Openchip, a Barcelona-based specialist in semiconductor design, has successfully secured a significant €115 million investment from the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT). This substantial funding is earmarked to accelerate the development of high-performance, energy-efficient chips for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing. The investment marks a pivotal moment for the company and reinforces Spain's commitment to advancing Europe's technological capabilities.
A Strategic Investment for European Tech Sovereignty
The investment is being channeled through SETT's Next Tech facility, which is funded by Spain’s Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. This government backing underscores the operation's strategic importance for enhancing Europe's autonomy in critical technology sectors. The primary goal is to foster the development of open and efficient chip architecture solutions within the continent.
This financial injection aims to expand the presence of both Spanish and European companies within the global microelectronics industry. By strengthening the continent's technological and industrial base, the initiative seeks to build a more resilient and innovative business ecosystem. Ultimately, the investment is a key component of a broader strategy to secure Europe's digital sovereignty.
Pioneering Energy-Efficient Chip Design
Founded in 2021, Openchip develops advanced processors and accelerators based on the open-source RISC-V architecture. Its solutions are engineered to deliver superior performance while significantly reducing energy consumption. This focus on efficiency is crucial for lowering the operational costs and environmental impact of data centers and supercomputing infrastructures.
The company operates on a fabless model, concentrating its resources on research, design, and commercialization while outsourcing chip manufacturing to specialized foundries. This approach allows the firm, which currently employs around 300 professionals, to remain agile and innovative. Openchip was established as a joint initiative by the Catalan engineering group GTD and the Barcelona Supercomputing Centre.
Strengthening Local and Regional Ecosystems
SETT's investment is coordinated with a parallel move by the Government of Catalonia, which has also been authorized to acquire a stake in Openchip. This dual public investment highlights a unified commitment to consolidating a strategic project for the European semiconductor industry. The partnership aims to generate technological knowledge and create skilled employment opportunities within the region.
As part of the agreement, Openchip has committed to keeping its registered office, operational center, and business activities based in Catalonia. Furthermore, the regional government will gain representation on the company's board of directors. This ensures the project's long-term benefits are anchored locally, reinforcing the region's position as a leading technology hub.
Context of European Semiconductor Funding
This €115 million funding round is part of a much larger trend of strategic investments across Europe's deep tech landscape. In 2026 alone, disclosed funding for semiconductors, photonics, and quantum hardware has approached nearly €700 million. This concerted financial push reflects a continent-wide effort to build a self-sufficient and competitive technology supply chain.
Openchip's funding joins other significant transactions, including state-backed approvals for companies like CamGraPhIC and major venture rounds for quantum processor developers. These investments demonstrate a clear European strategy to support growth-stage companies in critical sectors. The collective effort is vital for securing the continent's long-term competitiveness in the global technology race.
The €115 million investment in Openchip represents a landmark achievement in the drive to bolster Europe's semiconductor capabilities. It not only empowers the company to accelerate its innovative work in AI and HPC but also strengthens Spain's position in the global tech ecosystem. This strategic funding is a crucial step toward achieving technological autonomy and fostering a sustainable, high-performance computing future for the continent.