University College Cork .

Tyndall National Institute has today published its 2025 Annual Report, marking a landmark year for research, innovation and industry engagement, highlighted by the launch of three new semiconductor spin-out companies and growing evidence of Ireland’s emerging indigenous semiconductor sector.

Tyndall is a partnership between the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and University College Cork.

In what was Tyndall’s most successful year for commercialisation activity to date, Vivid Photonics, PulpoSemi and Endurance Semiconductors were established to bring breakthrough Irish semiconductor technologies to global markets.

All three companies were selected for the inaugural ChipStart EU Programme, Europe's first incubator dedicated to semiconductor start-ups, with Tyndall spinouts accounting for 25% of the successful applicants selected from across Europe.

The achievement comes at an important time for Ireland’s semiconductor ecosystem, demonstrating that semiconductors are not solely the domain of multinational corporations but also represent a significant opportunity for indigenous enterprise creation and growth.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said: "The achievements outlined in Tyndall's 2025 Annual Report demonstrate the importance of continued investment in research, talent and innovation. The launch of three semiconductor spin-out companies is a powerful example of how research excellence can be translated into economic impact, creating new opportunities for enterprise, employment and technological leadership. Through initiatives such as INSPIRE, we are strengthening the foundations that enable institutions like Tyndall to deliver discoveries, develop talent and support the growth of innovative Irish companies."

Dr Patrick Morrissey, Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement, Tyndall, said: "The success of these spinouts demonstrates the tremendous potential of Ireland’s indigenous semiconductor sector and its contribution to delivering the Silicon Island ambition of doubling the industry by 2040. Tyndall is uniquely positioned to accelerate that growth by converting cutting-edge research into high-impact companies, supporting entrepreneurial talent, and connecting start-ups with global innovation networks."

The report highlights how Tyndall's impact extends beyond research excellence into economic development. During 2025, Tyndall engaged directly with 98 industry partners, secured €8.5 million in industry funding, and helped establish Ireland's Chips Competence Centre (I-C3), which provides funding, mentoring, training and market-access supports to semiconductor companies seeking to scale.