Cardiff Capital Region has announced that its £160 million Investment Zone programme is moving into delivery, following agreement on the arrangements for long-term funding and governance.
The announcement, made on 24 September 2026, builds on a memorandum of understanding agreed between Cardiff Capital Region, the UK Government and the Welsh Government earlier in the year.
The programme has been developed with Cardiff Council, Newport City Council and research partners. It focuses on advanced manufacturing and digital technologies, with particular emphasis on the established compound semiconductor industry in South East Wales.
Cardiff Capital Region expects the Investment Zone to attract further private investment, create skilled employment and support new research, development and manufacturing capacity. These are programme ambitions rather than outcomes already achieved.
An initial £4 million skills programme is also being taken forward to help businesses access the capabilities they need and enable residents to pursue opportunities in relevant industries.
The announcement identifies the first delivery arrangements for the programme. The next stages will show which proposed interventions proceed and how they connect with the region's investment and innovation priorities.