POEMS

POEMS, as a cutting-edge initiative under the Chips for Europe Initiative, directly addresses the critical needs outlined in Axis 1 of the National Semiconductor Strategy, targeting capacity building (work package 3: Access to Training and Skills) and key technological advancements (work package 4: Support of semiconductor solutions). This strategic alignment aims to catapult Portugal to the forefront of semiconductor innovation and production, specifically focusing on microelectronics and semiconductors, pivotal for elevating the existing industrial and technological capacities to meet the key global challenges. Focusing on the strategic areas of chip design, advanced packaging, and emerging semiconductor technologies, POEMS leverages the diverse expertise of its 17 consortium partners, including leading research and academic institutions, that bring specialised training resources and cutting-edge capabilities. The consortium as whole is perfectly aligned to overcome the technological challenges in these domains, propelling Portugal towards a leadership position in the European semiconductor industry.

POEMS is strategically positioned through its second work package (Ecosystem & Network Building) to enhance the ecosystem by connecting national stakeholders with the European Network of Chips Competence Centers (ENCCC) and other pivotal EU initiatives. This collaboration not only amplifies our collective capabilities but also exposes Portuguese stakeholders to the broader European semiconductor ecosystem, fostering a robust network that supports capacity building, innovation, and accelerates advancements across the industry.

Dedicated to the expansion of the Observatory on Semiconductor sector , the first work package of POEMS plays a crucial role in aligning the project with national industry needs by integrating insights from Portugal's semiconductor landscape into the broader project objectives. By doing so, it ensures that policy formulations and strategic frameworks not only address industry-specific challenges and opportunities but also align with the National Semiconductor Strategy, enhancing the coherence and impact of subsequent POEMS activities and ensuring compliance with national priorities.

Bridging the crucial gap from research to market, work package 5- Business support & Access to Funding (Chips Fund)–  strategically supports the transition of semiconductor innovations to commercial readiness. It focuses on enhancing relationships with investors, securing venture capital, and tapping into the Chips Fund to ensure sustainable success. By aligning R&D outcomes with market demands and investor expectations, this phase not only drives technological advancements into profitable ventures but also boosts the investment appeal of Portugal’s semiconductor sector.

Work Package 6 (Dissemination, Communication, and Public Engagement) is crucial for broadening the reach of POEMS and creating enthusiasm among young students for careers in POEMS technological domains. Through engaging educational activities and direct interactions with the community, this package inspires future scientists and engineers. It also plays a pivotal role in disseminating project achievements, attracting potential professionals, and ensuring a skilled workforce for ongoing advancements in POEMS technologies. Public engagement is further enhanced through organized events such as workshops, science days, and technology demonstrations (e.g., the “Semiconductors at School” program), which aim to demystify semiconductor technologies and showcase their everyday applications. By integrating public outreach into its core activities, POEMS not only amplifies its technological impact but also cultivates a well-informed community equipped to support and participate in semiconductor sector advancements, thus attracting young students to pursue professional careers in semiconductor-related domains.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for POEMS include the delivery of courses, tailored educational programs, and learning resources to train over 2,500 industry professionals and students. POEMS also aims at connecting at least 20 Portuguese entities to the ENCCC, and participate in at least 12 working groups, task forces, and committees actively participated within the ENCCC. Matchmaking events, one-to-one meetings, and tailored advisory support will lead to assistance for at least 75 companies in terms of integrating semiconductor solutions, with a target number of 25 tech transfer projects to be facilitated. Business support will ensure access to business support free of charge, access to the Chips fund, and incubation services.

Supporting these ambitious goals, the POEMS project leverages existing partnerships and infrastructures from previous national and EU-funded initiatives.