€8.46 Million Semiconductor Research Facility Opens in Letterkenny

A new semiconductor research facility, the **Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research Centre (SPEAR)**, was officially launched on **September 18, 2025**, at the **Atlantic Technological University (ATU)** campus in **Letterkenny, Co. Donegal**. This facility represents an investment of **€8.46 million** and aims to establish the **Northwest region** as a hub for innovation in semiconductor and photonics technologies.

The SPEAR project is supported by **PEACEPLUS**, a funding initiative managed by the **Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB)**. The initiative will be led by the **WiSAR Lab** at ATU, in collaboration with **Ulster University**, the **Tyndall National Institute** at **University College Cork**, and **Seagate Technology** in Derry.

Dr. **Nick Timmons** from ATU highlighted that the SPEAR Centre is set to enhance the region’s capabilities in advanced technology. He stated that this facility will not only foster local innovation but also contribute significantly to the economy of the Northwest.

Key Goals of the SPEAR Centre

The SPEAR Centre will focus on three main pillars over the coming years. First, it will establish a **Doctoral College** designed to train the next generation of PhD researchers in **photonics**, **artificial intelligence**, and **semiconductor technologies**. Second, an **Innovation Fund** will be created to support research and development efforts across at least nine regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), allowing them to integrate cutting-edge technologies into their operations. Lastly, a **Strategic Engagement Programme** will encourage collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers while raising public awareness of the potential of advanced technologies.

The launch event gathered a diverse group of stakeholders, including academic experts, industry leaders, and government representatives. **Peter Burke**, Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, emphasized the significance of the facility in enhancing the region’s standing in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation. He remarked, “This initiative will not only drive regional economic growth but also ensure that SMEs and researchers are at the forefront of global technological development.”

Impact on Regional Development

**Dr. Caoimhe Archibald**, Economy Minister, expressed her commitment to fostering innovation in the region. She stated, “Today’s launch moves us a step closer to creating a global centre of excellence for semiconductor photonics in the North West.” Archibald noted that established partnerships between universities and industry would facilitate achieving this ambitious goal.

**Gina McIntyre**, Chief Executive of SEUPB, highlighted the transformative potential of the PEACEPLUS initiative. She stated, “This project represents an investment in technology and education and also in people, in places, and in the shared future of the cross-border region.” McIntyre emphasized that the collaboration between ATU, Ulster University, and Tyndall National Institute would strengthen regional bonds and foster shared progress.

**Dr. Orla Flynn**, President of Atlantic Technological University, reiterated the importance of the SPEAR project. She mentioned that it goes beyond mere investment in infrastructure; it is a commitment to regional transformation. Flynn added, “By embedding deep technology expertise into the Northwest, SPEAR will support enterprise growth and create high-value jobs.”

The SPEAR Centre is poised to act as a catalyst for sustainable economic growth and workforce development. By leveraging the combined expertise of its partners and the funding provided through PEACEPLUS, the initiative aims to advance research and innovation while delivering tangible benefits to the local economy and society.

The establishment of the SPEAR Centre underlines the Northwest’s commitment to becoming a key player in the rapidly evolving semiconductor and photonics sectors, aligning with the EU Chips Act and Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy. This project not only aims to enhance regional innovation but also to create a sustainable future through education and high-tech enterprise development.