This network, established during the annual forum of the European Association on Smart Systems Integration (EPoSS), comprises the Portuguese Competence Center for Semiconductors (POEMS), MicroNanoSpain (Barcelona), and PIXSpain, the competence center coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV). The objective of this initiative is to foster structured cooperation that ensures strategic alignment and increases the visibility of the Iberian semiconductor ecosystem in Europe.
The Chip Competence Centres are part of the Chips for Europe initiative, one of the pillars of the European Chips Act promoted by the European Union to strengthen technological capacity, competitiveness and strategic autonomy.
These centers provide access to specialized knowledge, infrastructure, technological support, and other services that accelerate the adoption of semiconductor and photonics technologies across the European ecosystem. They also facilitate collaboration between companies, technology centers, and universities, fostering innovation and technology transfer.
In this respect, the Iberian Network allows for the harmonization of services offered by its various member centers, as well as connecting stakeholders with specialized knowledge and relevant infrastructure. This provides clearer access routes for SMEs and startups.
PIXSpain a nexus to connect business and innovation
Valentina Díaz, director of PIXSpain, highlighted the importance of integrating these technologies across various sectors, including telecommunications, healthcare, and cybersecurity. She noted that the creation of this network presents an opportunity to "strengthen the regional ecosystem by providing companies with the knowledge and tools to integrate photonics capabilities into their product development. This Iberian Network of Competence Centers will serve as key access points or bridges, connecting users with these opportunities and solutions to the technological challenges and needs they face.".
Díaz took the opportunity to highlight the work being done in this area by PIXSpain, which is the main point of contact in Spain for organizations and companies seeking to access or accelerate the use of integrated photonics. PIXSpain provides advisory and technology transfer support, access to advanced infrastructures covering the entire value chain of integrated photonics, capacity building and training tailored to user needs, collaborative projects between industry and academia, and knowledge of funding mechanisms in the field of photonic integration technologies.
A central hub for the promotion of local talent
This new coordination framework aims to maximize complementarities and leverage synergies across the regional value chain for semiconductors and integrated photonics. The Iberian Network will serve as a hub for regional collaboration by promoting scientific and industrial events, along with joint training and education programs designed to foster local talent.
“This memorandum marks the beginning of a practical collaboration aimed at making our combined capabilities more visible and accessible to companies, researchers and students across the Iberian region,” said Mariana Fernandes, head of national funding at the INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory) and coordinator of POEMS.
Beyond technical harmonization, the centers of competence aim to reduce fragmentation by focusing on areas of mutual strength: chip design, advanced materials, microelectronics, integrated photonics, systems integration, and technology transfer.
This collaboration will foster the exchange of technological intelligence and the sharing of best practices, all with the aim of positioning the Iberian semiconductor ecosystem within the broader European landscape.
About the centers of competence
POEMS (Portugal) is a national center of excellence within the "Chips for Europe" initiative, addressing the priorities defined in Portugal's National Semiconductor Strategy. Focusing on chip design, advanced packaging, and emerging technologies, POEMS draws on the expertise of 16 academic and research institutions and is coordinated by the INL (International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory). More information is available at https://www.poemscentre.eu/en
MicroNanoSpain is a national center of excellence that centralizes access to design and manufacturing capabilities in micro and nanoelectronics. It connects industry, academia, and innovators with infrastructure, training programs, and R&D support initiatives, while also linking Spain to five European pilot projects. It is coordinated by AESEMI (Spanish Association of the Semiconductor Industry). More information at https://micronanospain.org/
The PIXSpain Competence Centre is the national hub supporting the development, adoption, and impact of photonic integrated circuits (PICs) in Spain. It brings together training programs, technology advisory services, access to pilot lines and a design platform, and integration within the European integrated photonics ecosystem, enhancing the industrial and social impact of photonic technologies. A consortium of six partners, it is coordinated by the Polytechnic University of Valencia. More information at https://pixspain.es/
