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Quick answer
CSA Catapult, based in South Wales, supports the UK compound semiconductor industry through application engineering, prototyping facilities, supply-chain development and industry programmes. It works with SMEs and primes adopting compound semiconductors in power electronics, RF and photonics. The UK Catapult for compound semiconductor applications, based in South Wales. Eligibility typically requires UK companies designing or adopting compound semiconductor technology in power electronics, RF or photonics. Funding is typically Lab access, prototyping, programme support.
Funding amount
Lab access, prototyping, programme support
Region
United Kingdom, Wales
Stage
Any stage
Provider
Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes for?
- UK companies designing or adopting compound semiconductor technology in power electronics, RF or photonics.
- How much funding is available through Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes?
- Funding is Lab access, prototyping, programme support. Exact amounts depend on project scope, eligibility, and the live call. Always confirm current figures on the official provider page before applying.
- How long does the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes application take?
- Timelines vary by call. Plan for several weeks between starting the application and a funding decision, and longer where panel review, due diligence, or subsidy-control checks apply.
- What are the main alternatives to Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes?
- Consider other Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult programmes, options on the Innovation Funding Pathway, and adjacent routes discussed in our Regional Funding vs National Funding comparison.
- What happens after a successful Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes application?
- Successful applicants sign a funding agreement, complete onboarding, and report against agreed milestones. Use the award to build the evidence base for follow-on funding once the project delivers measurable outcomes.
- What are the most common mistakes when applying for Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes?
- Weak fit with the stated objectives, vague impact metrics, missing match funding, and applying before the business is operationally ready are the most common reasons applications stall or are rejected.
Usually too early when
Advisor signal
Apply before you can clearly articulate the project scope, evidence of fit with Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult's priorities, and a credible delivery plan. Although open to most stages, assessors expect a coherent track record on which to score the application.
Eligibility
UK companies designing or adopting compound semiconductor technology in power electronics, RF or photonics.
Common reasons applications fail
Reasons applications fail or stall: • Weak fit with the stated objectives of the scheme. • Vague impact claims without named metrics, baselines or timing. • Match funding not secured at the point of application. • Project plan that reads like business-as-usual rather than additional, new activity. • Insufficient evidence the team has delivered comparable work before. • Late engagement — applying close to deadline without internal sign-off.
What improves your odds
Strong alignment with Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult's published priorities. A specific, measurable project with named deliverables and timelines. Evidence the team can deliver — relevant prior projects, named technical leads, and secured (not hoped-for) match funding where required. Clear quantified impact: jobs, productivity, exports, emissions reduction or commercial outcomes appropriate to the scheme.
Typical successful applicant
A UK-based organisation that already meets the eligibility criteria for Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes on paper, has prior delivery experience relevant to Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, and can evidence the stated impact within the funding window.
Common misconceptions
That Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes is a quick or guaranteed source of capital. It is not — assessment is competitive and most applicants are unsuccessful. That a strong application can be drafted in days; in practice, competitive submissions take weeks of preparation, evidence gathering, and internal sign-off.
What comes next
On a successful award: deliver against the agreed milestones, build the evidence base for follow-on funding (commercial pilots, larger grants, debt or equity), and document outcomes that strengthen the next application. On rejection: request feedback, address the specific weaknesses, and consider an adjacent scheme on the Innovation Funding Pathway before re-applying.
Funding context
Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult Programmes sits within Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult's wider funding remit. Treat it as one option on the Innovation Funding Pathway; the right route depends on stage, project type and what comes next commercially. Use it alongside, not instead of, complementary support.
Related routes
- Arts Council Project Grants
- Accelerated Growth Programme
- Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS)
- Innovate UK EDGE (Legacy Advisory Service)
- Innovation Funding Pathway
- R&D Tax & Reliefs Pathway
- Regional Funding vs National Funding
- R&D Tax Relief vs Innovate UK Smart Grants
- Am I too early for Innovate UK?
- How to fund deep tech
Industries
Regions