Tyndall National Institute welcomed Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD, yesterday for the official launch of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy.
Representatives from government, research organisations, and industry, including start-ups and SMEs, were also in attendance. The event featured MC Lisa O’Riordan, Head of Communications at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, and included a panel discussion moderated by Anne-Marie Tierney Le-Roux of IDA Ireland. Panelists were Denis Doyle, Chair of Tyndall; John Mackey of Mbryonics; Paul Kelleher of Qualcomm; and Siobhán Ní Chofaigh, CEO and co-founder of Mint-Tek Circuits.
This landmark strategy outlines Ireland’s ambitions to strengthen its position in the global semiconductor industry, creating high-value jobs, attracting investment, and driving innovation in advanced manufacturing, chip design, and research. The strategy was developed in consultation with industry leaders, academic experts, and research institutions.
Minister Burke described the strategy as a turning point for Ireland’s future in technology:
Ireland already has a strong semiconductor base, with over 130 indigenous and multinational companies, 20,000 jobs and €13.5 billion in annual exports. But with the right support, I believe we could do far more. By 2040, Ireland could support up to 34,500 new semiconductor roles.
Tyndall, Ireland’s national institute for semiconductors, will play a leading role in delivering the strategy through cutting-edge research and innovation, education, and skills development.
Minister Burke said:
Much of the work to achieve our ambitions is already under way. We have already earmarked over €70 million in national and EU funding for Tyndall’s participation in three EU Pilot Lines. We have established I-C3 – a national competence centre under the European Chips Act – and joined forces with Analog Devices and 14 EU Member States in the IPCEI on Microelectronics.
Professor William Scanlon, CEO of Tyndall, said:
I welcome the publication of the strategy and the Government’s support and ambition for the semiconductor industry and ecosystem in Ireland. As the national institute for semiconductors, Tyndall is proud to play our part in the delivery of the strategy through collaborative research and innovation and the development of talent and skills.
Tyndall was delighted to host this milestone event for Ireland as we set out, for the first time, our ambitions to strengthen and grow our country’s role in the strategically important global semiconductor sector.
