Government House Queensland
The Governor and Professor Nimmo have visited the Wales Compound Semiconductor Cluster, representing Queensland’s interests in exploring cutting-edge advancements and fostering future collaborations in semiconductor technology.
Located at Swansea University and Cardiff University, the cluster, known as CSconnected, is the world’s first hub dedicated to compound semiconductors, integrating leading academic institutions with state-of-the-art prototyping facilities and high-volume manufacturing capabilities. Key sites like the Centre for Integrative Semiconductor Materials (CISM) at Swansea and the Compound Semiconductor Centre (CSC) at Cardiff are pivotal in driving research and development in this transformative field.
Discussions during the Vice-Regal visit centred around the rapid growth and potential of the compound semiconductor industry, and representatives from Welsh and UK Governments, alongside experts from the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Engineered Quantum Systems (EQUS), shared insights into how this cluster aims to bolster global trade in critical sectors.
A highlight of the visit was exploring opportunities for collaboration with Queensland, which has been making strides in semiconductor innovation, underscored by initiatives like the Queensland Quantum and Advanced Technologies Strategy. Those involved in facilitating the Governor’s visit have strong ties to Queensland’s quantum and semiconductor technology sector and have emphasised the potential for joint ventures and knowledge exchange between Wales and Australia.
Compound semiconductors are essential in advancing technologies such as 5G, renewable energy, and healthcare, with a projected market value expected to exceed $300 billion by 2031. Their superior performance characteristics, including higher power density and faster switching speeds, are driving innovations across various industries worldwide. Currently, Taiwan produces over 50 per cent of the world’s semiconductors. As geopolitical tensions reshape global supply chains, governments are increasingly investing in sovereign capabilities, underscoring the strategic importance of semiconductor manufacturing.
The future of compound semiconductors appears promising, so stay tuned for more updates on our state’s role in this crucial industry.
Meanwhile, follow our Facebook and Instagram accounts or check back here for more updates on the Vice-Regal visit to the UK and France, and especially their Paris leg, representing Queensland at the 2024 Olympics!
