SPARC FOUNDRY develops and produces photonic semiconductors as part of a strong European photonics ecosystem.
The foundry will produce PICs (Photonic Integrated Circuits) and discrete components based on Group III-V semiconductors It will have the capacity to develop over 10,000 wafers with different types of technologies based on Group III-V materials, including GaAs (Gallium Arsenide), InP (Indium Phosphide), and GaN (Gallium Nitride). These components will be used by industries around the world in sectors such as automotive, telecommunications, quantum computing, consumer electronics, defense, aerospace and medicine.
SPARC, located in the Valadares Technology Park in Vigo, will have a 1,600 m² state-of-the-art clean room for the production of III-V semiconductor wafers, offering its customers a shorter time to market for their products. The plant is expected to be fully operational in the first half of 2027.
III-V semiconductors, capable of compact and efficient light generation and sensing over a wide range of wavelengths, will be the key to enabling advanced applications in an increasingly connected world.
The Sparc project was born after years of research and dedication of a leading team in integrated photonics that has successfully coordinated different international projects, placing Europe at the forefront of this technology worldwide.
At SPARC, we innovate for the future, integrating science, technology and collaboration to create products that positively impact society and the economy.
The semiconductor industry is essential and strategic for Europe. Therefore, SPARC FOUNDRY will lead an ecosystem in northern Spain around which companies with a high technological qualification will join this foundry creating a value chain that will allow the development from the design to the packaging of the chips. SPARC will produce for “pure players” (specialists) directly but will also offer joint production services for several companies (“multi-project wafer”).