A start-up tech consultancy in Plymouth is looking to tap into the multi-billion dollar semiconductor "chips" industry.
Ultra Semi Ltd was only launched at the beginning of May 2020 but has moved quickly to secure space at Plymouth Science Park, already home to about 90 technology and science-based businesses.
The man behind the venture, managing director Clive Beech, has more than 40 years’ experience in the semiconductor - or chips - industry, across all aspects of manufacture and multiple process platforms.
The industry, predicted to grow by 5.9% in 2020 and to be worth US$730bn by 2026, is on an upward curve because semiconductors are essential for modern tech devices.
Ultra Semi Ltd will provide technical and consultancy services to companies in the semiconductor industry. Mr Beech said: “Plymouth Science Park is an ideal location for Ultra Semi to be based. We are very appreciative of the support that the team there has provided and we look forward to growing our business and firmly establishing ourselves in this prestigious science and technology community.”
Ultra Semi will work with semiconductor manufacturers and fabless semiconductor companies to offer focused technical expertise in the areas of process and device architecture, yield improvement, reliability assessment, test, failure analysis and project management.
Fabless manufacturers design and sell hardware devices and semiconductor chips and outsource their fabrication, or “fab”, to a specialised manufacturer.
The ever-growing use and consumption of consumer electronic devices is predicted to fuel demand for semiconductors even more during the next six years.
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And industry studies show the rising demand for advanced semiconductor chips in industry will also boost semiconductor market growth. But it is the continued demand for smartphones that is expected to fuel the need for semiconductors.
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Due to their ability to conduct electricity under certain circumstances but not others, semiconductors are useful for controlling electrical currents.
By adding impurities to a semiconductor, manufacturers are able to customise its conductivity, such as by making it light- or heat-sensitive.
Fay Davies, business development manager at Plymouth Science Park said: “We are delighted that Clive and his team have chosen to locate here as we are already home to many other innovative technology, digital, creative, marine and science-based businesses all with a desire to succeed and grow.
“Plymouth Science Park offers an ideal space for Ultra Semi to establish a base, evolve and collaborate. These are exciting times for them, and us.”