National Research Centre for Heterogeneous Integration and Advanced Semiconductor Systems
Rinn Semiconductors is Ireland’s newest national research centre advancing next-generation semiconductor technologies through heterogeneous integration, chiplet-based architectures, and advanced packaging.
The Rinn Semiconductors Centre addresses one of the most critical challenges in modern electronics: the slowdown of traditional semiconductor scaling. Its research focuses on enabling heterogeneously integrated systems that combine chiplets and advanced packaging technologies to deliver higher performance, efficiency, and system-level flexibility. The Centre is structured around interconnected research domains that link foundational science to real-world technologies.
Rinn Semiconductors at Tyndall
Here at Tyndall, we are proud to be a driving force across the Rinn Network. We are uniting with partners nationwide to amplify our collective scale and deliver real-world impact. This is radical collaboration in action.
Led by Professor Paul Townsend, the Centre unites a national consortium of leading universities and research institutions:
- Tyndall National Institute
- University College Cork
- Trinity College Dublin
- Munster Technological University
- Dublin City University
- University of Galway
- University of Limerick
Together, we are building a coordinated national effort to connect materials research, device innovation, and system-level applications.
Research Vision & Themes
Heterogeneous Integration (HET)
Creation of novel chiplets combining silicon photonic circuits (lasers, data modulators, detectors etc.) with electronics (inductors, capacitors, integrated circuits etc.) and other materials. Led by Brian Corbett.
Advanced Packaging (PACK)
Major developments in process technologies, equipment automation and advanced packaging design rules leading to new standards, with a focus on glass interposer technology for interconnecting photonic and electronic chiplets to create systems-in-package. Led by Peter O’Brien.
Future Networks and the Internet (NET)
Transforming the energy efficiency of AI processing clusters in data centres and developing ultra-high speed intelligent air interface technologies for 6G wireless systems. Led by Fatima Gunning.
Sustainable Energy and Environment (ENV)
The development of wide area distributed acoustic sensing systems for the protection and optimisation of offshore cables and windfarms and the creation of low power, autonomous, sensors for greenhouse gas and pollutant monitoring. Led by Louise Bradley.
Digital Healthcare (CARE)
The realisation of multi-modal ‘chip-on-tip’ endoscopes for metabolic imaging and precision diagnostics addressing gastrointestinal disease and wearable sensors for precision biomarker monitoring, focusing in particular on neonatal care. Led by Stefan Andersson Engels.
Semiconductor Training
Rinn Semiconductors is designed to deliver both scientific excellence and societal impact by:
- Training over 100 PhD researchers
- Supporting up to 200 postdoctoral researchers
- Building a strong pipeline of talent for Ireland’s semiconductor industry
- Advancing collaboration between academia and industry
- Accelerating the translation of research into commercial technologies
Ireland’s semiconductor sector includes over 130 companies, supporting more than 20,000 jobs and generating €13.5 billion in annual exports. Rinn Semiconductors strengthens this ecosystem by connecting research capability with industrial needs.
Industry Collaboration
Rinn Semiconductors will actively work with industry partners across SMEs and multinational companies to deliver next-generation semiconductor technologies.
Collaboration Model
Our collaboration model is built on:
- Joint research and co-developed technology programmes
- Industry-aligned innovation challenges
- Shared access to expertise, facilities, and research capability
- Strong pathways for knowledge transfer and commercialisation
Transfer of high-value intellectual property
Central to this approach is the development and transfer of high-value intellectual property, supported in partnership with institutional technology transfer offices. This ensures that research outcomes can progress from concept to prototype and into real-world application.
Industry Partnerships
Rinn Semiconductors welcomes new industry partnerships ranging from fully industry-funded projects to co-funded research programmes supported through national and European funding mechanisms.
Recruitment and Expressions of Interest
Our partners are excited to announce a range of new research leadership and research training opportunities in semiconductor technologies and applications in Ireland. The opportunities span the disciplines of microelectronics and photonics, with a particular emphasis on the development of advanced heterogeneous integrated semiconductor systems and their applications.
These positions will be distributed across multiple locations in Ireland, including Cork, Dublin, Galway, and Limerick, and will support a vibrant, collaborative national research effort.
Opportunities include:
- PhD Studentships
- Postdoctoral Researchers
- Research Fellowships
In the meantime, we welcome Expressions of Interest from highly motivated candidates who wish to be considered for future opportunities within the Centre.
We encourage applications from individuals eager to contribute to a large-scale, multidisciplinary research environment focused on semiconductor innovation and impact.
