Welcome to MIDAS Ireland
MIDAS is an industry association that supports the needs and development of the semiconductor / microelectronics system sector in Ireland.
From its beginnings about half a century ago in the mid 1970’s, the sector has grown to employ over 20,000 people today, with the vast majority of the jobs in highly skilled technical roles. The sector in Ireland has built a broad-based capability that compares favourably with most other locations around the world. Operations range from semiconductor manufacturing to chip design and electronic system development to services.
Innovation is key, with companies in the sector investing very significant amounts in R&D and chip design (typically 10% to 20% of revenue) with a total annual R&D spend in the sector in Ireland approaching €500m annually. The annual revenue from the manufacture of semiconductor products is currently about €15bn.
MIDAS Ireland, established in 1999, is an industry led partnership consisting of multinational and indigenous companies, educational organisations, research institutions and government agencies working together to address common challenges within the sector in Ireland. MIDAS has about 80 member organizations today.
Our main focus areas are as follows:
Networking – Monthly meetings are held throughout the year, each one focussed on an area of interest to members with expert speakers and discussions. An Annual Conference takes place which showcases the sector to a wider audience.
Skills and Resources – Regular training courses to upskill the technologists working across the sector are organized through the MIDAS Electronic Systems Skillnet.
Education and Outreach – The Universities work closely with the companies to supply the pipeline of talent that the sector needs to continue growth trajectory. MIDAS connects with students at all educational levels to inform them about the exciting career opportunities that exist.
Research Infrastructure – The excellent research institutions are focussed on developing new technologies and the deeper expertise that the sector needs to further develop its capability.
SMEs and Start-Ups – MIDAS has an SME focussed team to support the particular needs of smaller companies and Start-Ups.
European Connections – MIDAS is a founder member of the Silicon Europe Alliance which enables it to work closely with other regions and participate in valuable and relevant EU funded projects.
Publicity – Promote the regular very positive success stories through various media channels.
Advocacy and Government Policy – MIDAS works closely with the various state agencies and Irish government to articulate the unique needs of the sector and the opportunities that exist. Enterprise Ireland and IDA Ireland are integral and active members of the MIDAS network and management team.
This is a very exciting time for this sector, with the global semiconductor market expected to double in size to $1T by 2030 and the EU Chips Act aiming to significantly grow the sector in Europe. MIDAS is actively focussed on these opportunities and working closely with the whole community to ensure the sector’s continued growth and development in Ireland.
The strength of MIDAS and the value it brings to its membership is intrinsically linked to the active involvement of the whole sector. We are stronger when we collaborate. The more people, companies and organizations that contribute to the collaborations, the more successful we all are. MIDAS has achieved a lot over the years for the sector and will continue to do so as a vibrant organisation.
I hope you find the information in our website informative.
If you have further questions, please contact us at: info@midasireland.ie
John Blake
MIDAS Ireland General Manager