Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Covnetics have embarked upon an industry collaboration which will build UK expertise in critical digital systems that protect national security, ensure energy resilience and support mission critical space operations.
From flight-control systems to power generation control, from image processing to satellites, Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are a cornerstone technology underpinning some of the most critical assets in the UK. As the UK accelerates investment in advanced technologies, increasing national capability in FPGA design and verification is becoming a strategic priority for economic growth, security, and global competitiveness. In addition to this, as regulatory focus on cybersecurity intensifies, FPGAs are playing a critical role in enabling secure-by-design digital products placed on the market, particularly important with high-assurance and long-lifecycle systems.
FPGAs are integrated circuits which offer a unique blend of low latency, high performance, reconfigurability, long-term maintainability and deterministic performance. Unlike fixed-function silicon chips or software-only solutions, FPGA-based systems allow security mechanisms to be implemented directly in the hardware. This combination of features makes FPGAs ideal for use in data sensitive applications, AI and high-speed computing, but also indispensable for applications in safety-critical industries across aerospace, astronautics, defence, energy, rail sectors and nuclear.
Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Covnetics bring a proven track record in the delivery of critical FPGA programmes. Together we offer specialist skills, trusted processes and deep technical experience across the full lifecycle of FPGA-based systems that are critical to the country’s safety and security. We reduce risk on programmes where reliability truly matters – by designing systems that operate safely and predictably under all conditions, rigorously testing and verifying their behaviour, and delivering robust evidence of assurance. Alongside this, by investing in UK-based engineers, mentoring early-career talent, and sharing combined specialist knowledge, Frazer-Nash Consultancy and Covnetics will be supporting clients’ FPGA programmes while building a sustainable pipeline of FPGA expertise that benefits industry, infrastructure and future generations.
Guy Lock, Associate Director, Strategy – Defence and Security at Frazer-Nash said: “Frazer-Nash Consultancy has a long-standing reputation for the breadth and depth of its capabilities in technical consulting, project delivery and research and development. We have a proven track record as a trusted advisor to defence and energy sector clients with safe and secure implementations of innovative engineering solutions and novel technology. Over the past decade, we have expanded our FPGA capability from a standing start and are now seeking to continue this growth by strengthening our presence in the marketplace and establishing strategic industry relationships. Through our collaboration with Covnetics, we will be in a strong position to supply the unprecedented demand from the UK FPGA engineering sector, which will in turn help the UK to be safer, more resilient and more secure.”
Ram Dey, CEO of Covnetics, said: “Over the past three decades, the UK electronics industry has shifted significantly toward FPGA adoption across diverse sectors – many of which demand high-level security and specialised UK-based expertise. Unfortunately, the supply of local FPGA engineering resource hasn’t kept pace with this surging demand. This shortage has left many UK organisations struggling to find the engineering resources necessary to advance their programmes. While companies have turned to specialists like Covnetics and Frazer-Nash Consultancy for support, even they are feeling the strain of the limited talent pool."
"To address this challenge, we are embracing a collaborative approach. Covnetics and Frazer-Nash Consultancy are committing to a flexible partnership, sharing FPGA resources, and supporting one another to ensure our clients' projects stay on track. Flexing our FPGA resources will provide our customers access to more engineering resource, thereby helping them move forward. Our priority is – and always has been – the success of our customers, and we believe this collaborative model is the most effective way to deliver the results they need.”
If your project is facing technical challenges, skills gaps, or delivery risk, we can help. Together, our FPGA specialists bring practical experience in resolving complex issues, leading verification programmes and supporting back onto a stable delivery path. To find out more about our capability, please contact Liam Savage: l.savage@fnc.co.uk or Ram Dey: ram.dey@covnetics.com
