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Construction Starts on Spain’s First Photonic-Chip Foundry in Vigo

An Indra-led public–private consortium backs SPARC to strengthen European photonics manufacturing.

Overview

  • Officials placed the first stone at Valadares as work began on the SPARC plant, with an 18‑month build schedule and full operations targeted for the second half of 2027.
  • Project leaders say the 1,600 m² cleanroom is being designed and custom machinery has been ordered, with early output planned at about 1,500 wafers per year and a long‑term goal of 20,000.
  • Financing combines €17.2 million from SETT, about €3 million from the PERTE chips line, a €20 million commitment from Indra, and €3 million from the Vigo Free Trade Zone consortium.
  • Indra holds a 37% stake in the venture; the University of Vigo will train personnel, and construction is being executed by Xestión Ambiental de Contratas and Abeconsa on a roughly 4,000 m² facility across four floors.
  • Backers project about 200 direct high‑skilled jobs and roughly 550 indirect roles, and local reporting cites around €50 million already invested in equipment with initial prototypes enabling order negotiations.