Record Spinout Success Signals Growth of Irish Semiconductor Sector

Tyndall National Institute has published its 2025 Annual Report, marking a landmark year for research, innovation and industry engagement, highlighted by the launch of three new semiconductor spin-out companies and growing evidence of Ireland’s emerging indigenous semiconductor sector. Tyndall is a partnership between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and University College Cork.

In what was Tyndall’s most successful year for commercialisation activity to date, Vivid Photonics, PulpoSemi and Endurance Semiconductors were established to bring breakthrough Irish semiconductor technologies to global markets.

All three companies were selected for the inaugural ChipStart EU Programme, Europe’s first incubator dedicated to semiconductor start-ups, with Tyndall spinouts accounting for 25% of the successful applicants selected from across Europe.

The achievement comes at an important time for Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem, demonstrating that semiconductors are not solely the domain of multinational corporations but also represent a significant opportunity for indigenous enterprise creation and growth.

The report highlights how Tyndall’s impact extends beyond research excellence into economic development. During 2025, Tyndall engaged directly with 98 industry partners, secured €8.5 million in industry funding, and helped establish Ireland’s Chips Competence Centre (I-C3), which provides funding, mentoring, training and market-access supports to semiconductor companies seeking to scale.

A major milestone during the year was the publication and launch of Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy, which positions Ireland to capture new opportunities under the European Chips Act. Tyndall played a central role in shaping the strategy and was selected to host its national launch, further reinforcing the institute’s position at the heart of Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem.

Professor William Scanlon, CEO, Tyndall, said: “The momentum created in 2025 positions Tyndall strongly for the years ahead. As Ireland continues to expand its semiconductor capabilities, our focus is on supporting industry, developing talent, commercialising research and helping more indigenous technology companies emerge and scale.”

Professor John O’Halloran, President, University College Cork, said: “Quantum and Photonics are a key pillar of UCC Futures, the university’s flagship research and innovation framework. The publication of this report and Tyndall’s ongoing success shows that this framework is not merely aspirational; the work conducted in UCC and Tyndall nurtures cutting edge research and follows it through to real-world impact.”

Dr Denis Doyle, Board Chair, Tyndall, said: “2025 was a landmark year for Tyndall. From record spin-out activity and growing industry engagement to our selection to host three of Europe’s five Chips Joint Undertaking pilot lines, Tyndall continues to translate research excellence into impact. These achievements strengthen our position at the heart of Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem and provide a strong foundation for future growth.”

Tyndall’s Annual Report 2025 also reports record research income, major European funding successes, continued progress on Tyndall’s campus expansion, and significant achievements across research excellence, international engagement, people and culture, and infrastructure development.

Tyndall’s Annual Report is available here: https://www.tyndall.ie/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Tyndall-Annual-Report-2025.pdf

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