Tyndall Institute reports three semiconductor spinout firms

Seamus O'Driscoll, Founder & CEO, PulpoSemi and Dr Patrick Morrissey, Director of Innovation and Industry Engagement, Tyndall.

The spinout of three new companies was flagged by the Tyndall National Institute as evidence of Ireland’s emerging indigenous semiconductor sector.

Publishing its annual report, the Institute said 2025 was the 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.

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

Another milestone during the year was the publication and launch of Silicon Island: Ireland's National Semiconductor Strategy, which positions Ireland to capture new opportunities under the European Chips Act. 

The report highlights how Tyndall's impact extends beyond research excellence into economic development. During 2025, Tyndall engaged directly with 98 industry partners, secured €8.5m 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.

Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless TD, said: "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."

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."