Making the case for semiconductors: The role of chips as a foundation for AI and Deep Tech

From powering the world’s most advanced AI systems to enabling breakthroughs in quantum computing, clean energy, and healthcare, semiconductors are the essential- yet often overlooked- bedrock of innovation. As AI dominates the policy agenda, it is critical to recognise that chips are not just an input to AI, but the foundation on which the UK’s deep tech ambitions rest. The UK’s ability to compete globally will depend on whether semiconductor companies can start and scale successfully. 

The UK’s semiconductor ecosystem spans chip design, advanced manufacturing, packaging, and critical end-users across defence, sustainability, and emerging technologies. Yet fragmentation, limited visibility, and siloed strategies have made it difficult to clearly articulate the sector’s full value and impact- hindering coordination, limiting growth opportunities, and constraining the scale of policy support required. 

With the Government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan and Compute Strategy underscoring the importance of domestic chip capabilities, join techUK for this timely discussion on how the sector can present a clearer, more compelling case to policymakers- and how semiconductors can be positioned as the bedrock for AI and future technologies. 

This event will explore: 

• Making the case for semiconductors 

• Breaking down silos 

• Integration with emerging technologies 

• Ecosystem visibility and collaboration 

• Consistent long-term recognition across Government 

• Demonstrating value to government and end users 

Agenda: