Circuits Integrated expands to the UK to develop next-generation satellite chipsets
Greek semiconductor specialist joins Space South Central to advance 3D compound–silicon integration for satellite and defence communications.
Greek semiconductor design company Circuits Integrated has joined Space South Central, one of the UK’s largest regional space clusters, to strengthen its ties with the UK’s growing semiconductor and space manufacturing sectors.
From left to right: Sophia Dilley (DBT), Ruth Bretts (DBT) Tobias Marchant (Space South Central), Craig Brown (UK Space Agency), Carl McMahon (Circuits integrated), Paolo Fioravanti (Circuits integrated), Giannis Kontogiannopoulos (Circuits integrated)
The company, which specialises in advanced integrated circuit (IC), antenna-in-package (AiP) and system-in-package (SiP) design, will establish its first UK presence at Surrey Research Park, expanding its R&D operations to support development of next-generation chip technology for space and defence communications.
Circuits Integrated’s UK expansion centres on KythrionTM, its flagship chipset platform designed to improve the performance, efficiency, and sustainability of flat panel antennas used in satellite communications and related dual-use applications. The technology integrates compound (III-V) semiconductors such as gallium arsenide (GaAs) or gallium nitride (GaN) with silicon within a 3D system-in-package structure. This significantly reduces antenna size, weight, power, and cost by more than 60 per cent compared with conventional designs.
KythrionTM chipset platform
The result is a more compact, efficient and robust platform for satellite and defence applications, capable of supporting the next wave of high-throughput communications networks in low-Earth orbit (LEO) and beyond.
The approach allows both transmit and receive functions to be co-integrated directly within the antenna element, simplifying system architecture and improving thermal performance while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes. Radiation-resistant materials further extend satellite lifespan, offering sustainability benefits for operators looking to cut launch costs and reduce hardware turnover.
Kythrion is currently undergoing packaging and stress validation, with early-stage demonstrators expected in late 2026 and general availability in mid-2027. Circuits Integrated plans to collaborate with UK partners in research, prototyping, and advanced manufacturing as it expands its local team to between 20 and 40 engineers within two years following product deployment.
Carl McMahon, Chief Commercial Officer at Circuits Integrated, said: “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, Circuits Integrated CEO, added: “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&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.”
By locating within the Space South Central cluster, Circuits Integrated gains direct access to one of the UK’s most vibrant innovation communities, linking its advanced design expertise with leading research institutions and commercial partners across space, defence, and communications.
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.”
Antonia Yendell, Head of Space Ecosystem Development at the UK Space Agency, said:
“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.”
