PBIAA has announced its final funding call, offering support for early-stage commercialisation and spinout activity across the semiconductor sector.
The call is aimed at academics, researchers, and technicians working on innovative semiconductor technologies, providing an opportunity to translate research into commercial ventures. Successful applicants can access up to £35,000 in funding to develop early-stage ideas and explore pathways to company formation.
In addition to financial support, participants will benefit from a package of follow-on commercialisation and entrepreneurial supportdelivered by the SETsquared Partnership. This includes:
- Webinars and workshops
- One‑to‑one mentoring and training
- Engagement with investors, funders, and existing spinouts
The PBIAA funding aims to bridge the gap between research and real-world application, helping to strengthen the innovation pipeline within the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The programme is fully funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and is led by Cardiff University, in collaboration with Swansea University. It also works closely with industry and public sector partners through CSconnected, the South Wales compound semiconductor cluster.
Organisers say the funding call will support projects that demonstrate strong potential for commercial impact, particularly those aligned with key semiconductor technologies and applications.
Interested applicants are encouraged to seek further information on eligibility and the application process by contacting Dr Rachel Morgan (MorganR60@Cardiff.ac.uk) or visiting the programme webpage.
Application deadline: Friday 17 April 2026 at 22:00
The initiative marks a final opportunity for researchers in the region to access targeted support for converting cutting-edge semiconductor research into viable commercial ventures, reinforcing South Wales’ position as a leading hub for innovation in advanced electronics.
