€8.46 Million Semiconductor Research Centre Opens in Letterkenny

A significant milestone for innovation in the semiconductor sector was achieved with the launch of the €8.46 million Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research Centre (SPEAR) at the Atlantic Technological University (ATU) campus in Letterkenny, County Donegal, on September 18, 2025. This initiative is backed by the PEACEPLUS programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and aims to establish the Northwest as a leader in semiconductor and photonics technology.

The SPEAR Centre is designed to align with the EU Chips Act and Ireland’s Smart Specialisation Strategy, focusing on integrating advanced technology capabilities into the regional economy. The project will be led by ATU’s WiSAR Lab in collaboration with Ulster University, the Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork, and Seagate Technology based in Derry.

Dr. Nick Timmons from ATU noted that the centre will significantly enhance the region’s capacity for semiconductor and photonics innovation, with expectations for substantial growth in the future. Over the next few years, SPEAR will focus on three primary areas of development.

Key Areas of Development

The first pillar of the project is the establishment of a Doctoral College, which will support the training of the next generation of PhD researchers in the fields of photonics, artificial intelligence, and semiconductor technologies. This initiative aims to ensure a steady flow of skilled professionals into the sector.

Secondly, an Innovation Fund will be created to assist at least nine regional small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in adopting cutting-edge technologies. This financial support will enable these businesses to enhance their operations and competitiveness in the global market.

Lastly, a Strategic Engagement Programme will promote collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers while raising public awareness about the benefits of advanced technologies. This comprehensive approach aims to foster a thriving ecosystem for innovation in the Northwest.

The launch event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including academic experts, industry leaders, government representatives, and regional SMEs.

Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD highlighted the importance of the SPEAR Centre, stating, “The launch marks a significant milestone in our ambition to lead in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor innovation. By aligning with the EU Chips Act and our national Smart Specialisation Strategy, this initiative will drive regional economic growth and ensure that SMEs and researchers are at the forefront of global technological development.”

Additionally, Economy Minister Dr. Caoimhe Archibald MLA emphasized the project’s role in creating a global centre of excellence for semiconductor photonics in the Northwest, noting the strong partnerships already established between local universities and industry.

Gina McIntyre, Chief Executive of SEUPB, remarked on the transformative potential of this PEACEPLUS project. She stated, “This initiative represents an investment in technology and education and also in people, places, and the shared future of the cross-border region. By fostering collaboration among ATU, Ulster University, and Tyndall National Institute, we will strengthen the bonds of shared progress.”

Long-term Vision for the Northwest

Dr. Orla Flynn, President of Atlantic Technological University, concluded by emphasizing that SPEAR is not just an investment in research infrastructure. “It is a commitment to regional transformation. By embedding deep technology expertise into the Northwest, SPEAR will support enterprise growth, create high-value jobs, and build resilience in the face of global challenges.”

Through leveraging the combined expertise of its partners and the investment from PEACEPLUS, the SPEAR Centre aims to catalyze sustainable economic growth, enterprise development, and workforce upskilling across border regions. This initiative not only seeks to advance research and innovation but also aims to deliver tangible benefits to the region’s economy and society, thereby contributing to a more sustainable and inclusive future.