From January next year, McHugh will lead the strategic and technical direction of the Compound Semiconductor Applications (CSA) Catapult’s four key technology areas of power electronics, RF & microwave, photonics and advanced packaging. As CTO, his role will be to support the overall strategy of the organisation, leading the Catapult’s technology teams, which are focused on the complex and evolving compound semiconductor industry.
McHugh has considerable technology experience having worked in technical and commercial roles with responsibilities covering the UK, Europe and North America. Most recently, he headed up business and technology development for Microchip’s (previously Microsemi Corporation) advanced packaging business where he helped to transform the company’s focus from analogue telecoms to wireless digital communications.
McHugh has also worked on over 30 Innovate UK and EU-funded collaborations worth a total of £50m over a period of 15 years and sits on the Industrial Advisory Board of the School of Engineering at Cardiff University.
Commenting on his new role, McHugh said: “I am excited to be joining the CSA Catapult at such a key point in its development.At just over a year old, it is the right time for it to fully develop its technical expertise and equipment to enable it to provide a centre of excellence to further the adoption of compound semiconductors.
“One of my first priorities will be to drive forward the development of our evaluation modules that will enable companies to assess their new applications and bring them to market faster.”
With analysts predicting that the world market for compound semiconductors will increase from $74 billion today to over $300 billion by 2030, it is essential that the UK plays a substantial part in that growth and the Catapult is here to help make that happen. The CSA Catapult is set to create around 100 new jobs internally and by 2023 it aims to have helped create 1,000 new high-tech jobs within the businesses it has supported around the whole of the UK.
Commenting on this new appointment, Catapult CEO Stephen Doran said:“Martin’s role is pivotal in ensuring that the Catapult’s offer to businesses is informed by the highest standards and latest technology developments in compound semiconductors. His experience in the sector and collaborative approach will ensure that the Catapult delivers on its promise to bring all sectors of the supply chain together to further the adoption of compound semiconductors into applications."
