Finland aims to become the European semiconductor leader in the Tampere region, the heart of this effort, through its Finland’s Chip Competence Centre, SIPFAB Pilot Line and the EU design platform.
Finland has decided to adopt the EU chips law and has created a strong national collaboration network to promote the semiconductor industry. This strategy brings together university, corporate experts and public stakeholders to create a growth platform for the semiconductor business. Within this framework, the Tampere region plays an important role.
Petri Räsänen, chip director of Business Tampere’s Tampere program, sees the key factors and national cooperation that enable the rapid development of this northern country.
Räsänen said: “The Tampere region’s semiconductor expertise is based on the heritage of designing complex integrated circuits and Optoelectronics. At ESPO, Kvanttinova has created research expertise in VTT and Aalto University, particularly in materials science and silicon processing. I’m using it Oulu boasts a strong history of radio technology, but at Johnzou, Photonic Sfinland focuses on specialized optical and photonic expertise. Each area is essential and together It’ll be successful.”
Dynamic transformation of the semiconductor sector in Tampere is evident in three parallel initiatives. Tampere University is establishing the SIPFAB pilot line for hybrid integration and packaging. National Chip Competence Centre (FICCC) began its business in early 2025 with its head office in Tampere. And thirdly, the EU design platform paves the way for European semiconductor technology leadership to make a strong contribution from Sochuv.
FICCC: Finland’s Chips Competence Centre has been released
FICCC is a national and European hub for professionals connecting companies and professionals working in semiconductor technology. The Competence Centre is headquartered in Tampere, with access points in Espoo, Ahl and Johnsou.
FICCC has secured 8 million EU funds with the goal of helping develop expertise and build new collaboration networks. Tampere’s FICCC Coordination Office just began operations with its first employees in early January. Coordination Office is a member of a consortium founded by the European network of Chip Competence Centres (ENCs).
The FICCC will focus on strengthening the European knowledge base in two interrelated areas of competence in which Finland has the optimal capabilities to contribute at the European level. These are:
High performance, energy efficient, complex system-on-chip design. Professional manufacturing and integration processes such as quantum technology, MEMS, RF and optoelectronics, wide bandgap semiconductors (SIC and GAN), ALD and MBE technologies.
SIPFAB: Focusing on the backend of semiconductor manufacturing
Advanced packaging and kiplets play an increasingly important role in semiconductor technology and vertical applications. Tampere University’s Package-In-Package Pilot Line addresses these themes and focuses on developing the final stages of semiconductor manufacturing, including integration, packaging and testing. As a back-end partner of the EU WBG pilot line, SIPFAB integrates and tests third-generation energy-efficient semiconductors and associated hybrid chip systems for a variety of end-user industries.
This 40 million euro project and state-of-the-art 1,300m² cleanroom facility lay the foundation for research and development collaborations in advanced packages across Europe.
Design platform enables R&D for chip startups and small businesses
In the semiconductor business, Fabless companies are well positioned to drive technological advancements and meet the needs of diverse applications. The EU Design Platform provides enterprises with access to advanced chip design technologies through a cloud-based EDA platform, enhancing EU chip design expertise and business.
Tampere University’s SoC Hub is a Scandinavian partner in the 25 million euro project developing the foundations of the design platform. The platform also encourages startups and small businesses to try their designs with the support of upcoming design enablement teams.
Why Tampere becomes a real semiconductor hub
PetriRäsänen highlights the availability of highly educated talent as a benefit of Tampere, in addition to strong national and EU collaborations. This pool of talent is thanks to Nokia’s legacy.
“Of the 8,000 chip design engineers working in the EU, more than 500, or about 6%, are based in Tampere. The majority of Nokia’s high-end semiconductor development is in Tampere. In addition to this, One of Europe’s leading design services companies, Microsoft and Nordic Semiconductors, also have units in Tampere. At the same time, the University of Tampere has been strategically committed to developing the talent pipeline as Finland’s largest HEI. Masu.”
Tampere has also established a strong cluster of companies producing and applying photonic systems, III-V compound semiconductors, and laser technologies. Globally active companies in a cluster include Modulight, Schott, Coherent, Optofidelity, and Vexlum.
The region’s semiconductor future looks promising as Tampere is repeatedly ranked as Finland’s most attractive city. There is a great demand for skilled professionals over the next few years.
For more information, please visit www.businesstampere.com and www.ficcc.fi
This article will also be featured in the 21st edition of Quarterly Publication.
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