The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) has created the University Chair in Chips for Advanced Architectures and Photonic Systems (CHIP Chair), to train and attract talent with the aim of strengthening the scientific, design and production capacities of the industry of chips and semiconductors.

This Chair has the participation of two research centers linked to the UPC, specifically the Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) and the Institute of Photonic Sciences (ICFO), which will provide access to expert knowledge and their facilities to carry out new research and technological developments, with the support of the companies linked to these centers.

In addition, the UPC Chair has the support of 13 companies from the semiconductor ecosystem in Catalonia, which will contribute one million euros. The Chair will provide them with innovation so that they can develop pioneering solutions that contribute to their competitiveness.

It is an initiative framed within the "Chapter Chairs" program, within the framework of the Strategic Project of Microelectronics and Semiconductors (PERTE Chip), promoted by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and Public Service and financed with European Next Generation funds .

The main mission of the CHIP UPC Chair is to train and recruit talent to strengthen the scientific, design and production capacities of the chip and semiconductor industry. The initiative seeks to strengthen this technological sector, also offering a degree, master's and doctorate training offer to train qualified professionals who can tackle new innovation challenges, contribute to sustainable development and strengthen Europe's position in the framework of competitiveness international

The Chair not only focuses on training new professionals, but is also committed to awakening scientific and technological vocations from an early age, which is why it will also promote activities aimed at schools, through the Sidecar project. This project seeks to strengthen the foundations of primary and secondary technology education with the creation of informative tablets, workshops and conferences that awaken the curiosity of the youngest towards technology.

The new Chair has the PERTE CHIP grant until 2026 and its continuity will be consolidated from own funds and the collaboration of companies, thus becoming a key piece in the field of chips and semiconductors.