TechWorks summit unites UK deep tech sector in London

TechWorks drew more than 700 delegates to its first Semiconductors to Systems Summit in London. The sold-out event brought together leaders from the UK and overseas deep-tech sector.

The summit also marked the organisation's 30th anniversary, with more than 120 speakers and over 80 exhibitors and sponsors. It brought the TechWorks NMI, DESN, AESIN and IoT Security Foundation communities into one forum, alongside the UK Semiconductor Centre and partners from Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Germany.

Discussions focused on how the UK can turn its research and engineering base into larger businesses, investment and jobs. Delegates examined the links between semiconductors, photonics, artificial intelligence, advanced packaging, cyber security and intelligent electronic systems as those fields increasingly overlap.

The summit was structured around four conference strands: BUILD, CREATE, SECURE and SCALE. Sessions covered semiconductor materials, GaN power semiconductors, photonics, AI-enabled manufacturing, chiplets, digital twins, autonomous systems, electrification and post-quantum security.

A recurring theme was the fragmented nature of the UK technology landscape. Participants considered whether closer ties between companies, universities, government and investors could help more businesses commercialise research and expand internationally.

International cooperation also featured prominently. Representatives from several countries discussed how to combine strengths in research, fabrication, pilot manufacturing, packaging, testing, skills and market access.

Charles Sturman outlined the industry body's view of the summit's significance.

"The response to S2S26 demonstrates the extraordinary level of ambition and capability that exists across UK deep tech. What was particularly striking was the sense of common purpose: people want to work together, and there is real confidence about what the UK can achieve. We have world-class capabilities spanning semiconductor materials, photonics and advanced packaging through to AI-enabled design, intelligent systems and secure computing. The opportunity now is to connect those strengths more effectively and turn more of our innovation into successful businesses, investment, jobs and economic growth," said Charles Sturman, Chief Executive Officer of TechWorks.

The summit was the first time the various TechWorks communities had met at a single event of this scale. That breadth reflected a wider shift in the sector, as supply chains and product development increasingly span materials, design, manufacturing, software and security.

Sector signals

The turnout suggests parts of the UK deep-tech industry see stronger prospects despite long-running concerns over scale-up finance, skills shortages and global competition. Britain has established positions in chip design, specialist manufacturing and university research, but executives have often argued that stronger coordination is needed to convert those assets into industrial growth.

That argument has gained urgency as governments in North America, Europe and Asia place greater emphasis on semiconductors and related technologies. For UK companies, this creates opportunities for partnerships in specialist areas while also increasing pressure to secure investment, talent and manufacturing links.

Sturman said the challenge now is to sustain the level of cooperation seen at the event.

"S2S26 showed what can happen when we stop looking at individual technologies and sectors in isolation and start connecting the whole ecosystem. The challenge now is to maintain that momentum. For TechWorks, this is the beginning of the next chapter," he said.

Wider participation

The event also highlighted growth in Women in TechWorks, an initiative aimed at supporting the attraction, retention and career progression of women in engineering and technology. The programme was presented as part of a broader effort to address workforce issues across the sector.

Comments from attendees suggested the atmosphere was optimistic and focused on practical collaboration. Some described the gathering as evidence that the industry is increasingly organising around shared priorities rather than separate technology silos.

Michael Mawby of KuasaSemi congratulated TechWorks and the UK Semiconductor Centre on an "excellent" summit, adding: "What stood out yesterday was how supportive and collaborative the community continues to be."

Industry commentator Tim Weekes reflected on the mood across the gathering, concluding: "There is energy in the room. It's time to look forward with confidence."