The Government of Spain, through the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT), has announced a strategic investment of 4 million euros in Wooptix, the only Spanish company specialized in semiconductor metrology, a technology essential for chip manufacturing. This effort is part of a national strategy to boost technological reindustrialization and ensure Europe’s digital sovereignty.
Wooptix: Innovation in Semiconductor Metrology
Located in La Laguna (Tenerife), Wooptix was born as a spin-off from the University of La Laguna and has established itself as a pioneering company in the production of measurement equipment for silicon wafers. These wafers are critical components in chip manufacturing, which is experiencing ever-growing global demand.
Thanks to a patented system, Wooptix is capable of performing sub-nanometric precision measurements on silicon wafers, collecting over 16 million data points. This technology not only optimizes production but also enables factories to carry out faster and more accurate calibrations than their competitors.
With this investment, SETT joins other strategic international players, raising the total capital in Wooptix to more than 10 million euros. This support not only strengthens Spain’s position in the semiconductor sector but also boosts the economy of the Canary Islands, generating high value-added jobs and enhancing the technological fabric of the islands.
Boosting Connectivity at the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands
At the same time, the Government has allocated 23.5 million euros to improve the connectivity of the Institute of Astrophysics of the Canary Islands (IAC). This center, which houses the prestigious observatories of Roque de los Muchachos and Teide, is among the top three astrophysical research hubs in the world.
The investment includes the installation of a high-performance optical network funded by European Next Generation EU funds. This network guarantees technological redundancy through submarine and terrestrial cables, ensuring permanent and autonomous connectivity for the observatories. Minister Óscar López emphasized that these “information highways” will not only improve the quality of astronomical observation but also position the Canary Islands as a global hub for attracting astrophysics-related projects and jobs.
A Step Towards Technological Sovereignty
The Government’s commitment to Wooptix and strengthening connectivity in the Canary Islands is part of a broader plan to make Spain a European benchmark in technology. This strategy includes investments in artificial intelligence, 5G, cybersecurityCybersecurity solutions are essential in the digital era…, and semiconductor manufacturing, with the aim of reinforcing the country’s competitiveness in key sectors for the future.
With initiatives like these, Spain is making progress in establishing a technological model that promotes innovation, sustainability, and economic development, contributing to strengthening its role in the global digital economy.