Spain to forge gan supremacy with 'gigante' r&d project
Spain is poised to become a global leader in gallium nitride (GaN) Technology thanks to the launch of 'Gigante,' a groundbreaking R&D initiative spearheaded by Indra Group. The project will enable the nation to design, manufacture, and integrate GaN-based systems, vital for defense and communications – a strategic leap for technological sovereignty.
Indra leads €9m gan initiative to bolster spanish tech
The €9 million, four-year 'Gigante' project, funded through the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities' PEICTI 2024–2027 program, aims to create a comprehensive value chain for GaN Technology. This encompasses everything from advanced device design to final validation, a capability currently absent in Spain. Indra, partnering with companies like Televes, SPARC Foundry, and RBZ Robot Design, will be central to this effort. SPARC Foundry's open manufacturing platform for III-V and GaN technologies is a key component, enabling scalable production.
The project’s significance extends beyond immediate technological advancements. “Gallium nitride is poised to transform the next generation of defense and communications systems,” notes Joaquín Ponz, Indra’s Portfolio and Innovation Manager. “This initiative underscores our commitment to developing critical technological capabilities within Spain. The ability to develop and produce GaN components domestically is crucial for strengthening technological sovereignty and industrial competitiveness during a period where Europe seeks greater strategic autonomy.”
This effort aligns with Indra's broader strategy to strengthen core national technologies, exemplified by its majority stake in SPARC Foundry, announced in June 2025. The construction of Spain’s first GaN chip factory in Vigo, slated to begin this year, is a direct outcome of this strategy. This facility will be the foundation for future advanced systems in defense and aerospace, solidifying Indra's position as a national leader.
The consortium includes research teams from the Polytechnic University of Madrid, the University of Vigo, the University of Salamanca, and GRADIANT. These teams will provide specialized research in GaN architectures and device characterization. The focus is on creating compact models and novel integration techniques.
The GaN initiative isn't just about advanced radar and communications; it represents a vital step towards European self-reliance in semiconductor Technology. By building a domestic GaN ecosystem, Spain is not only securing its future in defense and communications but also positioning itself as a key player in the future European semiconductor value chain.
The scale of investment – €9 million over four years – speaks volumes about the strategic importance placed on this Technology. Spain is making a calculated bet on its future, and the potential returns could reshape the nation's technological landscape.
With the first GaN chip factory under construction, Spain is not just joining the GaN revolution, it’s actively shaping it.