Semiconductor Photonics Education and Research Centre (SPEAR)
Advancing Semiconductor & Photonics Innovation in the Northwest Cross-Border Region
Europe’s semiconductor and photonics sectors are undergoing rapid expansion, driven by the EU Chips Act and the need to secure technological capability, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. In the Northwest cross-border region, there is a growing demand for specialised skills, advanced manufacturing expertise and enhanced research capacity to ensure that industry and SMEs can capture these emerging opportunities.
The SPEAR Centre has been established to address these needs by building a new regional cluster in semiconductor and photonics technologies. Bringing together leading expertise from Atlantic Technological University’s WiSAR Lab, Ulster University, the Tyndall National Institute at University College Cork and anchor industry partner Seagate Technology, SPEAR will accelerate innovation and support long-term regional transformation. The €8.46 million project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
SPEAR aims to develop a deeper understanding of the technological, economic and workforce factors shaping the growth of semiconductor and photonics industries in the region. The project will combine cutting-edge research, industrial collaboration and new educational pathways to equip enterprises and researchers with the tools needed to thrive in advanced technology domains. Pilot initiatives and industry-focused activities will help validate new approaches and demonstrate their impact across the cross-border economy.
The long-term objective of SPEAR is to position the Northwest as a hub for semiconductor and photonics innovation. Through its three key pillars: the Doctoral College, the Innovation Fund for SMEs and a Strategic Engagement Programme, SPEAR will support workforce upskilling, stimulate enterprise development and strengthen cross-border partnerships. With its multidisciplinary team of engineers, researchers, educators and industry collaborators, the Centre is uniquely equipped to harness shared regional strengths and deliver solutions that benefit society, the economy, and future generations.
Partnership:
- WiSAR Lab, Atlantic Technological University
- Ulster University
- Tyndall National Institute, University College Cork
- Seagate Technology
Budget:
€8.46 million
