The initiative builds on Ireland’s extensive semiconductor industry which is comprised of more than 130 indigenous and foreign subsidiary companies.
The Government has announced the launch of I-C3, Ireland’s National Competence Centre in Semiconductors, which is one of 30 other national chip competency centres in Europe, in 27 different countries. The initiative is designed to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.
Co-ordinated by the Tyndall National Institute and supported by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment through Enterprise Ireland, the initiative is also co-funded by the EU, under the Chips Joint Undertaking partnership. The hub will be led by consortium partners Tyndall National Institute, MCCI, MIDAS Ireland, NovaUCD and UCD.
Described by the Government as a “significant milestone in Ireland’s commitment to semiconductor innovation and European collaboration”, I-C3 will focus on start-ups and SMEs by providing access to essential resources, funding pathways, training, design tools and pilot line facilities.
The long-term objective is to empower Ireland’s start-ups and SMEs and to build on Ireland’s vibrant and extensive semiconductor industry, which is comprised of more than 130 indigenous and foreign subsidiary companies. The industry also employs more than 20,000 people and is part of a 175,000-person strong broader ICT sector.
Multinational leaders such as Intel, Apple, Qualcomm, AMD and Analog Devices have long invested in Irish R&D and I-C3 aims to further elevate Ireland’s global standing in semiconductor innovation.
Commenting on the launch, Peter Burke, the Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, TD, said, “As a hub for the semiconductor ecosystem, my Department is delighted that I-C3 will ensure that opportunities as part of the Chips for Europe Initiative are accessible for businesses of all sizes within the industry, along with bringing greater diversity of expertise and depth of innovation to the knowledge base of the semiconductor ecosystem in Europe.
“I-C3’s launch is another significant milestone in the delivery of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy. With this launch, my Department is very excited about I-C3’s ability to empower Irish SMEs to scale internationally, drive innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem and create high-value jobs.
“I-C3 will also facilitate the development of skills and talent, and build on our strengths by enhancing the relationship between infrastructure, industry and RD&I capability to ensure Ireland leads in advanced manufacturing and chip design.”
Joe Healy, the divisional manager of research, innovation and infrastructure at Enterprise Ireland, added, “With the support of I-C3, Ireland is set to double the number of people employed in semi-conductor start-ups and SMEs by 2030. The centre will act as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth, ensuring that Irish stakeholders, from academia to industry, can fully participate in the Chips for Europe Initiative.”
The EU and many of the countries under its banner have committed significantly to advancements and further independence in the global semiconductor race. Earlier this month (9 February) the European Union launched the €2.5bn NanoIC – the largest pilot line in the EU Chips Act.
Additionally, in January of this year, Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer ASML Holdings NV became the third European company to pass $500bn in market valuation. Previously, Danish drug maker Novo Nordisk and France-based Dior-parent LVMH reached this milestone.
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