The UK Government on Wednesday said that it would commit £35 million to the EU’s ‘Chips Joint Undertaking’ semiconductor research programme.

The announcement will provide British semiconductor researchers and businesses with enhanced access to a UK government and Horizon Europe-backed funding pot worth €1.3 billion.

The UK’s Department for Science, Innovation and Technology will contribute an initial £5 million this year with an additional £30 million due to support UK participation in further research between 2025 and 2027.

The UK joined Horizon Europe last year via a new bespoke agreement with the EU, boosting the country’s capabilities to develop new technologies and research projects, “in areas from health to AI”. The country was initially blocked from the body as part of the fallout from the UK’s exit from the European Union.

Technology minister Saqib Bhatti said: “Our membership of the Chips Joint Undertaking will boost Britain’s strengths in semiconductor science and research to secure our position in the global chip supply chain.

“This underscores our unwavering commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology and cements our important role in shaping the future of semiconductor technologies around the world.”

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