Tyndall National Institute welcomed President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and a delegation of European Commissioners in a visit that marked a significant moment for Ireland and Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The visit highlighted how European policy, through the EU Chips Act, and Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, Silicon Island, are being translated into real capability, innovation, and impact. At the centre of this progress is Tyndall’s role as a coordinated national platform, bringing together world-class research, pilot line infrastructure, industry collaboration, SME engagement, and talent development. Notably, Tyndall hosts three of the five pilot lines established under the Chips Joint Undertaking, underlining its leadership role in Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.
A key focus of the visit was Tyndall’s leadership in advancing pilot lines, which bridge the gap between fundamental research and manufacturing at scale. These facilities are critical to accelerating innovation, strengthening European resilience, and enhancing global competitiveness in semiconductor technologies.
The engagement also underscored Europe’s distinctive approach to leadership in this strategically vital sector, one rooted in collaboration. By aligning national strengths and reducing fragmentation, Tyndall exemplifies how partnership across academia, industry, and government can deliver impact at scale under the EU Chips Act.
Tyndall’s research in microelectronics, photonics, and advanced materials continues to translate scientific excellence into solutions addressing major societal challenges, from climate technologies and digital infrastructure to healthcare and secure communications. Alongside this, its education and training programmes are supporting the development of a highly skilled, industry-ready talent pipeline for Europe’s future semiconductor needs.
Speaking following the visit, An Taoiseach Micheál Martin said:
I was delighted to welcome President Ursula von der Leyen and her fellow Commissioners to Tyndall National Institute.
Today’s visit provided a valuable opportunity to see first-hand the researchers and engineers driving the innovation, talent and technologies that will underpin Europe’s semiconductor future.
It also highlighted how Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy and the EU Chips Act are working together to translate world-class research into real industrial and societal impact.
Ireland already has a strong and well-established semiconductor ecosystem, built on leading research, deep industry partnerships, and a highly skilled workforce. We look forward to continuing to work closely with our European partners to strengthen Europe’s leadership in this critical technology.
