We’re delighted to announce the launch of our inaugural Annual Report which shows annual research revenue in excess of €7.5 million and a team of over 90 researchers and engineers across Tyndall, UL and UCD, collaborating on more than 50 research projects.
As microelectronics are central to current global technology trends, such as Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud and mobile computing, it is essential for Ireland’s competitiveness that we continue to drive research and innovation in the area of microelectronics and semiconductors.
From a core grant of €1 million, we have grown our research funding a further €6.5 million through industry collaboration as well as public funding sources. In 2017, we completed 6 IP licenses for Medtech and SmartAgri applications with a further 8 IP licences currently under negotiation.
Speaking at the launch of the MCCI Annual Report, Executive Director Donnacha O’Riordan said,
“Our sustained growth since the establishment of the MCCI in 2010 demonstrates the value and importance of our work in microelectronic research. We are bridging the gap between research and applications for the microelectronics industry, providing a path for fundamental commercialisation of research. With the agility to respond proactively to sector changes and demands, a research programme which can focus on problem sets for industry, this is where and how we are delivering real business value through our people and disruptive innovation in microelectronics. We provide expertise, leading edge IP and a forum for innovation, sharing insights and networking.”
The microelectronics sector continues to grow each year, with the global semiconductor industry worth well over $400 billion in 2017. Growth rates in the sector well over 10% over the last 2 years as new drivers and technology cycles begin to take over from the traditional drivers such as PCs and Mobile. This growth drives demand for electrical and electronics engineers and circuit designers that can develop the connected devices, sensors, embedded systems and actuators. The rapid developments in micro- and nanoelectronics increase the demand for a range of engineers with strong core engineering skills. The scarcity of people with the right level of experience is the second-biggest challenge according soon to be published reports, and is common across all parts of the ICT industry.
A key trend in the next five years will be the scarcity of students graduating in this electronics engineering discipline. We are poised to address this opportunity, attracting the best undergrad students from across Europe to Ireland and developing them into future leaders in IC design.