What Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult does

CSA Catapult (Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult) is a UK not-for-profit research and technology organisation established by Innovate UK in 2018 as part of the nine-centre Catapult Network, headquartered in Newport with regional hubs in Bristol (Future Telecoms Hub, opened 2023) and Glasgow (Technology & Innovation Centre). Its core mission is to accelerate UK commercialisation of compound semiconductor technologies by providing access to state-of-the-art equipment and world-leading expertise to start-ups, SMEs, large enterprises and academia. The organisation operates as a trusted neutral convener that de-risks the journey from research to market deployment across power electronics, RF and microwave communications (up to 67 GHz), photonics, advanced packaging and quantum hardware applications.

The technical portfolio is built around specialised facilities including a Power Electronics Lab with Double Pulse Testing (DPT), an RF/microwave characterisation facility covering sub-6 GHz and mmWave 5G bands, photonic integrated circuit design and validation capability, and an Advanced Packaging capability described as bespoke for wide bandgap semiconductor devices. Underpinning these are workforce programmes including the DER-IC Industrialisation Centres for power electronics upskilling, a Skills Academy offering internships and PhD sponsorships, and a UKESF scholarship scheme. Notable applied AI outcomes include a 78% design time reduction and a GaN inverter exceeding 98% efficiency, with the June 2026 rebrand to Semiconductor Catapult under the UK AI hardware plan repositioning the organisation around AI infrastructure enablement.

The revenue model is grant-funded rather than commercial: CSA Catapult is a company limited by guarantee funded primarily by Innovate UK with project-based co-funding from UKRI, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, the Advanced Propulsion Centre, the Aerospace Technology Institute and the Centre for Connected and Autonomous Vehicles. Major funded programmes have included ESCAPE (£20m), @FutureBEV (£15m, with BMW), FABB-HVDC (£10.18m), UKTIN (£10m), GaNext (£8.7m), REACT (£5.5m), QuEOD (£3.38m) and ELIPS (£3.3m). Customers and consortium partners span blue-chip OEMs and primes (BMW, Saab, Microchip, Infineon, Siemens, BT, McLaren Applied, IQE PLC) alongside SMEs and universities, with the organisation serving over 140 companies and 928 jobs created or safeguarded since inception. Two wholly-owned subsidiaries (CSA Catapult Services Limited and Novomorphic Limited) support service delivery, and annual turnover sits below the £36m Modern Slavery Act reporting threshold.

Name

Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult

Legal name

Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Limited

Website

https://csa.catapult.org.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

CSA Catapult is a UK non-profit research and technology organisation, funded by Innovate UK, that accelerates compound semiconductor commercialisation for start-ups, SMEs, large enterprises and academia across power electronics, RF/microwave, photonics, advanced packaging and quantum applications.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Compound Semiconductor R&D Services

NAICS

Bare Printed Circuit Board Manufacturing (334412), Printed Circuit Assembly (Electronic Assembly) Manufacturing (334418), Testing Laboratories and Services (54138), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Services-Testing Laboratories (8734), Printed Circuit Boards (3672)

akta.pro primary industry

PCB Assembly (PCBA/EMS) (HDAHAOAI)

Keywords

• Compound semiconductor R&D
• Power electronics testing
• RF microwave characterisation
• Photonics device validation
• Advanced packaging services

Headquarters

HQ city

Newport

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding: CSA Catapult is a not-for-profit research and technology organisation funded by Innovate UK to support and accelerate the commercialisation of new technologies and drive economic growth in the UK compound semiconductor applications industry
2. Collaborative R&D Services: Works with businesses through collaborative R&D projects, providing access to facilities and expertise for technology development and commercialisation support

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

CSA Catapult is a not-for-profit research and technology organisation that provides start-ups, SMEs, large organisations and academia with access to state-of-the-art equipment and world-leading expertise to develop and commercialise compound semiconductor technologies. Its core offering centres on specialist testing, modelling, characterisation, integration and validation services across power electronics (including Double Pulse Testing), RF and microwave communications (up to 67 GHz), photonics, and advanced packaging, delivered through laboratories in Newport, Bristol and Glasgow and via collaborative R&D projects funded by Innovate UK and partners.

Product overview

CSA Catapult is a not-for-profit research and technology organisation funded by Innovate UK that serves as the UK's authority on compound semiconductor applications and commercialisation. Rather than a single unified product, CSA Catapult offers a portfolio of specialised technology services organised around two key market areas: Net Zero and Future Telecoms. The core service portfolio includes Power Electronics Lab Services (with Double Pulse Testing capabilities), RF & Microwave Communications testing (up to 67 GHz), Photonics Services (laser emitters to photonic integrated circuits), Advanced Packaging solutions, and the Skills Academy for workforce development. Additionally, CSA Catapult manages numerous collaborative R&D projects including the HiCap capacitor development, GaNTT gallium nitride development, GaNext (£8.7m GaN integration project), SST evaluation module, ELIPS immersion cooling systems, and quantum technology projects (QuEOD, SiNQ, QUDITS). These offerings are delivered through state-of-the-art facilities in Newport, Bristol, and Glasgow, providing access to equipment and world-leading expertise that helps start-ups, SMEs, large organisations and academia advance compound semiconductor technologies and bring products to market faster.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Power Electronics Lab Services World-leading power electronics laboratory providing modelling, characterisation, integration and validation facilities, including Double Pulse Testing (DPT), for automotive, energy and industrial applications. Target users: automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers, energy companies, and academic researchers developing power semiconductor devices.
• RF & Microwave Communications Testing Radio frequency and microwave communications expertise and testing capabilities spanning frequencies up to 67 GHz, covering 5G bands (sub-6 GHz and mmWave) and resilient communications frequencies for future telecoms, space, defence and security industries. Target users: telecoms equipment vendors, defence primes, space companies, and 5G component developers.
• Photonics Services Expertise in design, modelling, characterisation and validation of photonics devices, from laser emitters to photonic integrated circuits and quantum hardware. Target users: quantum technology companies, telecoms photonic integrated circuit developers, and laser system manufacturers.
• Advanced Packaging Bespoke advanced packaging solutions for wide bandgap compound semiconductor devices, addressing thermal, electrical and integration complexities. Target users: GaN and SiC power electronics developers, RF device manufacturers, and integrated module developers.
• DER-IC (Driving the Electric Revolution Industrialisation Centres) Industrialisation centres providing upskilling and reskilling programmes for power electronics, machines and drives, bringing together universities and industry partners. Target users: UK engineering workforce and employers in the power electronics value chain.
• Skills Academy Education and workforce development programme equipping the next generation of scientists and engineers with skills for the compound semiconductor industry through internships, PhD sponsorships and school outreach. Target users: students, graduates, PhD researchers, and industry employees.
• UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) Innovation network bringing together industry, academia and government stakeholders to catalyse telecoms R&D talent, investment, cooperation and commercialisation across the UK telecoms sector. Target users: UK telecoms equipment vendors, mobile network operators, academic researchers and government policymakers.
• GaNTT (Gallium Nitride Trench-FET Development) Development of a new gallium nitride process platform for automotive power electronics as part of the Driving the Electric Revolution Challenge, including UK source of thick GaN epi substrates and damage-free GaN etching. Target users: automotive power electronics developers and GaN device manufacturers.
• GaNext Project £8.7m, 36-month consortium project accelerating integration of GaN-based systems into real-world power applications including wireless EV chargers and renewable energy converters, involving module characterisation and 3D thermal simulations. Target users: GaN power IC designers, EV charging OEMs and renewable energy converter developers.
• ELIPS (Enhanced Liquid Immersion Power Systems) Sovereign UK supply chain development for GaN technology across the power electronics sector, developing power modules and immersion cooling products for energy-efficient data centre systems. Target users: data centre operators, GaN device manufacturers and immersion cooling system integrators.
• Solid State Transformer (SST) Evaluation Module SST evaluation module exploring Neutral Point Clamped (NPC) Dual Active Bridge (DAB) converter design enabling improved reliability and advanced grid control for smart grid and renewable energy integration. Target users: smart grid operators, renewable energy integrators and SST developers.
• QuEOD (Quantum Electro-optic Detector Technology) Project developing semiconductor avalanche photodiodes into 2D arrays for quantum sensors using mercury cadmium telluride and gallium antimonide for satellite-to-ground communications and 3D imaging. Target users: quantum sensor developers, satellite communications companies, and 3D imaging system integrators.
• SiNQ (Silicon Nitride for Quantum Computing) UK supply chain development for integrated photonic components for trapped ion quantum computers, designing devices to work with multiple wavelengths of light. Target users: trapped ion quantum computer developers and photonic integrated circuit manufacturers.
• COMPASS Project Development of scalable solutions for next-generation aircraft and satellite communications systems. Target users: aerospace primes, satellite communications operators and defence technology integrators.
• @FutureBEV (Accelerated Technologies for Future Electric Vehicles) £15m project creating UK supply chain for BMW SiC-based power electronics in future battery electric vehicles, developing 800V inverters and supporting the transition to zero-emission mobility. Target users: automotive OEMs, Tier 1 suppliers and SiC power module developers.
• ESCAPE Project £20m Advanced Propulsion Centre project bringing together 12 partners to build the UK's first complete end-to-end supply chain for silicon carbide power electronics. Target users: SiC power semiconductor manufacturers, automotive supply chain partners and UK power electronics industry.
• ORanGaN Project Development of sovereign UK supply chain for RF-GaN products and devices for 5G communications. Target users: 5G base station OEMs, RF semiconductor manufacturers and telecoms equipment vendors.
• HiCap Project Development of UK manufacturing capability for thin film capacitors capable of operating at sustained temperatures of approximately 125°C, targeting EV and demanding industrial applications. Target users: EV power electronics manufacturers and high-temperature industrial electronics developers.
• REACT (Responsible Electronics and Circular Technologies Centre) £5.5m UKRI-funded sustainable electronics centre in Scotland addressing environmental and economic challenges, promoting green technologies through academia, industry and policymakers collaboration. Target users: electronics manufacturers, circular economy researchers, and policymakers.
• FABB-HVDC (Future Aerospace power conversion Building Blocks for High Voltage DC) £10.18m Aerospace Technology Institute-funded project developing future aerospace power conversion building blocks for high voltage DC. Target users: aerospace OEMs, power conversion system developers and HVDC equipment manufacturers.
• QUDITS Project Demonstrator platform for quantum communication systems using qudits (multi-level quantum computational units) to potentially increase bandwidth and transmit more data using less energy. Target users: quantum communication system developers and secure communications researchers.
• Future Telecoms Hub Bristol-based facility focusing on energy-efficient and secure telecoms hardware, collaborating with local universities and linking with regional technology initiatives. Target users: telecoms hardware developers, RF semiconductor manufacturers and academic researchers.
• Energy Efficient Networks Study £2m feasibility study identifying priorities for future research and innovation in energy-efficient telecoms networks, examining technologies and architectures affecting energy requirements. Target users: telecoms operators, network equipment vendors and policymakers.

Quantifiable outcome

• 928 jobs created or safeguarded
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers17 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Digital CatapultcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 July 2022Partner in UK Telecoms Innovation Network (UKTIN) consortium (£10m project) bringing together industry, academia, and government stakeholders to catalyse telecoms R&D and commercialisation.
• SiemenscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerStrategic collaboration through the Siemens Power Electronics Innovation Hub to help build UK's ambition to lead globally in power electronics, machines and drives. Represents combined dedication to nurture innovation and champion sustainable tech progress.
• McLaren AppliedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing compound semiconductor technologies for high-performance applications in automotive and motorsport sectors.
• BTcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in telecommunications innovation initiatives supporting future telecoms network development and 5G infrastructure.
• Next Generation (NG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing next-generation compound semiconductor applications for telecommunications and related sectors.
• Space ForgecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in space-based compound semiconductor technology development and applications.
• BMWcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThrough the @FutureBEV project, BMW is working with the consortium including CSA Catapult to develop UK supply chain for SiC-based power electronics in future generations of battery electric vehicles.
• CSconnectedcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCSconnected is the world's first compound semiconductor cluster, based in South Wales. CSA Catapult works with CSconnected on outreach and engagement programmes to develop regional educational and skills capabilities for the sector.
• UK Electronics Skills Foundation (UKESF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership through the UKESF Scholarship Scheme supporting up to five electronics undergraduates with annual bursaries and paid work placements. Joint initiatives include 'Spark their imagination; power their future' project offering bursaries to Year 13 pupils in Wales.
• Cambridge WirelesscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in UKTIN consortium for UK telecoms innovation network.
• Satellite Applications CatapultcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in UKTIN consortium and Energy Efficient Networks project (£2m collaborative partnership).
• Energy Systems CatapultcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCross-Catapult partner in Energy Efficient Networks project (£2m, October 2022) examining technologies affecting energy requirements of future telecoms networks.
• Connected Places CatapultcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCross-Catapult partner in Energy Efficient Networks project (£2m, October 2022) examining telecoms network energy efficiency.

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Digital Catapult: Sister Innovate UK Catapult focused on advanced digital technologies (AI, IoT, immersive, quantum). Peer within the same nine-strong Catapult Network, with overlapping customer base and co-funded programmes (e.g., UKTIN consortium) alongside CSA Catapult.
• imec: Belgium-headquartered global R&D hub for semiconductor and compound semiconductor technology, providing characterisation, prototyping and packaging services to industry and academia. Direct comparator to CSA Catapult's power-electronics, RF/microwave, photonics and advanced packaging offering, but at significantly larger scale.
• Energy Systems Catapult: Sister Innovate UK Catapult accelerating innovation in energy systems. Co-partner with CSA Catapult on the £2m Energy Efficient Networks programme and operates an identical not-for-profit Catapult model.
• Satellite Applications Catapult: Sister Innovate UK Catapult supporting the UK space sector. Partner with CSA Catapult on cross-catapult programmes such as UKTIN and Energy Efficient Networks, and shares the not-for-profit RTO model serving industry and academia.
• Fraunhofer: Germany's applied research organisation running multiple institutes covering microelectronics (Fraunhofer IZM, IIS, HHI, IAF) with capabilities spanning compound semiconductors, power electronics, RF, photonics and packaging. Closest continental analogue to CSA Catapult's not-for-profit, government-backed RTO model serving industry and academia.
• Tyndall National Institute: Ireland's deep-tech research centre specialising in micro/nanoelectronics, compound semiconductors, photonics and quantum systems. Closely comparable in scale, mission and application domains to CSA Catapult, including access to industrial partners and government funding.
• Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC): Joint venture between IQE and Cardiff University, also based in South Wales within the CSconnected cluster, offering compound semiconductor epitaxy, device fabrication and packaging. Direct competitor for UK compound-semiconductor R&D customers and grant-funded programmes.
• CEA-Leti: French RTO focused on micro- and nano-electronics, including silicon and compound semiconductors, photonics and advanced packaging. Provides characterisation and pilot-line services to industrial customers on a collaborative R&D basis, mirroring CSA Catapult's service model.

Broad incumbents

• IQE plc: UK-listed global leader in compound semiconductor wafer (epi) supply, headquartered in Cardiff and co-founder of CSC. Comparable compound-semiconductor focus but commercially driven rather than not-for-profit, and active collaborator with CSA Catapult on QuEOD and SiNQ projects.

Emerging players

• Cambridge GaN Devices: UK GaN power IC start-up that has worked with CSA Catapult as part of the GaNext consortium. Comparable focus on compound-semiconductor power electronics for EVs and chargers; commercial complement to CSA Catapult's R&D and testing infrastructure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/CSACatapult
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/csacatapult

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles12 records

Subsidiaries2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult