Heronic Technologies to enter strategic discussions with Japanese semiconductor giant ROHM
Success at UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme reverse pitch results in opportunity for collaboration
Heronic Technologies, an Imperial College London spinout specialising in artificial intelligence (AI) accelerator architectures, has been selected to participate in commercial and technical discussions with ROHM Semiconductor, one of Japan’s largest electronics companies. The opportunity follows Heronic's successful performance at a recent UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme reverse pitch event, held in London in September.
Heronic’s proprietary technology enables the customisation of chips for specific AI applications, optimising efficiency and performance beyond the capabilities of generic architectures.
The company's innovative approach to chip architecture captured the interest of ROHM’s innovation and strategy teams, who are keen to enhance their development of power semiconductor materials and explore next-generation technologies including AI, photonics, spintronics and quantum solutions.
The reverse pitch event, organised by the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme at Asia House in London, featured seven cutting-edge UK companies. Each took a turn to describe how their technologies could support ROHM’s business objectives, followed by a Q&A session and networking opportunity.
Alexander Montgomerie-Corcoran, CEO of Heronic Technologies, commented: “We’re honoured that ROHM selected us as the winning company in this highly competitive reverse pitch. Our technology significantly boosts the energy efficiency and performance of AI and machine learning applications.
“ROHM has a global reputation for innovation in the electronics industry and we’re excited at the opportunity to integrate our AI-driven solutions into its advanced semiconductor products.”
Alexander Montgomerie-Corcoran, CEO of Heronic Technologies, commented: “We’re honoured that ROHM selected us as the winning company in this highly competitive reverse pitch. Our technology significantly boosts the energy efficiency and performance of AI and machine learning applications.
“ROHM has a global reputation for innovation in the electronics industry and we’re excited at the opportunity to integrate our AI-driven solutions into its advanced semiconductor products.”
Koji Taniuchi, General Manager of ROHM’s Technology Innovation Team, said: “We’re constantly on the lookout for startups with the cutting-edge technology to create new businesses over the next 10-20 years. We’re particularly focusing on exploring technologies that integrate optoelectronics and spintronics.
“During this pitch event, seven startups with excellent technologies and ideas gathered from across the UK and presented their proposals to us. Each was outstanding, making it difficult to choose, but we selected Heronic as we expect its bespoke AI design environment to accelerate our digital strategy.”
Jeremy Shaw, leader of the UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme, congratulated Heronic Technologies on their success: “These events are designed to showcase the very best of UK innovation to APAC’s top industry players. We’re thrilled that Heronic Technologies has earned this exciting opportunity to engage with one of Japan’s most respected semiconductor companies.”
The UK-APAC Tech Growth Programme, delivered on behalf of the government by international business development consultancy Intralink, helps high-growth technology companies explore and expand into the APAC region. Participating companies benefit from market entry guidance, business development support and connections to potential partners and customers. The programme covers 11 markets including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan and Australia. Companies can apply to join the programme at www.intralinkgroup.com/TGP.
The programme recently published a report exploring semiconductor opportunities in Northeast Asia, identifying key prospects for UK firms in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The report is available for free download at bit.ly/4dv8EPC
About Intralink
Intralink is a business development consultancy specialising in international markets. It helps companies expand in Asia, Europe and North America; it enables corporates to thrive through global collaboration; and it helps governments to grow their exports and attract foreign investment. Founded in 1990, the company has offices in Shanghai, Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Singapore, Boston, Silicon Valley, LA, Oxford, London, Paris, Poznań, and Tel Aviv. See more at www.intralinkgroup.com
techUK International Policy and Trade Programme activities
techUK supports members with their international trade plans and aspirations. We help members to understand market opportunities, tackle market access barriers, and build partnerships in their target market. Visit the programme page here.
techUK's first delegation to India
techUK’s international team was proud to lead our first-ever members delegation to India
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Sabina Ciofu is International Policy and Strategy Lead at techUK, where she heads the International Policy and Trade Programme. Based in Brussels, she shapes global tech policy, digital trade, and regulatory cooperation across the EU, US, Canada, Asia-Pacific, and the Gulf region. She drives strategy, advocacy, and market opportunities for UK tech companies worldwide, ensuring their voice is heard in international policy debates.
With nearly a decade of previous experience as a Policy Advisor in the European Parliament, Sabina brings deep expertise in tech regulation, trade policy, and EU–US relations. Her work focuses on navigating and influencing the global digital economy to deliver real impact for members.
A passionate community-builder, Sabina co-founded Young Professionals in Digital Policy (800+ members) and now runs Old Professionals in Digital Policy (more experience, better wine, earlier nights). She is also the founder of the Gentlewomen’s Club, a network of 500+ women supporting each other with kindness.
She holds advisory roles with the UCL European Institute, Café Transatlantique (a network of women in transatlantic tech policy), and The Nine, Brussels’ first members-only club for women.
Recognised by ComputerWeekly as one of the most influential women in UK tech, Sabina is also a sought-after public speaker on tech, trade and diversity.
Sabina holds an MA in War Studies from King’s College London and a BA in Classics from the University of Cambridge.
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Daniel Clarke
Senior Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade, techUK
Dan joined techUK as a Policy Manager for International Policy and Trade in March 2023.
Before techUK, Dan worked for data and consulting company GlobalData as an analyst of tech and geopolitics. He has also worked in public affairs, political polling, and has written freelance for the New Statesman and Investment Monitor.
Dan has a degree in MSc International Public Policy from University College London, and a BA Geography degree from the University of Sussex.
Outside of work, Dan is a big fan of football, cooking, going to see live music, and reading about international affairs.
Theo joined techUK in 2024 as EU Policy Manager. Based in Brussels, he works on our EU policy and engagement.
Theo is an experienced policy adviser who has helped connect EU and non-EU decision makers.
Prior to techUK, Theo worked at the EU delegation to Australia, the Israeli trade mission to the EU, and the City of London Corporation’s Brussels office. In his role, Theo ensures that techUK members are well-informed about EU policy, its origins, and its implications, while also facilitating valuable input to Brussels-based decision-makers.
Theo holds and LLM in International and European law, and an MA in European Studies, both from the University of Amsterdam.
Tess joined techUK as an Policy and Public Affairs Team Assistant in November of 2024. In this role, she supports areas such as administration, member communications and media content.
Before joining the Team, she gained experience working as an Intern in both campaign support for MPs and Councilors during the 2024 Local and General Election, and working for the Casimir Pulaski Foundation on defence and international secuirty. She has worked for multiple charities, on issues such as the climate crisis, educational inequality and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG). In 2023, Tess obtained her Bachelors of Arts in Politics and International Relations from the University of Nottingham.
