Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult appoints chief operations officer

The South Wales-based Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult has announced the appointment of Liz Flint to the role of chief operations officer.

Located in South Wales within the CS Connected cluster, the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult supports the UK industry’s ability to access and exploit advancements in compound semiconductor technologies. As chief operations officer Flint will play a key role in further development of the Catapult, and will assume full responsibility for all internal operations.

The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult is the 11th of Government agency Innovate UK’s Catapults, which comprise a network of centers where UK businesses, scientists and engineers work side by side on late-stage R&D, with the aim of transforming high-potential ideas in specific areas into new products and services (helping to drive future economic growth).

The Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult was announced in early 2016, backed by government funding of £50m (£10m per year up to 2020-21) and spearheaded by epiwafer foundry and substrate maker IQE plc of Cardiff, Wales, UK and Cardiff University. Its aim is to support industry’s ability to access and exploit the advances made by UK researchers in compound semiconductor technologies over the past two decades, and to bridge the gap between companies developing novel semiconductor materials, topologies and devices, and those developing systems for end-user applications. Key to this is the Catapult’s work to ensure that the advances resulting from UK R&D successfully translate into real-world commercial applications. This will be facilitated via translational research facilities that will work to accelerate the commercialization of compound semiconductors in key application areas including: healthcare, the digital economy, energy, transport, defence and security, and space.

Prior to joining the Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult, Flint’s career with UK Government agency Innovate UK has seen her serve as Head of Cities and Regions, Head of Innovation Networks, and Lead Technologist (for Energy).

Compound Semiconductor Applications Catapult says that a deep understanding of the UK innovation system including academic, Government and business priorities has enabled her to develop a reputation for establishing and growing new key strategic areas, along with associated teams and processes for major Innovate UK initiatives. During her career Flint has led the development of multiple Innovate UK teams, expansion of a University Knowledge Exchange department, and multi-partner EU-funded projects.

Before joining Innovate UK, Flint served as the director of commercialisation and consultancy services (CCS) for Aberystwyth University. Her experience in facilitating the commercialization of academic research is expected to prove invaluable in her new role.

“This industry offers the UK the chance to play an increasing role in a number of significant global markets,” states Flint. “My mission is to ensure that the Catapult is best placed to ensure that enabling UK CS technology is the first choice for supply chains across the globe.”

Flint will work alongside the Catapult’s chief business development officer (CBDO) Dr Andy Sellars. “Her experience and insight will allow her to make an invaluable contribution to the future success of the Catapult,” believes Sellars. “Globally, our industry is forecast to be worth around $140bn by 2023, and Liz’s support will allow the Catapult to ensure that the UK is in the best place to capitalize on this ever-growing market.”