Technological breakthroughs coming out of REWIRE have the potential to change the way we live our lives. For example, one ambition is to make it possible to charge electric vehicles in a matter of minutes rather than hours, potentially providing a tipping point in the transition from fossil fuels to electric transport.
Semiconductors, also known as microchips, are a key component in nearly every electrical device from mobile phones to medical equipment. They are increasingly being recognised as an area of global strategic significance due to the integral role they play in net zero, AI and quantum technology.
The £11m IKC will accelerate the UK’s Net Zero ambitions by developing pioneering semiconductor technologies and new electronic devices. REWIRE aims to become the go-to centre globally for next generation power electronics, delivering new semiconductor products to the market, and economic growth for the UK semiconductor sector.
The public Showcase Event is being held at the Engine Shed in Bristol on Friday 6 December, with partners from academia, industry, and policy makers coming together to share their insights and shape the research and innovation direction for REWIRE.
REWIRE’s Director, Professor Martin Kuball, said: “The REWIRE IKC is a testament to the UK’s commitment to driving semiconductor innovation. This event showcases the transformative potential of the IKC collaboration. This is only the beginning. By working hand in hand with industry, we will translate cutting-edge research into real-world net zero technologies. Our partnership exemplifies the power of academia and industry coming together to solve global challenges with new semiconductor technologies.”
The Showcase Event will feature presentations from the REWIRE team, University of Bristol Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Judith Squires, Emran Mian, Director General for Digital Technologies and Telecoms, Professor Victor Veliadis, CTO of PowerAmerica, Chi Onwurah MP, Chair of the Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee, and representatives from the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority and Oxford Instruments.
Science Minister, Lord Vallance said: “REWIRE is a great example of the public and private sector working together to grow the UK semiconductor industry, by leading on developing some of the most important technologies of the future, like electric vehicle infrastructure that will help us achieve our net zero targets.
“This event will help bring to life the benefits of new semiconductor technology that Government is committed to harnessing, and encourage more investment to boost our economy and improve lives across the country.”
Professor Victor Veliadis, Executive Director & CTO at PowerAmerica said: “REWIRE brings together government, industry, academia, and National Laboratories to synergistically bridge technology gaps and overcome barriers to accelerate commercialization of next generation wide/ultrawide-bandgap semiconductor devices and power electronics, creating high-tech manufacturing jobs and supply chain resilience.”
Co-created and delivered with industry, the University of Bristol-led REWIRE IKC is being delivered with partners at the Universities of Cambridge and Warwick. The project was announced in February, with £11m in funding awarded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Innovate UK, both part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Click here to learn more about REWIRE: Project REWIRE: Revolutionising Semiconductor Technology for a Net Zero Future.