BREAKING: Spanish firm announces plans for 70 jobs as it expands into Limerick city centre

LIMERICK has received an early Christmas present , with news a chipmaking firm is to create 70 jobs in the city centre.

Openchip, which is based in the Spanish city of Barcelona, is to open a new design centre at the landmark Gardens International premises in Henry Street.

Openchip exists to design high-tech devices for computers and systems, which can make them go faster, increasing efficiencies for companies.

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The jobs in Limerick will be in research and development.

Already 40 positions have been filled, with Openchip planning to increase that number to 70 within the year.

The technology company has more than 350 staff in Spain, Italy, Poland, Belgium, France, Germany and now Ireland.

It work has been recognised by the European Commission as what is known as an Important Project of Common European Interest.

This is a big, important cross-country project which Europe supports with extra funding as it helps the continent stay competitive and innovative.

The products developed at the company are expected to power the next generation of AI and supercomputing systems across Europe.

Openchip executives are recruiting roles from graduates to senior experts working alongside Limerick's universities and industrial sector.

The jobs are supported by the Government through job creation agency IDA Ireland.

The company continues to expand its Irish team, recruiting from graduates to senior experts, while leveraging the strong talent ecosystem and close collaboration between local universities and industry in Ireland’s Midwest region.

This project is supported by the Irish Government through IDA Ireland.

Enterprise Minister Peter Burke was in Limerick to visit Openchip's new offices.

He said: "The opening of Openchip’s new design centre in Limerick is another strong endorsement of Ireland’s global reputation as a hub for research and development in semiconductor and advanced technologies. Openchip’s innovation will power the next generation of AI and supercomputing systems across Europe and, through its involvement with the Commission’s Important Project of Common European Interest, will play a vital role in ensuring Europe’s place in advanced computing."

Chief executive of Openchip Cesc Guim said: "Openchip's growth is vital for achieving European digital sovereignty. Our expansion, including strategic locations in Europe like Ireland, is key to building the robust, homegrown semiconductor, AI and advanced technologies ecosystem Europe needs. By growing together, we will deliver the next generation of high-performance full-stack system on chip and software innovation to contribute to Europe’s technological sovereignty.”

Robin Giller, chief product officer at Openchip, said the company’s expansion in Ireland reflects its broader mission to advance Europe’s AI and supercomputing capabilities through sovereign technology.

“Openchip is a super-ambitious, Europe-centric project that takes a highly collaborative approach to solving real problems in AI data centres and supercomputing environments,” he said. “There is an incredible opportunity to help drive Europe’s AI infrastructure direction, and our Ireland operations are at the forefront of this effort with our highly skilled workforce and ecosystem of partners."

Michael Lohan, the chief executive of IDA Ireland added: "The decision to establish a new design centre here is a strong endorsement of Ireland’s National Semiconductor Strategy and is firmly aligned with IDA Ireland’s strategic focus on that sector. This announcement is excellent news for the Mid West; a region celebrated for its vibrant technology cluster and highly skilled workforce. At the core of our Adapt Intelligently strategy lies a commitment to balanced regional development, and Openchip’s investment in Limerick clearly demonstrates our dedication to this goal."

At a council meeting last week, the chief executive of Limerick Twenty Thirty, the council development arm which operates Gardens International, Enda Power announced the site is at 85% occupancy.

He said Limerick Twenty Thirty was in talks with a company to lease the final 15% of the complex.