Key Information
Duration: October 2025 – September 2029
Acronym: SPEAR
PI Name: Prof. Paul Townsend
Topic: A project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU programmes Body (SEUPB) for Semiconductor Photonics, Research, Innovation and Skills Development
Title: Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research Centre
Coordinator: Atlantic Technological University (ATU)
Total Participants: 3 academic institutions (Atlantic Technological University, Ulster University, Tyndall), and Seagate Technology
Project No: PP00772
Funding Programme: PEACEPLUS, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)
EU Contribution: € 8.46 million
Project Information
The Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research (SPEAR) Centre is a €8.46 million, four-year cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The project aims to position the North-West region of Ireland and Northern Ireland as a strategic hub for semiconductor and photonics research, innovation and advanced skills development.
Aligned with the European Chips Act and Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, SPEAR seeks to enhance regional research capabilities, facilitate the adoption of emerging technologies and support sustainable economic growth through collaboration between academia and industry.
Partners
The SPEAR Centre is led by Atlantic Technological University (ATU), through its WiSAR Lab, in partnership with Ulster University and Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork, and Seagate Technology.
The consortium brings together complementary expertise in semiconductor technologies, photonics, artificial intelligence, research training and industrial innovation. By connecting academic research with industry needs, SPEAR aims to facilitate knowledge exchange, strengthen cross-border collaboration and create new opportunities for technological development and regional enterprise growth.
SPEAR Capabilities
SPEAR supports the development of a regional semiconductor and photonics innovation ecosystem through advanced research, specialised training and industry-focused initiatives. Its activities aim to address regional skills gaps, strengthen SME innovation capacity and promote the application of emerging technologies across sectors such as communications, sensing and advanced manufacturing.
The Centre delivers its objectives through three interconnected pillars:
- Doctoral College: Developing the next generation of researchers through PhD training in photonics and artificial intelligence, supported by collaborative research, specialised training and engagement with academic and industry partners.
- Innovation Fund: Supporting collaborative research and development with regional SMEs, enabling businesses to explore emerging technologies, address industrial challenges and strengthen their innovation capabilities.
- Strategic Engagement Programme: Fostering collaboration between academia, industry and policymakers through knowledge exchange, public outreach, industry engagement and policy development.
Together, these activities contribute to the wider objectives of PEACEPLUS by promoting cross-border cooperation, workforce development and long-term economic resilience in the North-West region.
