This public procurement record has 1 release in its history.

Tender

05 Aug 2026 at 00:00

Summary of the contracting process

The University of Strathclyde is seeking tenders for the supply, delivery, and installation of a wafer-level optical tester as part of its ongoing initiative to establish a sovereign, open-access advanced semiconductor packaging capability in the UK. The procurement is at the tender stage, with a deadline for submissions on 7th September 2026. As central to its growth strategy in the education sector, the University aims to bolster domestic capabilities in semiconductor packaging to mitigate risks related to overseas dependencies. This procurement falls under the "goods" category with an open procedure, and the main delivery location is Glasgow, UKM82. Interested parties must consider a total contract value of £788,000, with electronic submission as the method of tendering.

This tender presents significant opportunities for businesses specialising in manufacturing and technology, particularly those with expertise in photonics and power electronics. Companies equipped with experience in semiconductor assembly, packaging, and testing are well-positioned to benefit from this contract. Additionally, as the initiative aims to anchor value onshore and reduce the supply chain's exposure to geopolitical disruptions, it could be a strategic move for UK-based businesses to participate. With selection criteria emphasising economic stability and previous experience, firms demonstrating a robust financial record and relevant project history will have a competitive edge in this procurement process.

How relevant is this notice?

Notice Title

Supply, Delivery and Installation of Wafer-Level Optical Tester

Notice Description

Background The UK urgently requires a sovereign, open-access advanced semiconductor packaging capability to close a well-evidenced market failure. Today, UK innovators in photonics and power electronics rely on overseas Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities for scaling to volume packaging, which fragments the supply chain, extends lead times, increases Intellectual Property (IP) leakage risk, and exposes critical technologies to geopolitical disruption. The National Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Packaging (NCASP) is the missing link that converts research excellence into manufacturable products. NCASP is creating an integrated, industry-led scale-up facility that connects UK device design to domestic, high-volume packaging, test and metrology - reducing time-to-market and anchoring value onshore. Description The University of Strathclyde has a requirement for wafer-level optical tester(s) capable of performing characterization of both surface-emitting Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser arrays and silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Lot Information

Lot 1

Background The UK urgently requires a sovereign, open-access advanced semiconductor packaging capability to close a well-evidenced market failure. Today, UK innovators in photonics and power electronics rely on overseas Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities for scaling to volume packaging, which fragments the supply chain, extends lead times, increases Intellectual Property (IP) leakage risk, and exposes critical technologies to geopolitical disruption. The National Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Packaging (NCASP) is the missing link that converts research excellence into manufacturable products. NCASP is creating an integrated, industry-led scale-up facility that connects UK device design to domestic, high-volume packaging, test and metrology - reducing time-to-market and anchoring value onshore. Description The University of Strathclyde has a requirement for wafer-level optical tester(s) capable of performing characterization of both surface-emitting Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser arrays and silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Options: The Contracting Authority reserves the right to request additional deliveries by the successful Tenderer, either intended as partial replacement of supplies or installations or as extensions of existing supplies and installations. The Contracting Authority may at it's sole discretion exercise this option.

Renewal: 12 months (if required maintenance and warranty)

Publication & Lifecycle

Open Contracting ID
ocds-r6ebe6-0000838768
Publication Source
Public Contracts Scotland
Latest Notice
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG561631
Current Stage
Tender
All Stages
Tender

Procurement Classification

Notice Type
OJEU - F2 - Contract Notice
Procurement Type
Standard
Procurement Category
Goods
Procurement Method
Open
Procurement Method Details
Open procedure
Tender Suitability
Not specified
Awardee Scale
Not specified

Common Procurement Vocabulary (CPV)

CPV Divisions

38 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)


CPV Codes

38000000 - Laboratory, optical and precision equipments (excl. glasses)

Notice Value(s)

Tender Value
£788,000 £500K-£1M
Lots Value
Not specified
Awards Value
Not specified
Contracts Value
Not specified

Notice Dates

Publication Date
5 Aug 2026Yesterday
Submission Deadline
7 Sep 20262 months to go
Future Notice Date
Not specified
Award Date
Not specified
Contract Period
Not specified - Not specified
Recurrence
Not specified

Notice Status

Tender Status
Active
Lots Status
Active
Awards Status
Not Specified
Contracts Status
Not Specified

Contracting Authority (Buyer)

Main Buyer
UNIVERSITY OF STRATHCLYDE
Contact Name
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Email
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →
Contact Phone
Available with D3 Tenders Premium →

Buyer Location

Locality
GLASGOW
Postcode
G1 1XU
Post Town
Glasgow
Country
Scotland

Major Region (ITL 1)
TLM Scotland
Basic Region (ITL 2)
TLM3 West Central Scotland
Small Region (ITL 3)
TLM32 Glasgow City
Delivery Location
TLM82 Glasgow City

Local Authority
Glasgow City
Electoral Ward
Anderston/City/Yorkhill
Westminster Constituency
Glasgow North East

Further Information

Notice Documents

  • https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG561631
    Supply, Delivery and Installation of Wafer-Level Optical Tester - Background The UK urgently requires a sovereign, open-access advanced semiconductor packaging capability to close a well-evidenced market failure. Today, UK innovators in photonics and power electronics rely on overseas Outsourced Semiconductor Assembly and Test (OSAT) facilities for scaling to volume packaging, which fragments the supply chain, extends lead times, increases Intellectual Property (IP) leakage risk, and exposes critical technologies to geopolitical disruption. The National Centre for Advanced Semiconductor Packaging (NCASP) is the missing link that converts research excellence into manufacturable products. NCASP is creating an integrated, industry-led scale-up facility that connects UK device design to domestic, high-volume packaging, test and metrology - reducing time-to-market and anchoring value onshore. Description The University of Strathclyde has a requirement for wafer-level optical tester(s) capable of performing characterization of both surface-emitting Distributed Feedback (DFB) laser arrays and silicon photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS)

View full OCDS Record for this contracting process

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The Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) is a framework designed to increase transparency and access to public procurement data in the public sector. It is widely used by governments and organisations worldwide to report on procurement processes and contracts.

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