Tyndall National Institute, based at University College Cork, welcomed James Lawless, higher education, research, innovation and science minister recently to officially launch its 2024 annual report.

The report highlights that Tyndall has been chosen as the hosting site for three of the five Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) Pilot Lines under the European Chips Act, which is a landmark achievement for Ireland’s semiconductor research ecosystem. This significant achievement follows the recent launch of the National Semiconductor Strategy, marking a major step forward in Ireland’s position in the global semiconductor industry.

The Chips JU Pilot Lines are collaborative European initiatives led by top-tier research and technology organisations and are designed to bridge the critical gap between laboratory research and industrial-scale semiconductor production, accelerating the journey from lab-to-fab.

Tyndall is a key partner in the following three Pilot Lines:

• NanoIC: Led by imec, this Pilot Line focuses on next-generation systems-on-chip based on beyond-2nm logic nodes. Tyndall contributes cutting-edge research on the integration of emerging materials for embedded DRAM, supporting the development of ultra-advanced memory technologies;
• FAMES: Led by CEA-Leti, FAMES targets advanced fully depleted silicon-on-insulator (FD-SOI) nodes, integrating non-volatile memories, RF components, and smart power management. Tyndall enhances power delivery through its integrated magnetics platform and pioneering micro-transfer-printing technology for on-chip passive components;
• PIXEurope: Led by ICFO, this Pilot Line lays the foundation for advanced photonic integrated circuits (PICs). Tyndall leads the development of packaging technologies and plays a central role in establishing the prototyping and technology transfer gateway, including training and standards development.

Minister Lawless said: "Tyndall National Institute is a vital part of Ireland’s innovation ecosystem linking world-class research with industry. I was proud to launch their 2024 Annual Report and to mark Ireland’s success in being selected to host three of the five European Chips Joint Undertaking Pilot Lines.

"This is a major achievement for Irish semiconductor research and reflects the deep expertise and ambition of the team at Tyndall. It also reinforces Ireland’s position as a key European partner in the development of next-generation technologies. As minister, I am committed to ensuring that our investment in deep-tech, talent, and infrastructure delivers long-term strategic advantage for Ireland’s economy."

Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, added: "Being selected to host three Chips JU Pilot Lines is a major milestone for Tyndall and for Ireland. It reflects the depth of our expertise, the strength of our partnerships, and our focus on delivering impactful research that translates into real-world technologies."