Microchips in Tenerife to Liberate Europe from the Asian Monopoly. The Spanish government is investing in this innovative project to ensure Europe can sustain itself.
The microchips ‘Made in Canarias’ aim to spark a technological revolution focused on self-sufficiency. In a world where reliance on foreign suppliers, especially from Asia, jeopardizes technological progress, Europe is taking steps to strengthen its strategic autonomy. By investing in microchips in Tenerife, Europe is proving that it does not need to depend on external players and can emerge as a strong, independent pioneer on the global stage.
A €4 Million Investment in Wooptix
The Ministry of Digital Transformation is investing €4 million in the Tenerife-based company Wooptix to increase production microchips in Tenerife and develop the company into a reference point for the sector in Spain.
The Spanish government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, seeks to make Tenerife the reference point for the microchip and semiconductor sector in Spain. The Minister of Digital Transformation and Public Function, Óscar López, announced the €4 million investment in Wooptix to scale production and significantly boost capacity. This initiative is part of a European strategy to reduce reliance on external production of these essential components for digital transformation, as 90% of global production currently comes from Asian manufacturers.
Wooptix
Wooptix develops advanced microchip and semiconductor projects that rank among the best in the world in nanometric precision technology. The company is based in the Tenerife Science and Technology Park, located in Las Mantecas. The national government has stepped in to support this unique company, with the goal of making it a sector leader while contributing to the country’s digital transformation and the Canary Islands’ economic diversification.
The minister made this announcement during his visit to Tenerife on Thursday. He also visited the facilities of the Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias, including its headquarters in La Laguna, the technological branch IACTec, and the Teide Observatory. In the evening, he observed the moon and stars through one of the center’s smaller telescopes.
A Pioneer in the Sector
During his speech, López praised the company, founded nearly a decade ago as the first spin-off of the University of La Laguna. “It’s a prime example of how the public sector can create leading and innovative companies that not only generate employment but also place Tenerife at the forefront of the sector,” he said.
According to the Draghi report—published on 9 September—Spain, like other EU countries, is undergoing a dual transition: energy and digital. The report, titled The Future of European Competitiveness, outlines three areas for economic growth, including closing the innovation gap with the United States and China, implementing a joint plan for decarbonization and competitiveness, and strengthening security without relying on external suppliers.
Wooptix as a Technological Benchmark
“Wooptix is destined to play a leading role in the technological sovereignty of the Canary Islands, Spain, and Europe,” the minister declared. He emphasized that it is the “only Spanish company” manufacturing this semiconductor equipment. The government’s investment aims to scale production and support the company’s expansion. “The government is investing in Wooptix to multiply the productive capacity of the Spanish chip industry,” López stated.
The budget is focused on producing more efficient and faster devices. “We aim to increase wafer production to approximately 70 per hour,” López explained, noting that this rate is ten wafers per hour more than the leading U.S. manufacturer.
€33 Million in Investments
López also highlighted that the Canary Islands will receive up to €33.3 million to advance digitalization and strengthen their innovation infrastructure. This process is already underway to accelerate the transition to a digital environment, retain talent, and create high-quality employment.
As part of this initiative, €23.5 million will be allocated to the Red Iris network, which connects the Canary Islands observatories, to enhance the optical network and data transmission. This funding will strengthen network redundancy. “Many universities, researchers, and institutions have telescopes in the Canary Islands and need to ensure that data arrives in real time, with high quality, and without risks anywhere in the world,” López explained.
Europe’s Strategy
Additionally, €6 million will be invested in replacing the submarine cable connecting Gran Canaria and Cádiz, as the current cable reaches the end of its lifespan in 2026. “This is an example of public-private collaboration,” López noted, emphasizing that such partnerships are essential for the country’s economic progress.
Science and data will be crucial for GDP, and the Canary Islands will play a strategic role as a transatlantic hub. The archipelago will become a first-class data highway for sharing scientific information and attracting new technology companies.
One in every three euros from European funds will be invested in digital transformation and reducing external dependence. Europe is currently reliant on a small group of raw material suppliers, particularly in China. Regarding microchips, Taiwan accounts for 66% of global production, followed by South Korea (17%) and China (8%).
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Microchips in Tenerife ©
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