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The Andalusian technology park is making some of its headquarter facilities available to the Spanish Society for Technical Transformation (SETT), supporting the coordination of the future Semiconductor Centre located in Málaga and helping attract new high-value investments and cutting-edge technology
Málaga TechPark has taken another step forward in strengthening its position as a leading technology ecosystem in Southern Europe through a new partnership with the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), a state-owned public enterprise operating under Spain’s Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service.
The agreement, signed by SETT’s Chief Executive Officer, Javier Ponce, and Málaga TechPark’s General Manager, Felipe Romera, aims to boost Spain’s national semiconductor innovation ecosystem through imec’s arrival at the Málaga technology park. This centre will represent a leading infrastructure project within both Spain and Europe’s semiconductor strategies, reinforcing the industry’s value chain and acting as a driving force for new opportunities that will strengthen Spain’s microelectronics ecosystem.
SETT and Málaga TechPark both share a commitment to fostering cooperation between academia, industry and businesses in this field. The agreement reflects this commitment, enabling SETT to use facilities within Málaga TechPark to support the monitoring of the centre’s establishment on the campus, increase the project’s visibility, and host activities that support knowledge-sharing and the development of the semiconductor sector. As part of this collaboration, Málaga TechPark will make workspace available to SETT at its headquarters on María Curie Street free of charge, while also providing access to meeting rooms and the park’s auditorium.
SETT’s presence at the technology park will provide on-site support for the development of this key infrastructure, which is being funded by the Government of Spain under the Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation, known as PERTE Chip. The facilities will also display informative materials, such as information panels and project outlines, to maximise the visibility of the Semiconductor Centre among investors, institutional representatives and professionals visiting the park.
The agreement extends well beyond the use of office space; it reinforces Málaga TechPark as a location fully equipped to transform international interest into tangible business opportunities and knowledge transfer. In this regard, the park’s management team and SETT have committed to jointly organising at least two events. These events will focus on identifying seed projects and attracting strategic partners to the Andalusian and Spanish microelectronics ecosystem, while supporting initiatives that may benefit from funding available under the PERTE Chip. This model of public-private collaboration reflects the integrated management approach that has positioned Málaga as a highly competitive destination for technology-based investment.
Imec’s arrival at Málaga TechPark
At the end of June, the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation united companies within Málaga TechPark in order for them to jointly participate in the construction of imec’s Semiconductor Centre. The initiative represents an investment of more than €500 million by the Government of Spain through the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan and includes the construction of a cleanroom dedicated to the prototyping of next-generation semiconductor chips.
Antonio Hernando, Spain’s Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructure, stated: “The Government of Spain is working to transform talent, research excellence and industrial capability into real opportunities for economic development and technological leadership. The Semiconductor Centre to be built in Málaga is a clear demonstration of that commitment.”
The project is also supported by the Regional Government of Andalusia, Málaga City Council, and the technical coordination of INECO and imec. Carolina España, Third Vice-President of the Regional Government of Andalusia, Regional Minister for Economy, Finance and European Funds, and Chair of Málaga TechPark, commented: “Málaga TechPark is the destination for the companies and talent that will shape Europe’s future. The Andalusian Government remains firmly committed to promoting this model of public-private collaboration, which generates significant added value, strengthens our economic growth and positions Andalusia at the forefront of technological innovation in Europe.”
The construction contract, awarded through SETT in May, representing a €168 million investment by the Government of Spain, has been divided into two lots. The first, valued at €4.9 million, covers the construction of the power supply centre. The second, worth more than €163 million, includes the detailed project design and the construction of the R&D complex for 300mm semiconductor wafers, including a cleanroom and all associated support buildings.
This collaboration forms part of the development and promotion of Spain’s Strategic Project for Economic Recovery and Transformation in Microelectronics and Semiconductors (PERTE Chip), specifically under its first strategic pillar, which focuses on strengthening scientific capabilities in the field of microelectronics.
SETT’s arrival further reinforces the strength of an ecosystem that is currently home to more than 719 companies, generates annual revenues exceeding €4.8 billion and employs more than 29,000 highly qualified professionals. This combination of industrial and scientific excellence enables the technology park to consolidate its position at the forefront of the new wave of microelectronics while building on its internationally recognised expertise in fields such as cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. Guided by this multi-sector vision, Málaga TechPark continues to advance towards its goal of becoming a global innovation hub, offering a comprehensive ecosystem where outstanding professional opportunities and an exceptional quality of life come together to attract and retain the world’s leading talent.