{"id":16245,"date":"2026-05-06T09:09:38","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T06:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oulu.com\/ictoulu\/?p=16245"},"modified":"2026-05-06T11:38:01","modified_gmt":"2026-05-06T08:38:01","slug":"chips-from-the-very-north-strengthening-europes-semiconductor-future-from-oulu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oulu.com\/ictoulu\/news\/chips-from-the-very-north-strengthening-europes-semiconductor-future-from-oulu\/","title":{"rendered":"Chips from the Very North: Strengthening Europe\u2019s Semiconductor Future from Oulu"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

On April 23, 2026, Oulu hosted Chips from the Very North<\/strong><\/em>, a high-level international event organized by the Finnish Chips Competence Centre (FiCCC) <\/a>and Business Oulu. The event brought together European decision-makers, industry leaders, researchers, and technology companies to discuss the future of semiconductors, digital infrastructure, and sustainable growth in Europe.The event was hosted by Golriz Ghonouei<\/strong> (BusinessOulu \/ FiCCC), guiding participants through the day\u2019s programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Held at Oulu City Hall, the event positioned Oulu not only as a regional innovation hub, but as a strategic contributor to Europe\u2019s semiconductor ecosystem. The programme followed the semiconductor value chain, from European policy and investment frameworks to research excellence and real-world industrial applications, demonstrating how local ecosystems translate strategic ambition into concrete impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Oulu: A Northern Hub for Global Technological Impact<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The event opened with remarks from Mayor Ari Alatossava<\/strong>, who highlighted Oulu\u2019s strong position as a center for research, development, and innovation. With approximately \u20ac1 billion invested annually in R&D, most of it driven by private companies, Oulu represents a highly collaborative ecosystem where industry, academia, and public actors work closely together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He emphasized that semiconductors are increasingly critical not only for economic growth, but also for security, resilience, and digital infrastructure. In a rapidly changing geopolitical environment, strengthening Europe\u2019s semiconductor capabilities has become essential. Oulu\u2019s expertise in wireless technologies, system-on-chip design, and 5G\/6G development positions it as a key contributor to this effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Europe\u2019s Semiconductor Strategy: From Dependency to Resilience<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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The opening keynote by Henna Virkkunen<\/strong>, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission, set the strategic direction for the day. She described semiconductors as the foundation of Europe\u2019s competitiveness, economic security, and technological sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Her keynote highlighted key challenges:<\/p>\n\n\n\n