SCI Semiconductor

SCI Semiconductor is a Sheffield-based deep-tech startup developing the world's first commercially available memory-safe microprocessors, targeting the fundamental cybersecurity vulnerability at the heart of around 70% of all cyberattacks. Memory safety flaws — caused by how traditional programming languages allow free access to memory — have underpinned some of the most devastating system failures in history, including the 2024 CrowdStrike global outage. SCI's approach solves this at the hardware level, removing the reliance on costly and impractical software patches.

SCI's ICENI family of microcontrollers is built on CHERI (Capability Hardware Enhanced RISC Instructions), a framework developed at the University of Cambridge and formally backed by both the UK and US governments. The chips enforce security by dividing memory into compartments with tightly controlled access permissions, and are compatible with existing open-source software and development tools — making adoption practical for organisations in critical infrastructure, defence, automotive, medical, and telecoms sectors. Google Research has already signed up as a customer.

Founded in 2022 by CEO Haydn Povey and co-founder Krishna Anne — alongside academic advisors from Cambridge and Manchester universities — SCI Semiconductor raised £2.3 million from NPIF II – Mercia Equity Finance and angel investors from the UK and Silicon Valley to build its engineering team and bring ICENI to market. The company has also secured over £1 million in UK government technology development grants.