ABOUT US
MCCI — Microelectronic Circuits Centre Ireland — is Ireland’s national semiconductor research technology centre, hosted at Tyndall National Institute, one of Europe’s premier research institutes for microelectronics and photonics. Funded by Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland, MCCI sits at the heart of Ireland’s growing semiconductor ecosystem, bridging the gap between the world’s leading chip companies and cutting-edge academic research.
Our multidisciplinary team works with global semiconductor leaders to advance analog, mixed-signal, RF and millimetre-wave IC design — delivering high-impact research that translates directly into real product innovation. We bring together researchers across six of Ireland’s leading universities, underpinned by Tyndall’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, foundry technology access and world-class design tools.
Being hosted at Tyndall National Institute in Cork is central to what makes MCCI uniquely positioned. Tyndall is Ireland’s largest research centre for integrated photonics, semiconductor devices and microelectronics — providing MCCI researchers with access to facilities, fabrication infrastructure and an innovation ecosystem that few academic research centres in Europe can match. It is the engine room of Ireland’s semiconductor research ambition.
The global semiconductor industry is experiencing a period of extraordinary strategic importance. The EU Chips Act — a €43 billion strategy — aims to double the EU’s global market share in semiconductors from 10% to at least 20% by 2030, reinforcing the critical role of research centres like MCCI in building Europe’s sovereign chip capability. IDA Ireland.Closer to home, Ireland launched Silicon Island: Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy in May 2025, fulfilling a commitment in the Programme for Government, with a vision to position Ireland as an international leader in semiconductors. The strategy — which names Tyndall National Institute as a key delivery partner — is built on three workstreams: building on Ireland’s strong ecosystem, developing skills and talent, and identifying and seizing emerging opportunities.
What do we do?
Our research strategy encompasses analog, mixed-signal, RF and millimetre-wave circuit IC architecture and design, including system-level solution research demonstrators and prototypes. We place particular emphasis on digitally-assisted analogue design, and continue to push into finer geometry CMOS process technologies — including 28nm and FinFET — to deliver lower power, smaller form factor and higher performance outcomes.
We have four Research Technology Tracks focused on:
- RF & High Speed Transceivers
- Power Management Integration Systems
- Precision Circuits & Interfaces
- Cryogenic CMOS — including enabling technologies for quantum computing
Our research IP generates and supports new start-up companies in areas including wireless CMOS, Industry 4.0, biomedical devices and IoT for smart home, food and agriculture applications.
MCCI delivers world class semiconductor research by tackling challenging projects with strong Industry collaboration.
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