CISCO Systems to open new semiconductor chip design center in Barcelona

In a meeting yesterday with the Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sánchez, Chuck Robbins, CEO of CISCO Systems, announced that the company would open its first semiconductor chip design center in Barcelona. This project is part of the PERTE plan of government subsidies for semiconductor research and development using the European Union's pandemic relief funds.

Spain’s Chip PERTE, led by Mr Jaime Martorell, an engineer and entrepreneur born in Barcelona who has served in several top-notch posts in global semiconductor companies since the 1980s, will mobilize €12,250M of public investment through 2027 and is the largest strategic project of the 10 PERTEs approved to date. The investment aims for a multiplier effect, strengthening R&D+i capabilities, chip design, the construction of semiconductor manufacturing plants like the one announced by CISCO, and revitalizing the electronic and information technology (ICT) industry in Spain.

The CISCO chip design center will be the first project of its kind in the European Union. "Spain is becoming a key player in achieving the EU's goal of reaching 20% of the global chip market by 2030," Sanchez said after meeting with the CISCO CEO.

When referring to the EU’s goals, Sánchez refers to measures being taken by the European Union to reinforce its own chip industry and reduce its dependence on US and Asian supply, triggered by a global shortage of semiconductors and supply chain bottlenecks.

The EU Chips Act aims to create an innovation ecosystem in the EU, connecting world-class research, design and testing capacities, creating knowledge jobs and fostering economic growth. The new Cisco facility in Barcelona will support the EU’s efforts in this area.

An important element in CISCO’s decision to set-up premises in Barcelona was the area’s ecosystem with universities, companies and research centres, such as the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and also ICFO, which has had the pleasure to participate actively in the discussions in the context of the design of photonic chips and as a flagship example of talent concentration to the area.

We are looking forward to exciting collaborations with the new CISCO center!