UCD partners on Ireland’s new National Competence Centre in Semiconductors
University College Dublin (UCD) and NovaUCD have joined the consortium behind I-C3, Ireland’s newly established National Competence Centre in Semiconductors — a significant initiative aimed at supporting start-ups and SMEs operating in the sector.
Launched as part of the European Chips Act, I-C3 will provide companies with access to funding routes, specialist training, advanced chip design tools and pilot production facilities. The centre is designed to strengthen Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem while reinforcing UCD’s role in advanced manufacturing, entrepreneurship and high-impact research.
As a consortium partner, UCD will contribute technical expertise and help companies transition from circuit-board-level development to microchip-level design, while also supporting them in securing research and commercialisation funding.
Professor Peter Kennedy of UCD’s School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering said the centre will play a key role in enabling Irish SMEs to compete internationally and accelerate innovation.
“In addition to our long-standing role in research, education, training and intellectual property development — supporting spin-outs such as Equal1 — UCD will lead efforts to help companies access funding for both research and business development,” he said.
NovaUCD will act as I-C3’s dedicated start-up hub, delivering tailored supports to help high-potential ventures scale globally.
The I-C3 consortium is coordinated by Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork and also includes MIDAS Ireland and MCCI. The initiative is supported by the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment through Enterprise Ireland, with co-funding from the European Union’s Chips Joint Undertaking.
Simon Factor, Head of New Ventures and Investment at NovaUCD, said the partnership brings together a strong network of academic and industry collaborators.
“UCD has a rich track record of impactful semiconductor research, and we are excited to work with Tyndall, MIDAS and MCCI to help build the next generation of globally significant Irish technology companies,” he said.
I-C3 represents an important step in Ireland’s participation in the European Chips Act and the broader Chips for Europe Initiative. Ireland already has an established semiconductor ecosystem employing more than 20,000 people nationwide.
Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment Peter Burke TD welcomed the launch, saying I-C3 will ensure businesses of all sizes can access opportunities under the Chips for Europe framework.
“With this launch, we are confident that I-C3 will empower Irish SMEs to scale internationally, stimulate innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem and create high-value jobs,” he said. “The centre will also strengthen skills development and deepen collaboration between infrastructure, industry and research, development and innovation — helping to position Ireland as a leader in advanced manufacturing and chip design.”
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