FiCCC – Connecting Oulu to Europe’s Semiconductor Future
Meeting the Global Demand for Chips
The global economy increasingly relies on semiconductor microchips. They are essential for technologies driving digital transformation, including artificial intelligence, low-power computing, 5G and 6G communications, edge computing, the Internet of Things, industrial automation, healthcare technologies and intelligent energy and mobility systems.
As digitalisation continues, demand is growing for chips that offer greater performance, connectivity, intelligence and energy efficiency. At the same time, semiconductor production depends on a highly complex and interdependent global value chain. Geopolitical tensions, disruptions in the availability of critical materials and concentrated manufacturing capacity have highlighted the importance of building more resilient and secure semiconductor supply chains.
The European Chips Act aims to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness, technological capabilities and security of supply in the semiconductor sector. Through the Chips for Europe Initiative, it supports capacity building, innovation, chip design, experimentation, pilot lines, skills development and access to finance.
An important objective of the initiative is to bridge the gap between Europe’s strong research and innovation capabilities and their industrial use. As part of this work, a European network of semiconductor competence centres has been established.
The competence centres provide companies, particularly startups and SMEs, with easier access to technical expertise, experimentation facilities, design capabilities, training and European semiconductor networks. They help companies explore semiconductor technologies, develop their capabilities and move more effectively from ideas and research towards industrial and commercial applications.
What is the FiCCC?
The Finnish Chips Competence Centre (FiCCC) is Finland’s national gateway to semiconductor expertise, services and European cooperation.
FiCCC connects Finnish companies and innovators with technical experts, research organisations, development facilities, business support, funding opportunities and semiconductor networks in Finland and across Europe.
The competence centre supports companies developing semiconductors, microelectronics and chip-based technologies, as well as companies interested in using advanced chip technologies in their products and services.
FiCCC is part of the European Network of Chips Competence Centres. Through this network, companies in Finland can access expertise, infrastructure, services and collaboration opportunities available in other European countries.
The FiCCC consortium consists of:
FiCCC is co-funded by the European Union through the Chips Joint Undertaking and by Business Finland.
Together, the consortium partners bring expertise in semiconductor design, specialised manufacturing, photonics, quantum technologies, business development, regional ecosystems and European collaboration.
FiCCC builds on Finland’s internationally recognised strengths in two complementary competence areas. The first is advanced chip and system design, including SoC, RF, mixed-signal, MEMS, photonics, quantum and wireless technologies. The second is specialised semiconductor manufacturing and integration processes, encompassing optoelectronics, wide-bandgap semiconductors such as SiC and GaN, and internationally recognised ALD and MBE process technologies.
How FiCCC Supports Companies and Innovators
FiCCC supports startups, SMEs, established companies and research teams working with semiconductors, microelectronics and chip-enabled technologies. Depending on their needs, companies can be guided towards relevant expertise, services, facilities, partners and funding opportunities available through the FiCCC consortium and the wider Finnish and European semiconductor ecosystem..
Through FiCCC, companies can access support related to:
- Chip design and system development, including relevant technical expertise and guidance
- Prototyping, piloting and manufacturing pathways, including suitable facilities, technologies and development partners
- Partner matching and collaboration with experts, research organisations, service providers and other ecosystem actors
- Funding and European opportunities, including relevant national and European programmes, services and networks
- Business development and commercialisation, including company growth, market readiness, investor readiness and internationalisation
- Skills, training and talent, including semiconductor-related training opportunities and expertise
Through the European Network of Chips Competence Centres, FiCCC can also guide Finnish companies towards specialised expertise, infrastructure and services available elsewhere in Europe.
Oulu’s Role in Shaping Finnish Chip Competence Center
With its long history in technology and innovation, Oulu has significant assets that can strengthen the semiconductor and microelectronics ecosystems both locally and nationally.
The region is home to a diverse group of companies developing semiconductor technologies, chip-based products and software solutions for different applications. In recent years, Oulu’s ecosystem of manufacturers, designers, researchers and startups has continued to grow. It includes a strong combination of home-grown startups and SMEs, established Finnish companies and international technology players attracted by the region’s research capabilities, expertise and skilled workforce.
Collaboration between industry, research and education is one of Oulu’s key strengths. The ecosystem includes organisations and initiatives such as RadioPark, Oulu University of Applied Sciences, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the University of Oulu. Local universities and educational institutions also contribute by developing the skilled professionals needed by the semiconductor and technology sectors.
Oulu’s internationally recognised expertise in wireless communications, connectivity and artificial intelligence provides a strong foundation for the development of advanced semiconductor and chip-enabled solutions. The region’s experience in wireless technologies dates back to the 1980s and has contributed to Oulu’s position as one of the world’s leading centres for communications technology.
Our know-how in wireless connectivity and AI is actively contributing towards the development of innovative high-tech solutions.The University of Oulu is also home to the 6G Flagship, which conducts research supporting the development of future wireless communications technologies. This combination of research, industry expertise and technological know-how creates strong opportunities for innovation in areas such as radio technologies, system-on-chip design, low-power computing, edge intelligence and connected devices.
BusinessOulu’s role in FiCCC
Within FiCCC, BusinessOulu focuses on supporting entrepreneurship, business growth and collaboration in the semiconductor sector in Oulu and across Finland.
BusinessOulu helps identify the needs of startups, SMEs and other companies working with semiconductors, microelectronics and chip-enabled technologies. Based on these needs, companies can be connected with relevant business expertise, funding opportunities, investors, mentors, technical specialists and national or European networks.
BusinessOulu’s role in FiCCC includes:
- Supporting entrepreneurship and company growth
- Identifying companies’ business, funding and development needs
- Providing tailored business support
- Strengthening connections between companies, investors, experts and ecosystem partners
- Supporting access to national and European funding and collaboration opportunities
- Contributing to the development of Finland’s semiconductor startup and business ecosystem
Through this work, BusinessOulu supports the commercial development and growth of semiconductor-related companies while strengthening cooperation between Oulu, other Finnish regions and the wider European semiconductor ecosystem.
Who Can Benefit from FiCCC?
FiCCC services are relevant for:
- Semiconductor and microelectronics startups
- Deep-tech startups and growth companies
- SMEs and established companies developing chip-based products
- Fabless semiconductor companies
- Companies interested in integrating semiconductor technologies into their products
- Research and innovation teams developing commercial semiconductor solutions
- Investors, mentors and business experts interested in the semiconductor sector
- Finnish and international organisations seeking semiconductor partners and expertise
Whether a company is developing a new chip, looking for technical or business partners, exploring funding opportunities or considering how semiconductor technology could strengthen an existing product, FiCCC can help identify suitable expertise, services and next steps.
Meet the FiCCC Team at BusinessOulu
To find out more about our work as part of the FiCCC consortium, you can contact one of the following from BusinessOulu:
Project Funders:
Consortium Members:
