Space Forge Just Raised 30 Million to Build Super Chips in Space and It Might Change Everything

In what is being hailed as a historic leap for space-tech and semiconductor innovation, UK startup Space Forge has secured $30 million in Series A funding to accelerate its mission of manufacturing advanced chip materials in space. Headquartered in Cardiff, Wales, the company is turning science fiction into tangible innovation — producing high-performance semiconductors and materials in orbit where microgravity and temperature extremes enable breakthroughs that Earth simply can’t offer.

Demand for semiconductors is booming — from AI to EVs, every industry wants faster, more energy-efficient chips. But traditional silicon is reaching its limits. Space Forge’s answer? Take the manufacturing off-planet. According to CEO Joshua Western, space-based crystal production results in ultra-pure materials with far fewer defects — ideal for powering everything from 5G towers to quantum computing systems.

Space Forge’s most recent funding round, the largest Series A in UK space-tech history, was led by the NATO Innovation Fund with backing from prominent investors including the World Fund, British Business Bank, and Northrop Grumman. Their belief in Space Forge’s “carbon-negative” technology underlines how significant its innovation could be — not just for defense or computing, but for sustainability as well.

But what makes this all possible now? As Western puts it, “Physics has the answers, and engineering is how you actually get there.” And indeed, the engineering is impressive. Instead of using capsules for re-entry like in the Apollo era, Space Forge returns its payloads via umbrella-like heat shields — affectionately nicknamed “Mary Poppins from space.” Their next-gen satellite, ForgeStar-1, is readying for launch this year, followed by the even more ambitious ForgeStar-2.

Behind the scenes, geopolitical pressure is also playing a role. With Europe importing 80% of its chips — and 90% of advanced semiconductors sourced from Taiwan — the need for a resilient, localized supply chain has never been greater. Space Forge’s model could make Europe less dependent, more sustainable, and far more future-ready.

The road ahead is challenging. Their first mission in 2023 was lost due to a Virgin Orbit launch failure. But with new funding, a global support network, and strategic partnerships (including with Sierra Space and the UK Space Agency), Space Forge is preparing to return to orbit and prove that the future of chips lies above the clouds.