Safe bet on SCI’s memory chip

A Sheffield-based semiconductor start-up is set to scale operations and recruit new engineers following a multi-million-pound funding boost.

SCI Semiconductor has raised £2.5 million to accelerate development of what it claims will be the world’s first ‘memory safe’ computer chip, designed to address flaws in traditional programming that allow memory to be accessed too freely – an issue linked to most cybersecurity breaches.

SCI’s upcoming ICENI chip series, based on CHERI technology, will compartmentalise memory and enforce tighter controls, reducing the risk of exploits and system failures.

Backed by Mercia Ventures, the funding includes support from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIF II) and angel investors from the UK and Silicon Valley.

Having also received early support from customers such as Google Research and more than £1 million in Government grants, bosses say they plan to use the cash to double SCI’s 20-strong workforce and establish a permanent base in Sheffield. 

They add they will target critical infrastructure, defence, automotive and healthcare sectors.

Haydn Povey, chief executive of SCI Semiconductor, who founded the company in 2022 along with industry veteran Krishna Anne, and has since received support from leading academics Dr David Jackson and Professor John Goodacre at the University of Manchester and Dr David Chisnall from the University of Cambridge, said: “Cybersecurity is second only to global conflict in terms of factors affecting the economy. 

“Memory safe chips have been shown to prevent 70 per cent of all attacks and would enable organisations to continue using existing software with complete peace of mind. 

“Developing a new generation of chips here in the UK will also help to ensure supply chain security and restore the country’s position as a leader in semiconductor technology.”

Will Schaffer, investment director at Mercia Ventures, added: “Memory safety has been a problem for years but until now has been a secondary priority.

“However, with the world becoming more dangerous, government and industry have woken up to the dangers. 

“Despite collaboration between the big tech companies, no one has yet managed to build a silicon chip that addresses the issue. 

“The funding will help SCI to win the race for memory safety and deliver next generation security.”

The £660 million NPIF II fund, which is operated by the British Business Bank, provides loans from £25,000 to £2 million and equity investment up to £5 million to help a range of small and medium sized businesses, driving innovation and creating opportunities for businesses to grow, scale and thrive.

Lizzy Upton, senior investment manager at the British Business Bank, added: “SCI Semiconductor is exactly the kind of innovative, future-focused business the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II was created to support.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →