Swansea and Cardiff team up to help Welsh economy

Cardiff University is joining forces with Swansea University in a £3.2m drive to help Welsh businesses pioneer cutting-edge nano and micro technologies.

Swansea University’s Centre for Nano Health, the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating and Cardiff University’s Institute for Compound Semiconductors (ICS) will offer expertise and state-of-the-art facilities to companies developing new or existing technologies, products and processes.

Backed by £1.8m of EU funding, it will provide technical and specialist support to put companies at the forefront of innovation in sectors such as healthcare, semiconductors, packaging and functional printed materials.

It will also help up to 20 collaborations get underway to develop new products ready for market.

Institute for Compound Semiconductors

Professor Peter Smowton, Managing Director of the Institute of Compound Semiconductors, said: “Cardiff University and ICS welcome this opportunity to share complementary skills and capabilities with Swansea University..."

Announcing the funding, Finance Secretary Professor Mark Drakeford said: “Ensuring Welsh businesses have access to the knowledge and expertise within our highly-acclaimed universities is essential to drive innovation and position Wales on a global platform for success. This is another positive example of how the Welsh Government is investing EU funds to boost prosperity and jobs.

“It also highlights the importance of securing replacement funding for these EU funds following Brexit so we can continue to deliver schemes like this, which benefit people and the economy.”

Swansea University’s lead for the project’s semiconductor theme, Dr Matt Elwin, said: “This project will provide the region’s industry with access to 3 state-of-the-art research facilities, which form a unique expert offering that can deliver novel technologies and accelerate new product development.

“We’re very excited to work with industry in this field and look forward to growing long-lasting collaborations in the development of relevant technology for next generation products well into the future.”