Malta has launched the €8 million Malta Semiconductor Competence Centre (MSCC) under Malta Invest, to position the country as a recognised location for semiconductor manufacturing and specialised workforce development. MCAST will be a core partner in the centre and together with other institutions will sit on the council responsible for guiding the sector’s growth.

MCAST has been allocated more than 900,000 euros to lead the training and education element of the project. The work will be coordinated by Project Manager Dr Ing. Stephen Sammut, along with team members Ing. Carolina Sofia, Dr Ing. Barnaby Portelli, and the Applied Research and Innovation Centre, which includes Senior Research Officer Dr Francis Delicata and the post-award team.

The College will develop eight micro-credential courses focused on semiconductor manufacturing and development. These courses will be subsidised to support both those already working in the sector and individuals who would like to enter it. They will be delivered online initially, with the option to be offered in person if there is demand.

MCAST will also set up a new laboratory with clean-room facilities. The lab will feature equipment such as a probe station for exposed dies and a laser vibrometer, which enables precise measurement of micro-level vibrations without direct contact. This investment of €500,000 will enable practical training and support services for the industry.

Alongside these courses, MCAST will introduce new postgraduate routes each year, including Master’s by Research programmes in semiconductor manufacturing and MEMS design, as well as a Master’s focused on Finite Element Modelling using COMSOL Multiphysics.

The project aims to train at least 100 individuals over its duration and to upskill at least 50 people already working in the semiconductor industry. The centre forms part of a wider national effort to strengthen Malta’s capabilities in a sector that is central to modern technology and advanced manufacturing.