Openchip Context
Openchip was officially established in Barcelona in 2021 with the aim of developing microprocessor technology and ensuring European digital sovereignty.
Most of the design and manufacture of semiconductors and microchips used for supercomputing takes place outside Europe, particularly in major powers such as the United States, Taiwan, China, Japan and Korea.
Game-changer the European Chips Act
In 2023, the European Chips Act reshaped the semiconductor landscape. The EU acknowledges Europe’s dependence on foreign countries for the design, production and acquisition of microchips. It also sets the goal of moving toward digital sovereignty and global leadership in the face of powers such as Asia and the United States.
Its five key objectives are:
- Strengthen Europe’s leadership in chip research and innovation.
- Increase production capacity to 20% of the global market by 2030.
- Boost innovation in chip design, manufacturing and packaging.
- Build a deep understanding of global semiconductor supply chains.
- Tackle the skills gap and grow a highly skilled talent pool.
In this context, Openchip was born
Openchip is a full-stack European semiconductor company specializing in energy-efficient Systems on Chip (SoCs) based on RISC-V architecture. Focused on High-Performance Computing (HPC) and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Openchip is committed to advancing Europe’s digital sovereignty by democratizing access to critical chip technologies.
By integrating hardware, software and systems co-design, Openchip’s solutions accelerate research in genomics, climate science, protein engineering, astrophysics, energy, aerospace and advanced simulations, driving impactful, societal transformation.
2021. Foundation
Company founded; planning phase begins with initial public funding.
2023. Initial Plan
Operations launch with strong hiring and intensive planning efforts.
2024. Team Building
Executive team formed from top global firms; strategic plan reviewed.
2025. Intensive R&D
Over 100 professionals, mostly in R&D. New EU HPC-VEC grants expected.
2026. First SoC Testing
First test units produced for lab deployment and validation.
2027. First SoC Deployment
First product launched in a commercial production environment.
2028. EU Expansion
Commercial rollout across the EU; groundwork for global reach begins.
2029. Global Exports
First international clients secured after consolidating export operations.
Present
A multicultural and fully European project, with offices in Spain, Italy, Poland, Germany, Belgium and Ireland. Our central operations hub: Barcelona.
Future
The creation of links and alliances with partners in countries such as Japan and the United States will consolidate Europe’s role among the world’s digital powers, with an eye also on countries such as Brazil and India.
A project born from collaboration
Openchip is the result of a joint venture between GTD Systems and Software Engineering and BSC (Barcelona Supercomputing Center).
For over 30 years, GTD has offered first-class engineering in software, communications and control. It implements both products and turnkey solutions for the world’s most demanding sectors: aerospace, security, defense, logistics, energy and science.
The Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC-CNS) is the national supercomputing center in Spain. It specializes in high-performance computing (HPC) and manages MareNostrum, one of the most powerful supercomputers in the world.
Openchip’s Essence
Purpose
Leading the development of full-stack European computing solutions—integrating hardware, software and systems—to strengthen the European microelectronics and AI ecosystem and accelerate scientific and societal progress.
Values
Innovation
Responsibility
Trust
Respect
Innovate for a better future with responsibility, trust, respect and passion.