News: Suppliers
8 April 2026
CSconnected extends deadline for fourth funding round of supply chain development program
The South Wales-based compound semiconductor cluster CSconnected is encouraging organizations to apply for the fourth and final funding round of its £1m supply chain development program, delivered in partnership with Cardiff Capital Region (CCR), which now closes at 4pm on 23 April (extended from 17 April).
Supported by the Strength in Places Fund (UK Research and Innovation) and Cardiff Capital Region, the not-for-profit CSconnected organization 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 program is designed to accelerate the growth of the UK’s compound semiconductor supply chain, supporting job creation, strengthening regional links and boosting economic impact in South Wales and beyond. Open to companies across the UK, it targets organizations working in areas including advanced manufacturing, engineering services, materials, design tools and system integration.
As the deadline for applications approaches, CSconnected is highlighting the success of projects already supported through the program, which are delivering new capabilities across manufacturing, materials and semiconductor design. These include work by Pegasus Chemicals Ltd to install a new cylinder preparation line to improve turnaround times for high-purity chemicals, RAM Innovations’ development of a blueprint for the UK’s first high-volume heterogeneous integration and packaging (HIP) facility, KuasaSemi’s advancement of a commercial-ready simulation tool for next-generation semiconductor technologies, and Ffotoneg’s creation of a new epi design and optimization software service for the South Wales cluster. Together, these projects are strengthening supply chain resilience and building new technical capability within the UK.
“The program is focused on building stronger connections between semiconductor companies and their suppliers and customers,” says CSconnected’s business development manager Hazel Hung. “The projects delivered so far show how collaboration can drive innovation, strengthen the supply chain and deliver real economic impact across the region,” she adds.
Businesses involved in earlier rounds say that the program has played a key role in accelerating both technical progress and collaboration.
“Being part of the supply chain development program has significantly accelerated our technical progress and helped us build a stronger UK capability in advanced power semiconductor design,” comments KuasaSemi’s co-founder & director David Mawby. “The support has also opened new relationships across the South Wales cluster, strengthening collaboration and future innovation,” he adds.
“With container recycling being integral to the product supply, the preparation of each container is critical,” notes Ann Hughes of Pegasus Chemicals. “This project has enabled us to fast-track and enhance our in-house preparation capabilities for high purity product fills, supporting the wider UK supply chain.”
The program offers grants of up to £100,000, covering up to 50% of total project costs, with micro companies eligible for up to 70% funding on projects of up to £30,000. Projects must be led by UK-registered companies, run for six to nine months, and demonstrate clear benefits to the Cardiff Capital Region.
With strong demand expected for this final round, CSconnected is encouraging organizations to submit applications ahead of the 23 April deadline.
CSconnected announces £1m final call for Supply Chain Development Programme
CSconnected announces £1m third call to Supply Chain Development Programme
