The Tyndall National Institute in Cork has unveiled an ambitious five-year plan that aims to establish ten new indigenous companies and increase its workforce by more than 30 per cent, as part of a major expansion in Ireland’s semiconductor and technology research sector.
The targets form part of the institute’s new strategy, “Tyndall 2030,” which will be formally launched by Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The government is positioning the plan as a key step in strengthening Ireland’s role in global semiconductor innovation.
Headquartered in Cork city, Tyndall National Institute is one of Ireland’s leading research centres in advanced technology. Its work spans semiconductors, photonics and integrated systems, which underpin a wide range of modern applications, from household electronics and medical devices to artificial intelligence systems and renewable energy technologies.
Under the new strategy, the institute aims to grow its annual income to more than €80 million by 2030 and expand its workforce to over 750 employees. Alongside job creation, Tyndall is focusing on commercialisation, with plans to spin out ten new companies from its research programmes. It also intends to scale up more than 30 small and medium-sized Irish enterprises by improving access to specialist infrastructure, technical expertise and international networks.
Professor William Scanlon, Chief Executive of Tyndall National Institute, said the strategy is designed to convert research into tangible economic and societal benefits. He said investment in both people and facilities would strengthen the institute’s role as a national asset supporting innovation and industry growth.
“Tyndall 2030 is about translating world-class research into real-world impact,” he said. “We are expanding our capabilities to accelerate innovation and deliver measurable economic value.”
The launch event, taking place at the institute in Cork, will also be attended by Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science James Lawless.
Speaking ahead of the announcement, Taoiseach Micheál Martin said the strategy reinforces Ireland’s position as a global technology hub. He highlighted the importance of semiconductor development in supporting areas such as climate action, artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure.
“Tyndall, together with Ireland’s national semiconductor strategy, Silicon Island, ensures Ireland remains at the forefront of technologies shaping the future,” he said.
Minister Lawless said the plan reflects a wider national effort to strengthen research and innovation capacity. He pointed to ongoing investment in research infrastructure and skills development through the INSPIRE programme, which aims to modernise facilities across the higher education sector.
He said the combination of strategic investment and institutional partnerships would support Ireland’s long-term competitiveness, while also contributing to national priorities such as climate policy, healthcare innovation and digital transformation.
With its expanded mandate under “Tyndall 2030,” the institute is positioning itself as a central player in Ireland’s ambition to deepen its role in the global semiconductor and advanced technology landscape.
