Deadline: 1-Jun-23
Apply for funding to establish an innovation and knowledge centre (IKC) in novel and emerging semiconductor technologies with relevance to information and communications technology (ICT) devices.
The aim is to build critical mass and drive emergent ICT-led semiconductor technologies towards market via the development of prototypes and demonstrators through co-creation with business and industry.
You must be based at a UK research organisation eligible for EPSRC funding. Funding for at least one award is available jointly from EPSRC and Innovate UK. The full economic cost (FEC) of your project can be up to £12,500,000. EPSRC will fund 80% FEC. Funding can be requested for up to five years.
Areas of Focus
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Potential areas of focus for the research programme within the IKC could include, but is not limited to:
- heterogeneous integration of semiconductor technologies: through novel integration of multiple separate semiconductor components into a higher level multi-chip modules to provide greatly enhanced functionality, improved operating characteristics, and marketable technologies
- hybrid integration of semiconductor technologies: novel combination and integration connecting multiple types of semiconductor chips or devices from different material technologies into single advanced packaging solutions
- photonic computing devices: development of devices, systems and architectures that harness photons for data processing, storage or communication
- integrated circuit design: development of novel circuit design tools, processes and automation. This could include managing design complexity, integration, verification and testing and novel designs combining analogue and digital components
- nano or microelectromechanical systems: integration of nano or microelectronic component devices and systems with mechanical systems to derive higher-level sensor functionality
- novel computing paradigms harnessing semiconductor technologies: this could include the development of novel hardware for neuromorphic or biologically-inspired computing, massively parallel computing structures, or devices combining electronics with other computational state variables beyond electronic charge (such as spin polarisation)
- enabling longer term scale-up of emergent semiconductor technologies and processes, including insight from manufacturing research communities
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IKCs could include aspects of the following as appropriate:
- supply chain design and execution, especially across the multiple sectors using semiconductors, taking into account the geopolitics of semiconductor supply
- regulatory challenges and opportunities: what are the policy and regulatory implications of improved computer hardware security? Are there policy barriers to adoption or opportunities to accelerate adoption? To what extent does the regulatory environment affect the increased adoption of semiconductor technologies?
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They encourage applications that align with cross-cutting areas in the semiconductor space, including but not exclusive to:
- integration of advanced and novel materials into ICT devices
- novel approaches to semiconductor manufacturing or fabrication
- embedded and on-chip security
- future communications systems
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EPSRC is not looking to fund semiconductor technology IKCs where the majority of the remit focuses specifically on:
- quantum technologies
- artificial intelligence
- solar and other energy harvesting technologies
- fundamental physical and material properties of semiconductors
Scope
- Semiconductors are a class of materials which are used to create the hardware which underpin electronic devices. The digital economy would be unable to function without them. They are as essential to modern life as grain or oil.
- Technically, they are the basis upon which integrated circuits, or computer chips, are built. They are also vital for analogue circuits such as those involved in power management, radio frequency, lasers and sensors.
- Semiconductors play an important part in the lives and are essential components in the electronic devices they all use and rely on each day. Semiconductors are increasingly recognised as an area of global strategic significance.
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They are a key enabling technology across multiple commercial sectors (automotive, power electronics, quantum, communications) and are essential to driving progress towards meeting key technological, societal, and economic challenges such as:
- artificial intelligence
- quantum
- telecomms
- digital healthcare
- net zero
- Semiconductors of various type, size and complexity are used throughout the ICT ecosystem. This funding opportunity is focused on semiconductors for ICT, specifically at the semiconductor chip and device level. Research and innovation directly focused on semiconductor materials or using semiconductors for other applications are outside the scope of this funding opportunity.
Funding Information
- EPSRC will fund at least one IKC. The FEC of each investment can be up to £12.5 million. EPSRC will fund 80% FEC. The budget is indicative and subject to change.
- Duration: Funding is available for 60 months. Funded projects must begin by 1 April 2024.
What they're looking for?
- EPSRC will award at least one award IKC in the semiconductors for ICT space. This is best described as semiconductors for intelligent connected devices, focusing on the device level for the processing and transmission of information, either by electronic, optoelectronic or photonics means. Research and innovation directly focused on semiconductor materials or using semiconductors for other applications are outside the scope of this funding opportunity.
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IKCs should deliver world-class early-stage critical mass in an area of disruptive ICT-centric semiconductor technology research (but not limited to ICT researchers). Additionally, an IKC will:
- understand the potential future societal, sustainability and business needs around semiconductor technologies and using this to ensure that suitable routes to adoption are developed for these technologies
- focus on translation of “pre-technology” and “pre-device” low technology readiness level (TRL) semiconductor research from the academic domain into industry
- bring many parallel research solutions through the TRL levels, producing new processes, products, technologies and devices
- connect up and unite excellence in the landscape in this area, in terms of infrastructure, business and academic activities to enable collaboration, where appropriate. In order to develop sovereign capability and enable the UK to go beyond Moores Law
- push emergent research ideas through to commercially viable technologies, products, or processes
- co-create research ideas and collaborate with businesses, industry and end users to enable scale-up and drive novel low TRL technologies towards market
- match emerging technology capabilities to potential end-use markets to establish where the technology is most likely to realise near-term impacts
- enable impact of existing outcomes of research in terms of addressing industrial challenges, commercialisation as well as enabling broader societal and economic impact
Eligibility Criteria
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Standard EPSRC eligibility rules apply. Research grants are open to:
- UK higher education institutions
- research council institutes
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) approved independent research organisations and NHS bodies with research capacity
- public sector research establishments
- eligible research and technology organisations
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You can apply if you are a resident in the UK and meet at least one of the following:
- are employed at the submitting research organisation at lecturer level or above
- hold a fixed-term contract that extends beyond the duration of the proposed project, and the host research organisation is prepared to give you all the support normal for a permanent employee
- hold an EPSRC, Royal Society or Royal Academy of Engineering fellowship aimed at later career stages
- hold fellowships under other schemes (please contact EPSRC to check eligibility, which is considered on a case-by-case basis)
- Holders of postdoctoral level fellowships are not eligible to apply for an EPSRC grant.
- However, you will only be able to submit one full proposal as principal investigator or co-investigator during the 12-month restricted period.
For more information, visit EPSRC.