Circuits Integrated selects UK Space South Central cluster for 3D satellite chipset expansion

by Sophie Jenkins
London, UK (SPX) Nov 20, 2025

Greek semiconductor design firm Circuits Integrated has joined the UK's Space South Central cluster, initiating its first UK office at Surrey Research Park to enhance the development of advanced chip technology for satellite and defence communications. The company's expansion supports collaborations with UK-based research and manufacturing partners in the domestic semiconductor and space sectors.

Circuits Integrated specializes in integrated circuit, antenna-in-package, and system-in-package design. Its new UK operations will accelerate work on Kythrion, the company's flagship chipset platform. Kythrion integrates compound semiconductors such as gallium arsenide and gallium nitride with silicon within a 3D system-in-package structure, reducing antenna size, weight, power usage, and costs by over 60 percent in comparison to standard designs.

The Kythrion platform allows transmit and receive functions to be incorporated within each antenna element. This feature simplifies system architecture and improves thermal management, while maintaining compatibility with standard manufacturing processes. Radiation-resistant materials further increase satellite longevity and offer sustainability advantages to operators seeking to lower launch expenses and extend hardware life.

Circuits Integrated is targeting late 2026 for initial Kythrion demonstrators and plans for wider availability by mid-2027. The company intends to grow its UK team to 20 - 40 engineers within two years of deployment while working with local partners on prototyping and advanced manufacturing.

Carl McMahon, Chief Commercial Officer at Circuits Integrated, stated, "Establishing our UK base within the Space South Central cluster is a very exciting moment for the company. The region offers a world-class mix of semiconductor expertise, manufacturing capability, and academic strength. By integrating into this ecosystem, we can accelerate the commercialisation of our KythrionTM technology and play our part in advancing the UK's semiconductor and space sectors."

Dr Paolo Fioravanti, CEO of Circuits Integrated, said, "The UK's history in RF and compound semiconductor engineering, alongside strong academic links and established facilities, provides an ideal environment for developing KythrionTM from R and D to production. There's a depth of expertise in RF and IC design here that will help us scale rapidly as we move into validation and early production."

Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at the UK Space Agency, commented, "We are delighted to welcome Circuits Integrated as the newest member of the Space South Central cluster. Their expertise in compound semiconductor and silicon technologies will further strengthen the UK's space manufacturing sector, catalyse investment, and create new opportunities throughout the space ecosystem. The support, insight, and partnerships that can be accessed via a local space cluster - supported by the UK Space Agency - represent the best possible landing pad for any international space company looking to establish a presence in the UK."

Tobias Marchant, International Partnership Manager for Space South Central, said, "Circuits Integrated's arrival reflects our growing strength in semiconductor innovation for the space and defence sectors. The company's integration of compound semiconductor and silicon technologies supports the UK's ambition to build sovereign, sustainable capability in critical communications and sensing technologies."