The UK Semiconductor Centre (UKSC) has launched a new HQ at the Institute of Physics (IOP) in King’s Cross, marking a significant step in its mission to ensure the UK capitalises on rapid expansion in the global semiconductor industry.
Located in the heart of London’s ‘Knowledge Quarter’, alongside Google’s new £1bn Platform 37 offices, DeepMind, Meta, ARIA, and University College London, the new base places the UKSC at the centre of a thriving technology and research community, many of which have semiconductors as the foundation of their products and services.
The HQ will enhance the UKSC’s capacity to promote the UK’s semiconductor ecosystem, connect and convene businesses, researchers, investors and international collaborators, and secure domestic and foreign direct investment for UK semiconductor companies.
It will regularly host events, workshops and industry roundtables, and act as a welcoming hub for international delegations, providing a showcase of the very best technologies currently being produced in the UK.
The move forms a key part of the UKSC’s strategy to help the sector capture new opportunities in a global market that is expected to double over the next decade, fuelled by demand for AI data centres and advanced computing.
Taking over a whole floor at the IOP’s 37 Caledonian Road building will also strengthen links between the semiconductor and physics communities, allowing for the cross-fertilisation of ideas and initiatives and cementing the intrinsic link between physics fundamentals and semiconductor materials.
This announcement follows recent research from the UKSC’s nationwide roadshow, which engaged more than 450 stakeholders across ten UK locations and highlighted a lack of access to finance and infrastructure is restricted firms in their ability to scale.
"We’re bringing the UK semiconductor community right into the heart of the Knowledge Quarter with our new King’s Cross headquarters.
“It will provide us with the perfect platform to collaborate with leading research institutions, technology businesses and investors on a daily basis to help drive the sector forward and help UK companies scale.
“We chose the Institute of Physics because its mission aligns closely with ours, and together we can push the sector forward and make a global impact.”
Raj Gawera, Chief Operating Officer, UK Semiconductor Centre
“We’re absolutely delighted to welcome the UK Semiconductor Centre to 37 Caledonian Road.
“It is such a vital time for the semiconductor sector and the perfect time to have a thriving physics success story in the building. Being able to play a part in their growth and development at such a crucial time is a wonderful opportunity.
“Partnership is a fundamental principle of the IOP strategy and in that spirit we look forward to watching their story develop and collaborating where possible to promote technology, manufacturing and of course physics and the role they can all play in driving growth in the UK economy.”
Tom Grinyer, CEO, Institute of Physics
The UKSC was established to connect, convene and promote the UK’s semiconductor industry on the global stage, ensuring innovation translates into scaled commercial success and economic growth.
The organisation aligns support around critical technologies where the UK has genuine competitive advantage, including photonics, compound semiconductors, quantum technologies and next-generation computing architectures.
