Convergence of Critical Tech in Power Semiconductors & Future Mobility

Part of Bristol Innovations' Foresight Live Series, this event brings together expert researchers and leaders from cutting-edge businesses for a panel discussion on the challenges and opportunities that are driving innovation in Power Semiconductors and Future Mobility.

The event is available both in-person (Engine Shed, Bristol) and online, but to get the benefits of networking we recommend in-person.

The panellists will explore real-world applications, emerging trends and pathways to collaboration.

The discussion is followed by networking, providing an invaluable opportunity to connect and collaborate with leading innovation players to shape the future.

Our panellists are:

• Furqan - CEO, Sora Aviation
• Richard Duffy - Head of Innovation Policy, Semiconductors, DSIT
• Martin Kuball - Professor of Physics, University of Bristol
• Tim Mottram - Innovation Program Lead, Siemens Power Electronics
• Nick Singh - CTO, CSA Catapult

Programme

16.30 - 17.00 - Registration, teas and coffees

17.00 - 18.00 - Panel discussion with Q&A

18.00 - 19.00 - Drinks and nibbles reception with networking

About the Panellists and Chair

Furqan – CEO, Sura Aviation

Furqan served as the Technical Authority on Advanced Air Mobility at GKN and has led multiple electric, hybrid and hydrogen aircraft development programmes from conceptual design to flight testing. A Fellow of the IMechE, Furqan chairs the ADS Advanced Air Mobility group in the UK.

Richard Duffy – Head of Innovation Policy, Semiconductors, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology

Richard is one of the authors of the UK’s National Semiconductor Strategy and leads DSIT's work to support semiconductor research, innovation and start up growth as well as it’s approach to engaging the UK and global semiconductor industry.

His previous roles have included managing the strategy and evaluation of the UK government’s Science Capability Review programme at the Government Office for Science, developing innovation programmes at charitable foundation Nesta, and leading the Strategy Development Team at the Wellcome Trust.

Martin Kuball – Professor of Physics, University of Bristol

Martin leads the Center for Device Thermography and Reliability (CDTR) and the Innovation and Knowledge Centre REWIRE at the University of Bristol. CDTR/REWIRE is a team of 35+ international researchers working on semiconductor electronics (RF and power), from materials growth, device design and fabrication, electrical, thermal and reliability testing of materials and devices

Martin is the Royal Academy of Engineering Chair in Emerging Technologies, Fellow of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Materials Research Society (MRS), Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology) and IoP (Institute of Physics).

Tim Mottram, Innovation Program Leader, Siemens Power Electronics

Tim is the Innovation Program Leader for the Siemens Power Electronics Innovation Hub, delivering projects across the whole Power Electronics spectrum. From advances in fast switching technologies, to semiconductor packaging, and novel, data driven, software functionalities; he works alongside the CSA Catapult to push technology enabling the Power Electronics solutions of tomorrow. Prior to Siemens, Tim has held roles at CERN, Rotork and Theta Technologies.

Nick Singh – Chief Technology Officer, Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult

Nick is the chief technology officer at CSA Catapult and is responsible for the technical strategic direction of the organisation, focusing on power electronics, photonics, RF and microwave, and advanced packaging.

Prior to joining the Catapult, he was CTO of PhotonFirst (Netherlands), a pioneer of PIC sensing and advanced packaging in markets such as aerospace, medical, automotive and energy. He began his career in electronics and semiconductors in the mid-nineties in France.

Chair

Aby Sankaran, Senior Project Manager, REWIRE

Aby is Senior Project Manager at REWIRE, an £11 million Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) funded by UKRI, dedicated to pioneering next-generation semiconductor technologies and power electronic devices to help the UK achieve its net zero ambitions. In her role, she drives innovation and expands the network’s impact. Prior to REWIRE, Aby was Senior Programme Manager at UK Telecoms Innovation Network.