The initiative builds on Ireland’s extensive semiconductor industry which includes more than 130 local and foreign companies.
The Government has announced the launch of I-C3, the Irish National Training Center for Semiconductors, which is one of 30 other national chip training centers in Europe, in 27 different countries. This program is designed to strengthen the European semiconductor ecosystem.
Coordinated by the Tyndall National Institute and supported by the Department of Business, Tourism and Employment through Enterprise Ireland, the program is also funded by the EU, under the Chips Joint Undertaking partnership. The center will be led by consortium partners Tyndall National Institute, MCCI, MIDAS Ireland, NovaUCD and UCD.
Described by the Government as “an important milestone in Ireland’s commitment to semiconductor innovation and European collaboration”, C3 will focus on start-up and operational SMEs by providing access to key resources, funding mechanisms, training, design tools and pilot facilities.
The long-term goal is to empower Irish start-ups and SMEs and build on a vibrant and comprehensive Irish semiconductor industry, which includes over 130 local and foreign companies. The industry also employs over 20,000 people and is part of a strong ICT sector with 175,000 people.
International leaders such as Intel, Apple, Qualcomm, AMD and Analog Devices have long invested in Irish R&D and IC3 aims to further Ireland’s global position in semiconductor innovation.
Commenting on the launch, Peter Burke, Minister for Business, Tourism and Employment, TD, said, “As the heart of the semiconductor ecosystem, my Department is delighted that C3 will ensure that opportunities as part of the Chips for Europe Initiative are available to businesses of all sizes in the industry, as well as bringing greater technological diversity deep into Europe’s econductor.
“The launch of I-C3 is another important step in the delivery of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Steel Transformation Strategy With this launch, my Department is very excited about I-C3’s ability to empower Irish SMEs to reach out internationally, drive innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem and create high-value jobs.
“II-C3 will also help develop skills and talent, and build on our strengths by developing partnerships between infrastructure, industry and RD&I capability to ensure Ireland leads in advanced manufacturing and chip design.”
Joe Healy, head 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 startups and SMEs by 2030. The first step.”
The EU and many countries under its banner are strongly committed to the development and further liberalization of global semiconductor competition. Earlier this month (February 9) the European Union launched the plan €2.5bn NanoIC – the largest inspection line in the EU Chips Act.
In addition, in January of this year, a Dutch semiconductor equipment manufacturer Share price of ASML Holdings NV became the third European company to pass $500bn in market capitalisation. Earlier, Danish drugmaker Novo Nordisk and France-based Dior-parent LVMH reached the milestone.
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