Editorial - Second FAMES Newsletter
As CEO of Tyndall National Institute, I am delighted to contribute the editorial to this edition of the FAMES Newsletter.
Tyndall is a leading research centre in semiconductor materials, devices, circuits and systems. Specialising in microelectronics and photonics, we partner with industry and academia to transform research into products for electronics, communications, energy, health, agri-tech and the environment. With over 200 global industry partners, Tyndall is committed to delivering “excellent impact from excellent research”. Established in 1982, and based at University College Cork, Tyndall hosts 650 people from 52 nationalities, including 100 from industry. A highlight of 2025 has been the spin-out of three new companies: Pulpo Semiconductors, Vivid Photonics, and Endurance.
Ireland’s semiconductor sector is thriving, with 130+ companies, 20,000 jobs and €13.5 billion in annual exports. This year saw the Irish Government launch “Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy”, with the objective of strengthening Ireland’s global position, create high-value jobs and drive innovation. By 2040, Ireland is targeting up to 34,500 new semiconductor roles. Aligned with this strategy, the Irish Government has supported Tyndall as a hosting site for three of the five Chips Joint Undertaking Pilot Lines under the European Chips Act – FAMES, NanoIC and PIXEurope. Tyndall also serves as Ireland’s National Competence Centre for semiconductors. In 2026, Tyndall is planning to initiate a major expansion which will double its existing 17,500m2 footprint.
In FAMES, Tyndall is focused on the application of world-leading technologies in “integrated magnetics”, “power management integrated circuits” and “micro-transfer printing” to power FDSOI circuits. Tyndall’s magnetics-on-silicon technology (MagIC), is enabling the move from large, wire-wound power inductors in Point-of-Load dc-dc converters to vertically-integrated, power delivery, minimising circuit parasitics and maximising converter efficiency and transient response. In FAMES, Tyndall researchers are collaborating with CEA-Leti colleagues to deliver highly miniaturised dc-dc power converters that leverage CEA-Leti’s PMIC and high-density trench-capacitor interposer technologies.
Tyndall is proud to be a partner in FAMES and to contribute to Europe’s semiconductor vision.
I hope you enjoy this Newsletter, which highlights key aspects of FAMES activities in 2025.
Regards,
Professor William Scanlon, CEO Tyndall National Institute
Professor William Scanlon, CEO Tyndall National Institute
At the launch in Tyndall on May 20th, 2025 of “Silicon Island – Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy”
(Left-Right)
Professor William Scanlon, CEO Tyndall National Institute; Minister for Enterprise, Tourism and Employment, Peter Burke TD; Dr. Denis Doyle, Chair, Tyndall Board.
(Photographer: Clare Keogh)
