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  • PRESS RELEASE : Passenger trapped in doors and dragged at Enfield Town station [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Passenger trapped in doors and dragged at Enfield Town station [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Transport on 2 August 2024.

    At around 18:07 hrs on 17 July 2024, a passenger attempted to board a train at Enfield Town station as the doors were closing. This resulted in their hand becoming trapped in the closed doors of the train.​ The train subsequently departed from the platform with the passenger’s hand still trapped in the doors. This forced the passenger to run alongside the train, eventually losing their footing. Passengers on the train alerted the driver who then stopped the train and released the doors, allowing the passenger to free their hand. During the accident, the train travelled approximately 60 metres and reached a speed of 11 mph (18 km/h). The passenger sustained minor physical injuries and psychological distress from the accident.

    We have undertaken a preliminary examination into the circumstances surrounding this incident. Having assessed the evidence which has been gathered to date, we have decided to publish a safety digest.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Heinous killers banned from marrying in prison [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Heinous killers banned from marrying in prison [August 2024]

    The press release issued on Ministry of Justice on 2 August 2024.

    The worst murderers serving whole life sentences no longer have the right to get married behind bars as a new law comes into force today (2 August 2024).

    • Whole Life Order prisoners now blocked from marrying behind bars
    • Government enacts new law to end torment for victims and their families
    • Marriage and civil partnership ban comes into force today

    Prisoners serving whole life orders – which means they will never be released – will now be automatically blocked from getting married or entering a civil partnership after the new Lord Chancellor signed a measure in the Victims and Prisoners Act into law.

    This will deny the most heinous criminals from enjoying the important life events they callously took from their victims, while preventing families from the trauma of seeing them getting married or entering civil partnerships.

    It will also ensure that their horrific crimes are treated with the severity they deserve and maintain confidence in the justice system.

    Lord Chancellor and Justice Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, said:

    Victims should not be tormented by seeing those who commit the most depraved crimes enjoy the moments in life that were stolen from their loved ones.

    That is why I have acted as soon as possible to stop these marriages and give victims the support they deserve.

    Prior to these new laws coming into force, these prisoners could make a formal application for marriage or a civil partnership and could only be refused by a prison Governor on the grounds of security concerns.

    The measure is part of the Victims and Prisoners Act which strengthens oversight of how criminal justice agencies treat victims and enshrines the principles of the Victims’ Code into law.

    The Lord Chancellor will retain the right to permit ceremonies in the most exceptional circumstances.

    Whole life orders are reserved for exceptionally serious offences, such as serial or child murders which involved a substantial degree of premeditation or sexual or sadistic conduct.

    Note to editors

    The prisoner marriage provisions of the Victims and Prisoners Act were commenced via a statutory instrument.

  • PRESS RELEASE : UK Foreign and Defence Secretaries push for peace and stability in the Middle East [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : UK Foreign and Defence Secretaries push for peace and stability in the Middle East [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Ministry of Defence on 2 August 2024.

    David Lammy and John Healey visited Israel to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, after their joint visits to the region this week.

    • meetings in Qatar, Lebanon and Israel this week aimed to drive de-escalation
    • Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary pushed calls for peace and stability on a visit to the Middle East
    • the joint visit demonstrates UK’s commitment to keeping the UK safe at home and secure abroad

    Defence Secretary John Healey visited Israel today to push for an immediate ceasefire and drive de-escalation in the Middle East, following joint Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary visits to the region this week.

    The meeting in Tel Aviv with Israeli Defence Minister Gallant follows a call that John Healey had with the Palestinian Authority earlier this week.

    The UK is pushing for an end to fighting, and the Defence Secretary spoke in Tel Aviv on the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of all hostages and to get more aid to Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of a path to a two-state solution.

    The visit comes less than a month into the new government, and follows the Foreign and Defence Secretaries first joint visit this week, meeting leaders in the Qatar and Lebanon to encourage de-escalation in the Middle East amid rising tensions.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    This is a critical moment, there’s no doubt about it.

    In Lebanon, I had discussions with counterparts on the urgent need for de-escalation. It is in no one’s interest for this conflict to spread across the region.

    The risk that the situation on the ground could deteriorate rapidly is rising. My message to British nationals in Lebanon is clear – you should leave while commercial flights are running.

    We also need to see an immediate ceasefire, hostages released and aid getting in in sufficient quantity to alleviate the suffering in Gaza.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:

    De-escalation must be the first focus in the Middle East.

    Meeting with senior leaders across the region, including today in Israel, we urged all sides to show restraint and dial down the tension at this critical moment.

    Our government is determined to lead a renewed push for peace. The loss of life we have seen in the region is unbearable and thousands remain in the crossfire.

    To set this region on the path to peace, all sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy.

    In Lebanon on Thursday, David Lammy and John Healey saw the work being done by British Embassy Beirut to deliver consular support to British nationals in Lebanon. British nationals should not travel to Lebanon and those who are already there should leave Lebanon while commercial flights are still available. The risks in the region are rising and the situation could deteriorate.

    Consular teams are working to be prepared for all scenarios but if the conflict escalates, the government cannot guarantee evacuation immediately.

    The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office has launched Register Your Presence in Lebanon so we can communicate any important updates directly to British nationals in the country. The FCDO continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon. British nationals in Lebanon are advised to register their presence and follow travel advice for updates.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Government accepts advice on 2024 autumn COVID-19 vaccine programme [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government accepts advice on 2024 autumn COVID-19 vaccine programme [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department of Health and Social Care on 2 August 2024.

    Minister Andrew Gwynne has accepted advice from the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI).

    The government has accepted advice from the JCVI for an autumn COVID-19 vaccination programme this year.

    Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said:

    We are committed to protecting those most vulnerable from COVID and have accepted the independent advice from the JCVI for the autumn 2024 vaccination programme.

    We will also continue to offer COVID vaccination to frontline NHS and social care workers and those working in care homes for older people this autumn.

    I encourage anyone invited for a vaccine to get one as soon as possible to protect yourself and reduce pressure on the NHS during winter, helping to cut waiting times and get the health service back on its feet.

    Background information

    On the advice of the expert JCVI all those aged 65 or over, all those in care homes for older people, and those aged 6 months or over who are in a clinical risk group will be eligible for vaccination this autumn.

    Vaccination offers the best protection for those at risk of serious outcomes through older age or clinical condition. Protection against serious disease wanes over time so it is important to top it up by getting an autumn dose if you are eligible.

    The UK has one of the most extensive immunisation programmes in the world, with vaccine confidence and uptake rates among the highest globally.

    The JCVI has not advised offering the vaccine to frontline health and social care workers, staff in care homes for older adults, unpaid carers and household contacts of people with immunosuppression as part of the national programme. The advice suggests health and social care service providers may wish to consider setting up an occupational health vaccination programme for frontline health and social care workers – as is the current situation for flu vaccines.

    As setting up a new occupational health programme will not be possible before autumn this year, JCVI suggested health departments may choose to continue offering vaccination through the national programme this autumn. The government has decided to continue to offer vaccination to frontline health and social care staff, as well as staff working in care homes for older people in the autumn 2024 programme.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary calls for de-escalation on the Blue Line [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Foreign Secretary calls for de-escalation on the Blue Line [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 2 August 2024.

    The Foreign Secretary called for de-escalation along the Blue Line and the need for a diplomatic solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

    UK Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, accompanied by Defence Secretary John Healey, ended a one-day visit to Lebanon yesterday.

    This was David Lammy’s first official visit to Lebanon as Foreign Secretary, following his call with Lebanese Prime Minister Mikati in his first week of office.

    The Foreign Secretary called for de-escalation along the Blue Line and the need for a diplomatic solution based on UN Security Council Resolution 1701.

    The visit comes following the Foreign Secretary’s condemnation of the strike in Golan Heights which tragically claimed at least 12 lives and raised deep concerns over the risk of further escalation and destabilisation.

    The Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary met with Prime Minister Najib Mikati, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, and Lebanese Armed Forces Commander (LAF) General Joseph Aoun.

    Their discussions focused on tensions across the Lebanese southern border with Israel and the wider situation in the region.

    The visit is part of the Foreign Secretary’s regional visits over the past month, in which he reiterated the British government’s call for de-escalation in the region, an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and getting humanitarian aid into Gaza.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    This is a worrying time for people in Lebanon: they have been through a lot in the past 5 years, including the terrible port explosion that claimed so many lives.

    I’m here on the ground meeting with influential figures to call for immediate de-escalation in the region.

    I’ve raised my concerns about the on-going tensions between Lebanon and Israel and have highlighted the UK’s determination to avoid miscalculation.

    Defence Secretary John Healey said:

    De-escalation must be our primary focus as this region stands at a crossroads. The loss of innocent life in recent weeks and months is unbearable. This has to end.

    All sides must step back from conflict and step-up diplomacy. We will work with important partners like Qatar as our government leads a renewed push for peace.

    British Ambassador to Lebanon Hamish Cowell said:

    This is a very important visit by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Defence Secretary John Healey, their first joint visit overseas since their appointments last month.

    The situation across the Blue Line remains fragile and escalation is in no one’s interest.  In his meetings, the Foreign Secretary stressed the need for de-escalation and a diplomatic solution based on UNSCR 1701.

    The joint visit reaffirms the UK’s long-standing commitment and support for Lebanon’s security and stability, including as a steadfast partner to the Lebanese Armed Forces.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches new clamp down on criminal and violent disorder [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Prime Minister launches new clamp down on criminal and violent disorder [August 2024]

    The press release issued by 10 Downing Street on 1 August 2024.

    Criminals intent on causing violence and unrest on our streets will be stopped in their tracks thanks to a new National Violent Disorder Programme, the Prime Minister has announced today.

    At a meeting of police chiefs in Downing Street this afternoon, he offered his clear backing to forces up and down the country – pledging that the government will work in direct partnership with them to stamp out the violent disorder seen in recent weeks.

    Following the meeting, he has announced the immediate creation of the new programme, which will bring together the best policing capabilities from across the country to share intelligence on the activity of violent groups so the authorities can swiftly intervene to arrest them.

    Local insight and data will be used to gain a national understanding of where these criminals are operating, including the British Transport Police alerting where they see a spike in train ticket sales that could be linked to organised violent disorder.

    It will also consider how we can deploy facial recognition technology, which is already used by some forces, more widely across the country. This will mean criminals can be targeted, found and brought to justice quickly.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer said this afternoon:

    “I’ve just held a meeting with senior police and law enforcement leaders where we’ve resolved to show who we are. A country that will not allow understandable fear to curdle into division and hate in our communities and that will not permit, under any circumstances a breakdown in law and order on our streets.

    “Because let’s be very clear about this. It’s not protest. It’s not legitimate. It’s crime and violent disorder. An assault on the rule of law and the execution of justice.

    “And so, on behalf of the British people who expect their values and their security to be upheld, we will put a stop to it.”

    The programme will also support the swift deployment of surge teams to forces who need them, for example, when they’re faced with intelligence that suggests organised violence in a particular area.

    The tragic events in Southport on Monday shone a light on the heroism of our emergency services and the work they do to keep the public safe. However, this was exploited by a criminal minority who directly targeted the police in a shocking display of aggression later that day which left fifty officers injured.

    The Prime Minister was clear that criminals will never be allowed to hide behind the legitimate right to protest in order to wreak havoc and intimidation in our communities.

    The plans form part of the government’s mission to take back our streets by halving serious violent crime and raising confidence in the police and criminal justice system.

    Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said:

    “Southport suffered a horrific attack that no community should ever have to face. But instead of being shown respect for their grief, the community had to endure violent disorder and thuggery.

    “For the emergency services who responded with bravery to save lives on Monday to then face attack themselves on Tuesday is disgraceful and it only adds to the trauma when we should be thinking of the families of the little girls, and making sure they can get justice.

    “Communities have a right to feel safe without deliberate organised violence or thuggery in our streets. Criminals need to face the full force of the law and today we made clear that the police have our strong support in keeping the streets safe. We will work with senior police officers across the country to make sure there is rapid intelligence sharing and swift action to stop violent disorder and make sure criminals pay the price.”

    Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, NPCC Chair said:

    “I would like to thank all the officers and first responders involved for their bravery and unity. At times like these it is encouraging to see the way forces come together to support each other, as well as the wider public.

    “All of us in public leadership or in positions of influence have a responsibility to use our platform to help bring people together. It is more important than ever for us to call out disinformation, highlight harmful practices, report and condemn criminal and work together for a better society.”

    “We welcome any support which helps us to strengthen our policing capability to deal with these types of incidents. We look forward to working with government and receiving more details on the creation of a National Violent Disorder Programme and further work on tools such as Live Facial Recognition.”

    Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO at the College of Policing, said:

    “My thoughts remain firmly with the families of the little girls killed in Southport and the other people who are still recovering. I cannot begin to comprehend the extent of their grief and trauma at this time.

    “This violence, from thugs who are hijacking the terrible grief felt across the country, is despicable, unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The same police officers who run towards harm to protect us are now being pelted with bricks, bins and fireworks. I’m grateful to the prime minister for extending his support to my colleagues as they deal with this criminality.

    “Tonight, and over the weekend, police officers will be out in large numbers to protect us and our families. The College of Policing is making sure public order commanders have the support and guidance to utilise the full extent of the law and the tactics available to us.

    “I say clearly to anyone who is seeking to bring further violence to our streets that your thuggish behaviour is not acceptable and not welcome in our communities. Police are already tracking down those involved in violence and anyone else thinking of joining in should know they will face the full force of the law.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary hosts a reception for Edinburgh’s festivals [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Scottish Secretary hosts a reception for Edinburgh’s festivals [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland on 1 August 2024.

    The Secretary of State for Scotland, Ian Murray, hosted a reception as the Edinburgh Festivals get underway this week.

    The event, which was hosted in Queen Elizabeth House, the UK Government’s flagship building in Edinburgh, was attended by representatives from Edinburgh’s 11 Festivals. Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill also attended.

    There was a performance from Ryan Corbett, a classical accordionist from Glasgow.

    The UK Government is supporting artists bringing work to the Fringe Festival through its ‘Keep it Fringe’ fund, an initiative launched in 2023. Supported by £1 million from the UK Government over two years (2024 and 2025), there are 180 recipients of £2,500 bursaries this year.

    The UK Government is also helping to fund a central premises for the Edinburgh Fringe Society to house staff and provide a venue for visitors throughout the year.

    Speaking at the event, Mr Murray said:

    “For three weeks in August, the city of Edinburgh becomes the global epicentre of culture as we welcome an explosion of creative energy. Artists and performers take to hundreds of stages all over the city to present shows for every taste.

    “It is of course not only a cultural and social asset, but a huge contributor to our economy, generating around £360m and supporting around 7000 jobs each year. The creative industries are the fastest growing part of our economy and we should nourish and support this growth.

    “They are all a key part of Brand Scotland, and I am determined the Edinburgh festivals form part of our plan to attract international investment to Scotland, so that they can be enjoyed by future generations.

    “I would like to thank everyone involved in the festivals whose hard work helps make this success story possible.”

  • PRESS RELEASE : Change to the Plan 2, Plan 5 and Plan 3 (“Postgraduate (PG)”) student loan interest rates announcement [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Change to the Plan 2, Plan 5 and Plan 3 (“Postgraduate (PG)”) student loan interest rates announcement [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Education on 1 August 2024.

    The Department for Education (DfE) and the Welsh Government has today confirmed a change to the maximum Plan 2, Plan 5 and PG loan interest rate which will be 8% in August 2024.

    The applicable rate of RPI to student loans from 1 September 2023 to 31 August 2024 is 13.5%. This means that the maximum interest rate applicable to Plan 2 loans and the interest rate for PG loans is 16.5%, and the interest rate applicable to Plan 5 loans is 13.5%.  However, as the comparable prevailing market rate (PMR) is lower than this, an interest rate cap of 8% will be applied to all Plan 2, Plan 5, and PG student loans in August 2024.

    Plan 2, Plan 5, and PG student loan interest rates are reviewed monthly and, if required, capped for the duration of the calendar month.

    The level of the cap is determined by taking the average interest rate for comparable unsecured personal loans across a 12-month period ending three months prior to the month the cap comes into force.

    This is action is taken where necessary to ensure that the maximum interest rates applicable to Plan 2, Plan 5 and PG student loans are either below or equal to PMR.

  • PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State for Northern Ireland extends backdating period for the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Secretary of State for Northern Ireland extends backdating period for the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Northern Ireland Office on 1 August 2024.

    The Secretary of State has extended the current backdating period deadline by two years from 31 August 2024 to 31 August 2026.

    As part of the UK Government’s review of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, has today [01 August 2024] extended the current backdating period deadline by two years from 31 August 2024 to 31 August 2026.

    The scheme was opened in August 2021 to provide acknowledgement payments to individuals who were permanently injured in Troubles-related incidents.

    Following concerns raised by a number of individuals and organisations, including groups who represent victims and survivors of the Troubles, that some potential applicants could lose out on backdated payments, the Secretary of State has moved to ensure all potential beneficiaries of the scheme have sufficient time to consider making an application.

    This extension will allow anyone deemed eligible in the five-year lifespan of the scheme to avail of a payment backdated to 2014.

    Explaining his decision to extend the backdating period of the scheme, Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland said: 

    “Approximately 40,000 people were injured during the Troubles, and it is essential that we recognise the great hurt that was caused during this dark period in our history.

    “The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme, overseen by the Victims Payments Board, has made progress in making acknowledgement payments to permanently injured victims of the Troubles.

    “But with the deadline approaching, there was a risk that some potential applicants would miss out on backdated payments. I have therefore decided to extend the period for which backdated payments are available by a further two years.

    “I hope this will assist both those who have suffered and are applying to the scheme, and those who are supporting applicants.”

    Notes to editor:

    • The UK Government, in the absence of the NI Executive, made Regulations for this scheme in January 2020. These Regulations established ‘The Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme’ (the scheme) and provisions for the ‘Victims’ Payments Board’ (the Board). This scheme is a devolved matter and is delivered by the Victims Payments Board.
    • The purpose of the Troubles Permanent Disablement Payment Scheme (TPDPS) is to provide acknowledgement payments to individuals who were permanently injured in Troubles related incidents. It has been open since August 2021.
    • The Regulations make it clear that payments to eligible applicants will be backdated to the date of the Stormont House Agreement (December 2014) for the first three years of the scheme’s operation. The scheme will close for new applications in August 2026, 5 years after it opened.
    • The Secretary of State has the power to extend either of these dates, and both of these issues were considered as part of the Secretary of State’s review of the scheme. The full report on the review will be published before the deadline imposed by the Regulations, which is August 31st 2024.
  • PRESS RELEASE : Government scheme helps UK chip start-ups raise £10 million – from new fertility treatments to improving the efficiency of AI, British semiconductor innovators are reshaping global technology [August 2024]

    PRESS RELEASE : Government scheme helps UK chip start-ups raise £10 million – from new fertility treatments to improving the efficiency of AI, British semiconductor innovators are reshaping global technology [August 2024]

    The press release issued by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on 1 August 2024.

    Eleven semiconductor start-ups working on chips that make AI more efficient and create new lifesaving healthcare tech have joined a government-backed support service to help turn their research into business realities.

    • Backing for firms will make chips to help phone batteries last longer, and train AI models with less energy
    • second round of companies to receive support also announced, including chip designers to make more efficient AI systems, and make wearable hormone monitoring patches for fertility treatment
    • government-backed chip support service helped semiconductor start-ups close over £10 million of funding from private investors and grants, with a total of nearly £20 million in commitments

    Eleven semiconductor start-ups working on chips that make AI more efficient and create new lifesaving healthcare tech have joined a government-backed support service to help turn their research into business realities.

    Semiconductor chips are fundamental to the technology that we interact with daily, underpinning everything from smartphones to AI and advanced medical devices.

    The companies will be the second group to go through ChipStart, an incubator programme launched in October 2023 with £1.3 million of backing to nurture a new generation of chip designers and crowd in investment totalling nearly £20 million in commitments from private investment and grants to help drive economic growth.

    POM Health is among the companies joining the second round of the programme. It is pioneering the use of semiconductors to create a wearable patch for continuous hormone monitoring. This technology could transform healthcare by enhancing fertility treatments, offering women precise, real-time insights into their hormonal health.

    HeronIC, another new joiner to the programme, has developed a software design tool that quickly creates custom chips for AI applications, boosting their energy efficiency and increasing performance for complex tasks.

    Minister for Science, Patrick Vallance said:

    Innovation in semiconductors can underpin technological advancements in every field, from AI to consumer devices and healthtech. British researchers across the country are leading in R&D in this essential field and the support we are delivering through ChipStart is helping their ideas become reality.

    As well as the commercial success of the first cohort, the innovations ChipStart is supporting could help to change lives, from helping to develop new fertility treatments to optimising AI and extending the battery life of devices we use every day. We are making sure British science leadership converts to help address critical global challenges and drive economic growth.

    Following a first round that saw participants close over £10 million of funding from private investors and grants, with a total of nearly £20 million in commitments being finalised, ChipStart will continue to provide these early-stage semiconductor companies with:

    • access to commercial design capability: Including the full Silicon Catalyst ecosystem, design tools, IP, and prototyping capability
    • commercial expertise and mentorship: Startups receive guidance from experienced semiconductor industry executives and connections to Silicon Catalyst’s global network
    • exposure to private capital: Access to over 270 Silicon Catalyst advisors, Strategic Partners, and an extensive network of investment groups

    On completion, the pilot will provide the UK’s semiconductor industry with a pipeline of new startups that have an innovative product, route to market, and are a foundation for future growth, including routes to future seed funding.

    Sean Redmond, Managing Partner, Silicon Catalyst UK said:

    ChipStart UK is leveraging the UK’s position as a global centre of semiconductor research to transform academic innovations into market-ready technologies.

    Nine of the eleven firms in the next group come from UK universities and are set to build on the success of the first cohort, which secured a strong position in the international semiconductor supply chain through private funding and global partnerships. After nine months of rigorous training, ChipStart has created over thirty new UK semiconductor executives, ready to scale their businesses towards global success.

    Dorian Haci, CEO and Co-Founder, MintNeuro said:

    The ChipStart UK programme, along with the Silicon Catalyst ecosystem, has equipped MintNeuro with essential design and manufacturing tools and a network of semiconductor-focused mentors and advisors, crucial for our go-to-market strategy.

    Since joining the programme, we have secured additional funding and formed key partnerships. These developments accelerate the commercialisation of our pioneering neural implant technologies, aimed at improving the lives of millions suffering from neurological conditions.

    After receiving this support over the last year, Vaire Computing raised $4.5 million to develop their revolutionary chips that use nearly no power at all. This innovation in energy efficiency has the potential to significantly extend smartphone batter life. With Vaire’s semiconductors, smartphones could soon only need charging once a month.

    Another cohort member, Wave Photonics, closed an early funding round at £4.5 million for their tool which simplifies the design of highly complex photonic chips, chips that use light instead of electricity, meaning they operate at much faster speeds and use much less power. This technology could transform a wide range of industries by enabling faster, more energy-efficient communications, improving diagnostic capabilities in healthcare, and enhancing data processing in everything from data centres to autonomous vehicles.

    Rodolfo Rosini, cofounder and CEO, Vaire Computing said:

    As any founder will tell you, building a company in one of the most dynamic technology industries requires a tremendous amount of grit, ingenuity and support.

    The networking opportunities provided by the Silicon Catalyst.UK ChipStart programme enabled us to execute on our vision and helped to set our company on a trajectory for long-term success. I strongly believe that expanding the program’s role in the near term would be extremely beneficial for the UK chip industry.

    James Lee, CEO, Wave Photonics said:

    Having raised funding during the programme, Wave Photonics is now deploying its technology to enable an explosion of integrated photonics applications beyond datacoms, including biosensing and quantum computing.

    The ChipStart programme, run by semiconductor industry experts from Silicon Catalyst UK, helped us to learn from the development of the semiconductor industry and apply these lessons to the young, but growing, integrated photonics industry. The individual mentors and in-kind partnerships gave us easy access to expertise and tooling that would be difficult to find elsewhere.

    Notes to editors

    Companies that were members of the first cohort include:

    Companies that have joined the second cohort include: