City invests in Tampere chip programme
The programme will create plans for a national chip competence centre and production pilot line, form an EU-level chip design centre of excellence, and build an international network of chip technology partners.
On 13 September 2023, the City of Tampere's Committee for Competence and Economic Development decided to fund the Tampere chip programme with EUR 670,000.
Semiconductor components, i.e. microchips, are used everywhere there is electricity and data, from phones to industrial equipment. The digital society relies on semiconductor technologies and the microelectronics industry that develops and produces them.
More than 70 companies currently operate in the Finnish semiconductor sector, employing approximately 5,000 people with a combined turnover of almost EUR 2 billion.
- In the Tampere region, the sector plays a key role, above all, in activities related to chip design and photonics. Among other things, the most advanced systems-on-chips in Europe are designed in Tampere. The turnover is almost entirely accrued from exports. Tampere University lays a strong foundation for development as a centre of excellence in the field and as Finland's largest trainer in the chip industry, says Deputy Mayor Ilkka Sasi.
Chip technology plays an increasingly important role in digital society
Chips are a critical part of ensuring the basic functions of a digital society. They enable a smart living environment and its services. Semiconductor components are also needed to slow down climate change and promote the green transition. These solutions can improve energy and resource efficiency, for example in transport, homes and industry.
The global semiconductor market is projected to double to EUR 1,000 billion by 2030. Through the recent Chips Act, the European Union aims to promote the innovation and production capacity of semiconductors in Europe.
- Companies and research institutes in the Tampere region can respond to the development of the global market and the will to participate in strengthening Europe's strategic competitiveness and technological self-sufficiency. The companies in the region have the best expertise in the field, on which new innovative business can be built, says Teppo Rantanen, the Executive Director of Growth, Innovation and Competitiveness at the City of Tampere.
During this decade, high-productivity jobs may emerge in the sector, which create significant export revenues and also attract international investments.
The programme affects the region in many ways
The Tampere chip programme consists of eight work packages. The programme results in a plan and application for a national centre of chip competence, an EU-level centre of excellence in chip design, and chip design and manufacturing RDI projects. In addition, a concept and implementation plan for the EU pilot line will be drawn up. Chip technology will bring together an international partner network, a roadmap for expanding the region's manufacturing activities and coordinated marketing measures.
Thanks to its impact on the region, the programme will create new, growing new chip design units and start-ups in the field, as well as increase relevant training and experimental, industrial production of microchips.
The total planned need for funding for the chip programme is EUR 1,431,000. Business Tampere is responsible for the coordination of the programme and the operation of the core team implementing it. The programme will be implemented in close cooperation with Tampere University, an expanding group of companies in the field, and the City of Tampere. The programme will be implemented between September 2023 and December 2026. The City of Tampere will participate in the implementation of the Tampere chip programme between 14 August 2023 and 31 December 2026.
