AMD plans to invest $135 million in Ireland for the development of high-performance and adaptive computing engines.



The investment aims to accelerate various technologies such as data center, networking, 6G communications, AI, and embedded solutions. This move will also create up to 290 new job opportunities.

Prior to AMD's acquisition of Xilinx in 2022, Xilinx had a history of collaboration with IDA Ireland to promote semiconductor innovation in the country. In 2017, Xilinx invested $40 million to expand its engineering and research activities and hire more qualified staff members.

Michael Lohan, CEO of IDA Ireland, expressed his excitement about the investment, stating that it will push the boundaries of what is possible and solidify Ireland's position as a technology leader. He also mentioned that this development places Ireland at the center of AMD's European research and engineering operations. IDA Ireland has been supporting AMD and Xilinx for almost thirty years and is committed to encouraging large-scale investments in the semiconductor industry.

The Irish facility, established by Xilinx in 1994, was the first purpose-built location outside the United States. It focused on manufacturing, operations support, engineering, and administrative services. With AMD's acquisition, Ireland now hosts one of the key AMD R&D centers in Europe. This facility has a successful history of developing technologies like the AMD Zynq UltraScale+ RFSoC semiconductor product family.

Ruth Cotter, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Communications, and Human Resources at AMD, emphasized the importance of adaptable computing technologies in shaping the future of computing. She praised Ireland's expertise in adaptive computing solutions and reaffirmed the company's commitment to supporting the European semiconductor ecosystem and fostering innovation in Ireland. With this investment, AMD's R&D teams in Ireland will develop novel high-performance and adaptive computing engines, with a focus on accelerating data center, networking, 6G communications, and embedded solutions, while also taking a leading role in artificial intelligence.

Simon Coveney, Minister for Enterprise, Trade, and Employment, praised AMD's ambitious plan to enhance its engineering and R&D capabilities in Ireland. He highlighted the positive impact this investment will have on the technology industry and the long-term job prospects it will create. The Irish government is fully supportive of this expansion, facilitated through IDA Ireland, showcasing their commitment to a strong environment for research, development, and engineering.

AMD's decision to invest in Ireland has not only bolstered the country's economy but has also had a profound effect on the local job market.

The investment has catalyzed the establishment of new manufacturing and research facilities, resulting in a surge in demand for skilled labor in fields such as semiconductor production, engineering, and technology development. This has not only led to direct job creation but has also spurred growth in sectors that support AMD's operations, including logistics, construction, and technical services, thereby creating a network of indirect employment opportunities.

Moreover, AMD's investment has sparked innovation and knowledge transfer, as the company has collaborated with local educational institutions and research centers, leading to the development of specialized programs to train and upskill the local workforce. This focus on skills development has not only created employment opportunities but has also enhanced the competitiveness of the Irish workforce in the global tech industry.

Furthermore, AMD's commitment to environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility has translated into initiatives aimed at community engagement and environmental stewardship, generating additional employment opportunities in the fields of sustainability management, community outreach, and environmental conservation.
It becomes evident that the impact goes beyond mere job creation, enriching the socio-economic fabric of the region and positioning Ireland as a hub for technological innovation and sustainable growth.