University of Warwick Secures Funding to Expand Semiconductor Reliability Testing Capabilities
New wide-bandgap testing platform strengthens validation services for electrification and energy applications
The University of Warwick has secured new funding to strengthen the UK’s capacity for testing the reliability of advanced power semiconductors, supporting critical applications across electrification and energy systems.
The investment will enable the acquisition of a state-of-the-art wide-bandgap (WBG) reliability and robustness testing platform, supplied by UK-based ipTEST. The system is designed to evaluate next-generation semiconductor devices under demanding operating conditions, providing detailed insight into performance limits and potential failure mechanisms.
Wide-bandgap materials such as silicon carbide and gallium nitride are increasingly central to modern power electronics, offering improved efficiency, faster switching and enhanced performance in sectors including electric vehicles, renewable energy and aerospace. Ensuring their long-term reliability is therefore essential, particularly in safety-critical environments.
From a commercial perspective, the initiative addresses a recognised gap in the UK market, where access to advanced, independent semiconductor reliability testing has been limited, particularly for smaller companies. The new facility is expected to provide trusted validation services, enabling businesses to accelerate development timelines and mitigate product failure risks.
By replicating real-world stress conditions, including high voltage and fault scenarios, the testing capability will support both academic and industry partners in refining device design and performance. This is expected to drive faster innovation and increase confidence in emerging technologies.
The system forms part of the £12 million REWIRE Innovation and Knowledge Centre, positioning Warwick as a key hub for wide-bandgap semiconductor reliability in the UK. In addition to advancing research, the programme is set to generate a comprehensive reliability dataset and support new commercial testing services for both domestic and international stakeholders.
Strategically, the development strengthens the UK’s semiconductor infrastructure and contributes to broader efforts to build a resilient and competitive supply chain, particularly in high-growth areas such as electrification and advanced power electronics.
