A consortium of national companies has launched an ambitious ten million euro project under the PT2030 program to develop an innovative chip for fiber optic telecommunications. Entirely designed and with Portuguese intellectual property, this new device represents more than a technological advance, it is a symbol of independence, innovation and Portugal's growing position in the global semiconductor industry.

The project, known as Micro Ampere, aims to create a new generation of chips that combine microelectronics with photonics. This combination will allow for greater flexibility, better performance and, above all, greater energy efficiency. As data centers and artificial intelligence systems consume ever-increasing amounts of electricity around the world, the need for more efficient and sustainable chips has become urgent. This Portuguese innovation comes at the right time, offering a smarter and more sustainable alternative.

One of the most promising aspects of this initiative is its focus on reducing dependence on key international suppliers. By developing a chip designed and produced with national technology, Portugal is strengthening its technological sovereignty and proving to everyone that European innovation can compete on the global stage. The device will be compatible with current fiber optic systems, while already prepared for the next generations of 50 and 100 gigabit per second networks expected for the next decade.

The project also includes the creation of a new photonics hub in Aveiro, a development that will further consolidate Portugal’s reputation as a center for advanced technology and applied research. The establishment of this hub represents a strategic step forward in connecting industry, academia, and research institutions, creating an environment where knowledge, engineering, and innovation can grow together.

The importance of this project extends far beyond telecommunications. The same principles of efficiency, miniaturization, and intelligent energy management that drive the Micro Ampere project are also essential for the future of artificial intelligence and data processing. Every AI model, every cloud service, and every connected device depends on the ability to process data faster and with less power. Chips like this one are the foundation on which the digital economy is built.

Portugal’s growing focus on semiconductors, supported by initiatives from the PRR and PT2030, demonstrates a clear strategic direction. The country is no longer only a consumer of advanced technology but is becoming an active developer and producer. The creation of local intellectual property in such a sophisticated field is a sign of maturity, ambition, and vision.

If successful, this project could have a transformative effect on the Portuguese economy, positioning Portugal as a relevant player in the European semiconductor landscape. It could attract more investment, promote specialized training, and inspire a new generation of engineers and researchers.

Portugal has often been recognized for its creativity and adaptability. With projects like this, you are demonstrating to the world that you can also lead to areas that define the future of global innovation. For me in particular the Micro Ampere initiative is not just about a chip, it is about a nation, our future, taking control of its technological destiny, proving that sustainable intelligence can be designed, built, and powered from Portugal.