Thanks Brightech and Shash for the focus on Wales.

Wales and England play rugby against each other in the Six Nations Tournament at the Milemium Stadium in Cardiff this very day.  This is a titanic event the belies the rivalry of the Celts against their historical aggressors.  It is always mildly annoying for us Welsh to be grouped as English by those not aware of the geopolitical situation of four countries acting as one that constitutes Great Britain. We are distinctly four nations emotionally and historically.  

Suresh labelled Swansea as England when referring to the work done at Swansea University on the development of the Interposer. Swansea is of course Wales’s second largest city built on the copper and coal industry in South Wales.  Swansea valley coal produced the finest steam coal that powered the mighty British Navy in its heyday.  My ancestors sunk some of the mines in the Swansea Valley, but I now live 130 miles to the North near the border at Chester. So it’s not exactly on my doorstep.

That said I have friends who teach at the University and I should make more effort to dig out some intelligence on what PhD projects supported POET.  There are also major efforts going on sponsored by the Welsh Senydd (government) to create a regional hub  in South Wales for IC developments between academia and industry.  This would include grants and assistance for set ups. Bill Ring is Welsh and May well be tapping into this potential resource as is characterised by the synergistic strategy that this weeks Ottawa announcement reflects.  The earlier announcement of POET’s link to The University of Wales at Swansea confirms POET involvement and whilst secrecy would be an issue, I am always rather hoping to dig out a scoop for the board.

Finally, I must pay just tribute to Shash for her excellent stand out post and generosity in sharing her professional knowledge so specific to PIC  

Diolch yn fawr Shash.  

PS any one like me wishing to become fluent in the Welsh language should google ‘SaySomethinginWelsh’

sula