Dutch technologist praises Newport role in compound semiconductor cluster

Joost Helms has played a key role in turning the Dutch city of Eindhoven into a tech powerhouse

A key figure in the transformation of the Dutch city of Eindhoven into a technology powerhouse has praised the impact that the emerging compound semiconductor of South Wales is having on the city of Newport.

Joost Helms has been in South Wales as part of an initiative to strengthen international ties around the city’s semiconductor industry. He was invited by leader of Newport Council Dimitri Batrouni and councillor James Clarke because of his knowledge and experience delivering Eindhoven’s Brainport development, which transformed the city into Europe’s premier technology hubs, generating thousands of jobs and significant economic growth.

Newport is home to some of biggest players in the compound semiconductor cluster such as Vishay, KLA and IQE. The cluster, from early stage and academic research to commercial firms, is targeting employing more than 6,000 by 2030 and generating combined revenues of £1bn.

An independent report, from the Welsh Economy Research Unit (WERU) at Cardiff University, shows that the cluster – known as CSconnected – last year directly employed 1,914 people, with a further 1,226 jobs supported across Wales through its wider economic indirect and induced impacts. Total Welsh employment linked to the cluster increased from 2,748 in 2024 to 3,140 last year, a 14% year-on-year rise.

It also generated £267m in direct GVA, with an additional £169m supported elsewhere in Wales, bringing total Welsh GVA impact to £436m, up 19% on 2024.

Mr Batrouni said: “It was absolute pleasure to welcome Joost Helms to Newport. We invited him to the city and the region because of his knowledge and experience of the technological regeneration of Eindhoven, Through the city’s Brainport project, it has become the premier tech capital of Europe, generating a huge number of jobs and economic wealth. I believe Newport is on the same trajectory and we must grab this opportunity, so once again Newport leads the next Industrial Revolution. For us, for our children and grandchildren.”

Mr Helms, said: “What I found in Newport genuinely surprised me. South Wales is a well-kept secret in the global semiconductor value chain: South Wales is already recognised as one of the UK’s leading semiconductor clusters. Yet internationally, its capabilities remain far less visible than those of many better-known semiconductor regions. The initiative taken by Dimitri Batrouni and James Clarke to reach out to learn from international partners is timely and can help Newport translate these strengths into greater recognition, investment and opportunity.”

Mr Clarke, said: “Learning from internationally recognised success stories such as Eindhoven’s Brainport will help us better understand how we can unlock further investment, create skilled jobs and strengthen our position as a leading technology hub. We are ambitious for Newport and determined to ensure the city is at the forefront of future economic growth.”