The Inova-Ria – Association of Companies for an Innovation Network in Aveiro organized, on October 7, 2025, the Thematic Workshop “Microelectronics in Portugal – What Future?”, bringing together national and international experts to discuss the challenges, opportunities, and strategies shaping the microelectronics sector.
Held at Teatro Aveirense in a hybrid format, the event was part of the III Microelectronics Agenda Conference, and promoted reflection on Portugal’s and Europe’s regional roles in the new strategy for technological sovereignty within the framework of the European Chips Act.
Key Highlights
The opening session featured remarks from Davide Ricardo, President of Inova-Ria, who emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between companies, academia, and public entities to consolidate Portugal’s position in the European semiconductor value chain.
This was followed by the Keynote “European Strategy: Goals and Toolkits”, presented remotely by Arian Zwegers, Deputy Head of Unit “Microelectronics and Photonics” at the European Commission, who shared insights on the EU’s strategic instruments and goals for boosting innovation and competitiveness in the field.
Panel 1 – The Role of Regions brought together representatives from CCDR Centro and CCDR Norte, as well as international participants from Silicon Saxony, SEMI Europe, and GenCat, to discuss regional strategies contributing to Europe’s technological sovereignty.
In Panel 2 – Microelectronics and Semiconductors: What Strategy for Portugal?, experts including António Lopes (Adivosy Board), Sofia Azevedo (ANI), Henrique Figueiredo (COMPETE 2030), and Luís Pádua (AICEP) reflected on strategic priorities and future opportunities for Portugal within the global microelectronics ecosystem.
The workshop concluded with remarks from Inova-Ria, underlining the importance of fostering dialogue, collaboration, and innovation to strengthen Portugal’s technological ecosystem and attract investment in the semiconductor sector.
