Cadence Design Systems, a global leader in electronic design automation (EDA), is investing in a new semiconductor design centre in Cardiff, Wales. This project, which has received £2.5 million in funding from the Welsh Government, as well as support from CSA Catapult, will address long-standing skills gaps in the UK semiconductor industry and provide critical design services to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across the country.

The new centre will focus on semiconductor design, leveraging Cadence's expertise in AI-driven integrated circuit (IC) design tools. It is expected to create over 100 new graduate-level jobs over the next five years, contributing an estimated £34 million to the UK economy. The centre is part of a joint venture between Cadence, CSA Catapult, and the Welsh Government, aimed at supporting the UK's industrial strategy by providing vital training and fostering growth in the semiconductor sector.

The initiative will also help strengthen international partnerships, boost sovereign capability, and support key industries such as automotive, aerospace, space, telecommunications, defence, and artificial intelligence. This new venture will address a critical shortage of semiconductor design engineers, as highlighted by a recent study from the UK Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology.

As part of the collaboration, the new centre will build an employee-engaged culture where all members benefit from the company's success, providing valuable opportunities for graduates in fields such as electrical engineering, computer science, and physics. By offering training programs, apprenticeships, and career paths, the centre will bridge the gap between university education and real-world job opportunities in the growing semiconductor industry.

Rebecca Evans, Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy, and Planning in Wales, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Cadence's exciting partnership with the Welsh Government and CSA Catapult not only reinforces international confidence in Wales' world-class semiconductor sector but also demonstrates our commitment to creating growth, investment, and job opportunities.”

Cadence's investment comes as the company continues to strengthen its presence in the semiconductor industry, with a focus on innovation and job creation in Wales. The new centre is expected to enhance the UK's semiconductor design capabilities, helping the country compete on a global scale as demand for microchips grows.

Martin McHugh, CEO of CSA Catapult, also welcomed the new venture, calling it a significant milestone for the UK semiconductor industry. "Through the joint venture, we can address the semiconductor skills gap and strengthen the UK's leadership position in chip design," McHugh said. "This centre will create new opportunities for graduates and professionals, driving the success of the entire UK semiconductor ecosystem."

This partnership highlights the ongoing efforts to build a robust semiconductor workforce in the UK, meeting the challenges posed by the rapidly expanding global chip industry.