CSconnected has extended the deadline for the fourth and final round of its $1 million supply chain development program, giving organizations additional time to submit applications as interest grows across the semiconductor sector. The new deadline is 4 p.m. on April 23, 2026.
Delivered in partnership with Cardiff Capital Region, the program is designed to accelerate the growth of the UK’s compound semiconductor supply chain. It aims to strengthen regional collaboration, expand technical capabilities, and support job creation, particularly in South Wales.
The initiative is open to companies across the UK working in areas such as advanced manufacturing, engineering services, materials, design tools, and system integration. Grants of up to $100,000 are available, covering as much as 50% of total project costs. Micro companies may receive up to 70% funding for projects valued at up to $30,000.
As the final application window approaches, CSconnected is highlighting the impact of projects supported in earlier rounds. These include Pegasus Chemicals’ installation of a new cylinder preparation line to improve turnaround times for high-purity chemicals, and RAM Innovations’ development of a blueprint for what is expected to be the UK’s first high-volume heterogeneous integration and packaging (HIP) facility.
Additional projects include KuasaSemi’s advancement of a commercial-ready simulation tool for next-generation semiconductor technologies, and Ffotoneg’s launch of an epi design and optimization software service tailored to the South Wales cluster. Collectively, these initiatives are strengthening supply chain resilience and building domestic expertise in semiconductor design and manufacturing.
Hazel Hung, business development manager at CSconnected, said the program focuses on building stronger connections between semiconductor companies and their suppliers and customers. She added that collaboration across the ecosystem is already driving innovation and delivering measurable economic impact.
Participants from earlier rounds also emphasized the program’s role in accelerating progress. David Mawby, co-founder and director at KuasaSemi, noted that the initiative has helped advance technical development while fostering new partnerships within the regional cluster.
Ann Hughes of Pegasus Chemicals highlighted improvements in in-house preparation capabilities for high-purity product handling, describing them as critical to supporting broader supply chain needs.
Projects funded under the program are expected to run for six to nine months and must demonstrate clear benefits to the Cardiff Capital Region.
