Strategic Dialogue on Semiconductors in Portugal: A Collaborative Step Forward

An initiative led by POEMS, connecting research, industry, and policy

The International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory, INL was honoured to co-host, together with Ciência Viva, the public event “Strategic Dialogue on Semiconductors in Portugal”, held on 14 October 2025 at the Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva Science Centre, in Lisbon.

Organised within the framework of POEMS – the Portuguese Competence Centre in Semiconductors, with the support of the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU) and the Portuguese Foundation for Science and Technology (FCT), the event brought together key figures from research, industry, and public policy to discuss the opportunities and priorities shaping Portugal’s growing role in the European semiconductor ecosystem.

Through a series of thematic sessions and roundtable discussions, participants addressed some of the most relevant dimensions of the semiconductor landscape — from workforce development and skills retention to European strategies and investment attraction.

The morning sessions focused on the vision and strategic role of POEMS, followed by a discussion on talent development, where experts explored the importance of training, retaining, and inspiring future generations to ensure Europe’s competitiveness in advanced electronics.

In the afternoon, the spotlight turned to the Chips JU ecosystem, with EuroCDP, NanoIC, PIXEurope, and APECS presenting ongoing developments and opportunities for collaboration with Portuguese SMEs and start-ups. Further sessions explored EU policy directions and strategies to attract private investment, with contributions from international associations and national industry leaders alike.

Closing the event, the Portuguese Secretary of State for Economy, João Rui Ferreira, emphasised the importance of continued national coordination within the semiconductor field, stating that “there is no doubt that semiconductors are key to the future of Europe. The role of POEMS — bringing together the entire Portuguese ecosystem — is crucial and fundamental to having a common voice and being effective in such an impactful sector for both the European and Portuguese economy.”

Mariana Fernandes, Lead for National Funding at INL and Coordinator of POEMS, assured the consortium is “very proud to have had the opportunity to bring together, in the same space, all the main national actors working in semiconductors, alongside key European initiatives within the Chips JU ecosystem. We were able to gather valuable insights that will certainly shape our next activities and actions in the years to come“.

As coordinator of the POEMS consortium, INL is proud to lead a strong partnership working to empower Portugal in semiconductors and ensure its active contribution to the goals of the European Chips Act.

To take part in upcoming activities, join the POEMS community and follow the latest updates at www.poemscentre.eu.