Openchip has taken a decisive step in its European growth strategy with the opening of a new design centre in Limerick, adding fresh momentum to Ireland’s semiconductor and high-performance computing landscape. The Barcelona-headquartered company, now surpassing 350 employees across seven countries, is positioning Ireland as a strategic anchor for developing next generation accelerator chips and full-stack software for AI and supercomputing.

The Limerick facility, located in the LEED Gold certified Gardens International building, will scale from 40 to 70 research and development specialists within the year. Equipped with advanced laboratories and modern engineering spaces, the centre reinforces Openchip’s commitment to delivering in-house RISC V based accelerators and systems-on-chip that underpin Europe’s push for technological sovereignty. The site already hosts senior leadership across product, hardware, software, architecture and sustainability functions.

Backed by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland, the expansion aligns strongly with Silicon Island, Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy. The initiative aims to secure Ireland’s role in global chip innovation while broadening advanced manufacturing capabilities. During a site visit, Minister for Enterprise Peter Burke highlighted the project as a meaningful contribution to Ireland’s aspiration to lead in semiconductor investment and high-value R&D.

Openchip’s leadership emphasised that Ireland’s strong talent base, industry collaboration and university partnerships played a central role in the decision. CEO Cesc Guim framed the expansion as essential to strengthening Europe’s homegrown semiconductor and AI capabilities, while Chief Product Officer Robin Giller underscored the company’s ambition to steer Europe’s AI infrastructure direction through sovereign, full-stack innovation.

IDA Ireland welcomed the move as a significant boost for the Midwest’s growing technology cluster, reinforcing the region’s reputation for skilled talent and strategic relevance in advanced computing.

Explore the full article for deeper insights into Ireland’s expanding semiconductor ecosystem.