A conference dedicated to the future of microelectronics and semiconductors in Portugal brought together, in Ílhavo, at PCI · Creative Science Park Aveiro Region, representatives from academia, industry and public entities to discuss the challenges and opportunities of a strategic sector for national and European competitiveness.
Opening session: a strategic vision for the sector
The opening session featured Rui Dias, Mayor of Ílhavo, who highlighted microelectronics as a strategic area for the future of Portugal and Europe, emphasizing the importance of territories prepared to attract investment, talent and technology companies. He also stressed that the AMPERE Hub aims to go beyond infrastructure, positioning itself as a strategic investment to boost technological competitiveness and foster an integrated ecosystem.
Paulo Jorge Ferreira, Rector of the University of Aveiro, underlined the region’s historical role in technological development and the strong collaboration between academia and industry. He identified microelectronics, photonics and entrepreneurship as key drivers for innovation and economic impact at both national and European levels.
AMPERE: infrastructure to scale innovation
The AMPERE project, presented by Luís Barbosa and António Teixeira, addresses one of the sector’s key challenges: scaling innovation and bridging the gap between research and market. The initiative proposes advanced technological infrastructures focused on prototyping, testing and validation, supported by a network of academic and industrial partners. Its goal is to strengthen industrial capacity and position Aveiro as a leading hub in microelectronics and photonics.
A growing sector with structural challenges
António Barny highlighted the rapid growth of the semiconductor industry, largely driven by artificial intelligence. Despite this momentum, he warned about Europe’s declining industrial capacity and its reduced share in global production, reinforcing the need for strategic investment and policies focused on technological sovereignty.
Talent and research: critical factors
Pedro Rito emphasized the growing need for investment in human capital and specialized training. The shortage of skilled talent and the challenge of attracting new generations were identified as critical issues for the sector’s future.
Technology transfer: best practices
Mónica Azevedo presented a study on best practices in technology transfer, highlighting key strategic axes such as scientific excellence, innovation, talent development and ecosystem collaboration. The study also points out Portugal’s strengths, while identifying challenges in bridging research and market.
Microelectronics Observatory: structuring the ecosystem
Paulo Marques and Mariana Pita presented the Microelectronics Observatory as a strategic tool to organize and scale the ecosystem. More than an information platform, it acts as a digital asset that structures critical data, supports decision-making and enhances international visibility.
From Observatory to AMPERE: an integrated strategy
The combination of the Observatory (mapping and connecting) and AMPERE (validation and industrialization) addresses the gap between research and market, aiming to transform knowledge into economic value and strengthen Portugal’s position in Europe.
Roundtable: industrialization and talent at the center
The roundtable, moderated by Francisco Rodrigues, brought together representatives from INESC MN, PETsys Electronics and Sparc Foundry to discuss key challenges such as industrialization, access to technology, talent and global value chain integration.
A strategic opportunity for Portugal
The conference reinforced that Portugal has the conditions to strengthen its position in microelectronics, combining scientific knowledge, talent and a growing ecosystem, with the Aveiro region playing a central role in this trajectory.
