IQE

IQE is the global leader in the design and manufacture of advanced semiconductor wafer product.

Dr Drew Nelson co-founded IQE in 1988 and has led the Welsh semiconductor company to become an international world leader in the supply of epitaxial wafers for a wide range of products that enable technologies as diverse as mobile phones, high speed optical communications, ultra-efficient solar cells and low energy lighting.

Dr Nelson has been actively driving the establishment of the world’s first compound semiconductor cluster in Wales, which is one of the biggest science activities in Wales at the moment. IQE has also been selected as a 2017 Raytheon Supplier Excellence Program EPIC Award winner. As part of the Raytheon Supplier Excellence Program, suppliers are awarded for their outstanding performance, contributions, and support to programs across one or more Raytheon businesses.

IQE has been selected to receive an EPIC Award for its overall Excellence in Performance, Innovation & Collaboration. In 2017, IQE has won Best Technology title at the AIM Awards 2017  and with Cardiff University won the Economic Impact title at the Business and Education Partnerships Awards.

Dr Drew Nelson has also received an OBE, several lifetime achievement awards and an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff University in recognition for his services to Innovation and technology.