving complex global issues through the design of semiconductor chips have today been named as members of a new UK government-backed incubator that will provide support as they grow.

Nearly every piece of technology in the world depends on semiconductor chips. Companies chosen for the pilot are already innovating in a range of areas, including developing chips for brain implants that will address debilitating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, chips that could boost the capability and efficiency of AI, and new ways of reducing vast energy use in data centres across the world, helping to tackle climate change.

ChipStart is a two-year pilot programme backed by the government that will provide early-stage companies involved in the design of semiconductors with the technical and commercial support they need to help bring new products to market – and ultimately improve lives and livelihoods in the long-term.

The £1.3 million programme will be delivered by startup accelerator, SiliconCatalyst.UK. It will give companies access to bespoke chip design tools, commercial expertise, specialised mentorship, and networking opportunities with prospective investors and partners.

Minister for technology Paul Scully said: “Semiconductors are the bedrock of our modern economy and an increasingly integral part of our lives. These firms are building on Britain’s research leadership to open doors to innovation and growth, while designing chips that could truly change the way we live our lives.

“Whether they’re innovating how we support patients with Parkinson’s or are on the cusp of supercharging how AI is used, these firms are the brightest sparks in the UK’s thriving semiconductor industry. This incubator will make sure they have the skills they need to revolutionise the lives of people not only in the UK, but across the world.”

Among the companies that have been announced as joining the pilot today are MintNeuro, which is using semiconductor technology to support patients with neurological conditions by developing physical neural implants that can reduce the need for surgery.

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Mignon and Vaire Computing have also joined the pilot, both design hardware that is built to run large-scale AI models using more efficient chips – allowing AI models to use less energy and computer resource, leading to more efficient training and research.

Silicon Catalyst.UK CEO Sean Redmond said: “This is one of the most exciting times to start and grow a globally successful semiconductor company from the UK.

“The first group of 12 UK semiconductor startups to enter ChipStart UK incubator have been selected from 27 applications following two rounds of intensive panel interviews made up of semiconductor startup experts from the UK and Silicon Valley.

“Over the next 9 months we will shape and mould these outstanding new innovative companies into the next generation of semiconductor leaders.”