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:

Time	Session
15:00	techUK's welcome note
15:05	Keynote 1 - DSIT Semiconductor team
15:15	Keynote 2
15:25	Keynote 3 - British Business Bank George Mills Director of Deep tech Investments, British Business Bank Find out more
15:40	Break
15:50	Fireside Chat Cian Galvin Head of Tech Skills Unit, DSIT Find out more
16:15	Panel: Joining the dots: semiconductors role in the future of emerging technologies   What is the future role of semiconductors beyond silicon and how critical are these technologies to next-generation AI, energy, defence or advanced manufacturing systems?  Where do we need semiconductor–technology integration now to avoid shortages, lock-in, or capability gaps in 5–10 years?   What parts of the UK semiconductor value chain are under-recognised - and how does that limit strategic decision-making?  How can the sector better demonstrate its value to government and end users?  How the semiconductor ecosystem fits together across design, manufacturing, and end-use sectors?  Where the UK’s most compelling opportunities lie over the next decade?  How to improve visibility, collaboration, and strategic alignment across the ecosystem?  Speakers:   Rodolfo Rosini CEO, Vaire Computing Find out more Raj Gawera Chief Operating Officer, UK Semiconductor Centre Find out more Jeff Kettle Professor in Electronic Engineering at University of Glasgow, REACT Find out more
16:55	techUK's closing note
17:00	Networking

Please contact our team for more information: 

Elis Thomas

Programme Manager, Tech and Innovation, techUK

Elis joined techUK in December 2023 as a Programme Manager for Tech and Innovation, focusing on Semiconductors and Digital ID.

He previously worked at an advocacy group for tech startups, with a regional focus on Wales. This involved policy research on innovation, skills and access to finance.

Elis has a Degree in History, and a Masters in Politics and International Relations from the University of Winchester, with a focus on the digitalisation and gamification of armed conflicts.

Email:

[email protected]

Website:

www.techuk.org/

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/elis-thomas-49a1aa1a1/

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Ella Shuter

Junior Programme Manager, Emerging Technologies, techUK

Ella joined techUK in July 2025 as Junior Programme Manager for Emerging Technologies.

In her role, Ella supports the design and delivery of four to six-month sprint campaigns. These identify emerging technologies of interest to members and Government, share industry best practice, champion relevant sectors and industries across the UK, and work through key challenges and opportunities to drive the development, application and commercialisation of these technologies.

Before joining techUK, Ella completed an internship at Digital Catapult, supporting across public affairs, policy and the organisation's programmes. She also has experience working in an MP's Parliamentary and Constituency Office.

Ella holds a BSc in Politics and International Relations from the University of Bristol.

Email:

[email protected]

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ella-shuter-264158244/

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