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UK silicon photonics study backs domestic pilot line

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The CORNERSTONE Photonics Innovation Centre at the University of Southampton has published research on the UK silicon photonics sector, arguing that stronger domestic scale-up infrastructure could boost growth and support sovereign technology development.

A survey of 100 UK-based decision-makers found broad support for expanding domestic manufacturing and prototyping capacity in silicon photonics, which integrates optical components onto silicon chips. It also identified trade barriers and reliance on overseas manufacturing as constraints on growth.

The findings show that 76% of respondents believe better UK scale-up infrastructure would accelerate company growth. Nearly a third, 32%, said high tariff costs were creating barriers to developing silicon photonics prototypes.

Economic analysis by CORNERSTONE researchers suggests a domestic pilot line could add GBP £2.9 billion to the UK economy by 2040 and create about 2,850 jobs. The analysis also links a pilot line to stronger domestic positions in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies.

Domestic demand

The study portrays a sector with strong UK ambition but uneven industrial support. Some 77% of respondents said they are developing or deploying silicon photonics in the UK, or plan to do so, while 64% said they already manufacture abroad or expect to in future.

That split highlights a gap between research and commercial production. More UK fabrication and process support would help retain a larger share of value that currently flows overseas, the study argues.

Two-thirds of respondents, 67%, said they were confident in the UK’s ability to benefit from the silicon photonics opportunity. CORNERSTONE set that against wider expectations for growth in photonics, with the broader UK sector forecast to generate annual output of more than GBP £20 billion.

Silicon photonics has attracted growing attention for its potential use in data centres, optical networks, artificial intelligence systems and quantum technologies. It has also become part of a wider debate over how the UK can build strategic capacity in advanced semiconductor-related industries.

Case for pilot line

A central finding was industry support for a UK pilot line, which would give companies access to mid-stage production support between laboratory work and full commercial manufacturing. In the survey, 74% said such a facility would accelerate innovation and 79% said it would significantly strengthen the UK’s sovereign technology position.

Respondents said a pilot line would also improve quality, speed time to market and reduce reliance on overseas foundries. The responses point to a practical concern among companies that can design and test products but have limited local options when they need to scale production.

The findings align with recent calls for a national photonics roadmap and investment in silicon photonics infrastructure. They also come as international interest in the field rises, including major private investment in the US.

Professor Graham Reed, Director of CORNERSTONE, said: “Global investment in SiPh is accelerating – we’ve seen the scale of ambition from the US, with major federal and private commitments including NVIDIA’s flagship $6bn investments. The UK has the talent, the expertise, and the market opportunity to make substantial gains in the sector, and CORNERSTONE’s market research demonstrates significant demand for domestic pilot line capabilities.”

The research suggests UK companies want to keep more of their development and production activity at home if the industrial base can support it. For policymakers, that frames silicon photonics as both an economic opportunity and a resilience issue.

CORNERSTONE is an open-access silicon photonics prototyping foundry hosted at the University of Southampton, with partners including the University of Glasgow and the Science and Technology Facilities Council. Since 2014, it has fabricated more than 900 photonic integrated circuit designs for more than 125 organisations across 26 countries.

Callum Littlejohns, Deputy Director at CORNERSTONE, said: “2024 projections from Future Markets puts the global SiPh market at least $46.5B by 2035 as demand from AI infrastructure, data centres, and quantum technologies accelerate. Commercialising products is the only way to get a slice of the pie. The case for support from the UK government is straightforward. A domestic pilot line is the logical next step to help companies scale their silicon photonics chips, translating directly into jobs, export revenue, and long-term technological sovereign capability.”



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Rosa’s Thai is giving away 4000 free Pad Thais to students

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Celebrating both GCSE and A-Level Results Days, the chain will offer the popular dish to students who buy one of its bubble teas.

The free offer is available at all 42 Rosa’s Thai restaurants across England and Wales.

To avail of the free noodles, students need to register on Rosa’s Thai website for a unique code, which they should present at the restaurant together with a copy of their results.

Rosa’s Thai has a new range of bubble tea flavours, including Ube-Taro, Matcha-Coconut, Mango Sticky Rice, and Milo Chocolate Milk, as well as favourites like Home-brewed Thai Tea with Tapioca, and Lychee Mango with mango boba.

Students can sign up for their free Pad Thai at rosasthai.com/result-day-free-pad-thai and find their nearest restaurant at rosasthai.com/locations.





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Historic coin company enters administration after 20 years

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The London Mint Office, which distributes commemorative coins and medals, appointed administrators on July 31 after 20 years in business.

The company’s website now displays a message confirming the appointment of Michael Magnay and Jonny Marston of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP as joint administrators.

A spokesman for Alvarez and Marsal said: “On July 31 2026, Michael Magnay and Jonny Marston of Alvarez & Marsal Europe LLP were appointed as Joint Administrators of The London Mint Office Limited in administration (the “Company”).

“Regrettably, the Company’s liquidity challenges have led to a number of immediate redundancies. We are supporting the affected employees through the redundancy process.


What Happens When a Company Goes Into Administration?


“The affairs, business and property of the Company are being managed by the Joint Administrators who act as agents of the Company and without personal liability.”

The announcement confirms that it is no longer possible to purchase coins or medals through the company’s website.

The London Mint Office operates a distribution centre in Tonypandy, Rhondda Cynon Taf, where it employs a significant number of people.

Administration is a formal insolvency process triggered when a business cannot meet its financial obligations.

An insolvency practitioner is appointed to manage the company’s affairs and may attempt to restructure the business or sell off assets to repay creditors.


What happens when a company goes into Liquidation?


Founded in 2006, The London Mint Office describes itself as “one of the UK’s most trusted suppliers of historic, commemorative, and collector coins.”

It is part of Samlerhuset AS, a Norwegian company based near Oslo and one of Europe’s largest distributors of commemorative coins and medals.

Samlerhuset’s website states that it offers “provide a wide range of coins from ancient to modern, originating from virtually every country in the world.”

The London Mint Office has advised anyone with an interest in the company’s assets to contact the administrators at INS_THLMOL@alvarezandmarsal.com.





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Warning of new rules for Aldi and Lidl after watchdog review

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The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has provisionally decided that both discounters should be added to the Groceries Market Investigation (Controlled Land) Order 2010, which currently applies to Asda, Co-op, Marks and Spencer, Morrisons, Sainsbury’s, Tesco, and Waitrose.

This order is designed to prevent large grocery retailers from using land agreements to block competitors from opening nearby stores, often through restrictive covenants or exclusivity terms.

Juliette Enser, executive director of competition enforcement and markets at the CMA, said: “We want everyone to have the best choice of supermarket and range of prices when buying their groceries.

“To ensure this happens, we put rules in place to prevent big supermarket chains blocking rival stores from opening nearby – and now we propose applying those rules to Aldi and Lidl too.

“This is about allowing shoppers to choose where they spend their money and levelling the playing field for all major supermarkets.

“Today’s proposals are provisional and we welcome views before deciding the best way forward.”

The CMA’s review found that Aldi, Lidl GB, and Lidl NI now meet the criteria of ‘Large Grocery Retailers’ (LGRs) due to their store footprint, nationwide presence, procurement model, and the breadth of their grocery range.

Aldi and Lidl were originally excluded from the 2010 order as ‘limited assortment discounters’, offering a smaller selection of products compared to traditional supermarkets.

However, the CMA’s provisional findings indicate that this is no longer the case.

All three now operate large grocery stores, each with more than 1,000 square metres of shop floor space, and offer a full range of products, though with less category choice than some competitors.

They also purchase goods directly from suppliers through integrated wholesaling.

With the UK grocery market estimated to be worth £215 billion, Aldi and Lidl are now ranked among the top five retailers by market share.

The CMA is seeking feedback from stakeholders before reaching a final decision.

Aldi and Lidl could join the other supermarket chains later this year.

The CMA is inviting views until 5pm on Monday, September 7, 2026, and will issue its final decision in the autumn after reviewing responses.

If the discounters are included under the order, they will be prevented from using land agreements to limit competition from other supermarket chains.

The CMA aims to ensure competition across the grocery sector to give shoppers more choice and competitive pricing by removing obstacles to new store openings.





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