Portugal invests in Microelectronics: a future of innovation and sustainability
Portugal is making significant strides in the microelectronics and semiconductor industry with the implementation of the Microelectronics Agenda, an ambitious project that aims to position the country at the forefront of this strategic sector. As one of the most important initiatives funded by the EU's Recovery and Resilience Plan (RRP) in Portugal, the project is spearheaded by a consortium of 17 members, ranging from businesses to research and development entities, led by Amkor Technology Portugal. The agenda is focused on development and innovation in four key areas: advanced packaging, high-speed access networks, industrialization of products based on integrated optical circuits, and factories of the future, including the training of a skilled workforce.
The Microelectronics Agenda aims to promote the Portuguese productive capabilities and competitiveness, contributing to meet the demands at the European and global levels. Also, it aims to promote training and specialization of human resources, having resulted in 25 new Products, Processes and Services (PPS).
The strategy of the Agenda is not circumscribed to technological innovation only, as it also encompasses the subject of ecological transition. Recycling e-waste is one of the critical issues at hand, since there is the urgent need of sustainable solutions for the global problem of e-waste, which is exported in many cases to developing countries. Advanced e-waste managing processes, such as hybrid leaching of precious metals and selective metal recovery methods, are being developed to mitigate the environmental impact and maximize the recovery of valuable materials.
Among the expected results, the Microelectronics Agenda aims to create new sensors and advanced components for various applications. For example, the creation of next generation MEMS sensors will be essential for 5G smartphones and IoT devices, enabling significant improvements in accuracy and energy efficiency.
Furthermore, advanced power modules will be key to improve performance and reduce energy consumption in electronic equipment. This innovation also applies to photonic integrated circuits, which are crucial for high-speed optical communications, as they will enable a faster and more efficient data transmission.
Another significant advancement consists in visual inspection solutions based on AI, which will improve automation and accuracy in system inspection in semiconductor factories, thus reducing defects and increasing productivity.
The creation of the Microelectronics Observatory offers a comprehensive overview of the sector, identifying entities, companies and Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs), in addition to detailing available skills. This up-to-date information is helpful to inform investment decisions and to identify potential partnerships.
AIDA CCI – Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Aveiro District, a consortium member, has been attending some of the main international fairs of the industry, where it always takes the opportunity to present and promote the consortium's products, processes and technologies.
"AIDA CCI Aveiro is proud to be part of the Microelectronics Agenda, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at strengthening Portugal's position as a key player in the global semiconductor market. This agenda aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering innovation and driving economic growth in the Aveiro region.” Elisabete Rita, AIDA CCI Executive Vice President.
The Microelectronics Agenda benefits from a total eligible budget of €67,493,749.21, funded through the NextGenerationEU initiative in €30,048,411,91. With the project’s completion scheduled for June 30, 2025, Portugal aims to emerge as a leader in the global semiconductor sector, having already executed over 60% of the budget and made significant progress in product development, sustainability, and workforce training.
For more information on the Microelectronics Agenda and upcoming milestones, visit https://events.micro-electronics.eu/
About the Recovery and Resilience Facility
The Recovery and Resilience Facility is a centralized budget program of the European Commission, created in addition to the EU’s multiannual financial framework for 2021-2027. The program aims to support reforms and investments related to the transition to a green and digital economy, as well as to mitigate the social and economic impact of the crisis. Learn more at https://recuperarportugal.gov.pt