Tenerife reinforces its status as a leader in innovation and technological advancement within the Canary Islands, establishing itself as a pivotal hub. This is evidenced by cutting-edge firms like Wooptix, which is seeking strategic partnerships with tech behemoths such as Samsung. The Asian conglomerate intends to invest ten million euros in its collaboration with the Tenerife enterprise.
Founded in 2016 as a spin-off from the University of La Laguna (ULL), Wooptix operates from Nanotec, one of the sites within the Scientific and Technological Park of Tenerife—an entity of the Cabildo. The company has recently announced the acquisition of over ten million euros in funding during a Series C financing round, led by Samsung Venture Investment Corporation alongside the Spanish Society for Technological Transformation (SETT). This initiative has also attracted investment from the European Innovation Fund (EIC Fund), CDTI, Intel Capital, Mondragon Corporation, Tel Venture Capital, INC, Bullnet Capital, EU and Caixa.
Receiver
Wooptix has specialised in the production of metrology equipment for the testing of semiconductors through phase imaging techniques. This innovative approach has emerged from research in adaptive optics, initially applied in astronomy for capturing images in space, enabling the acquisition of enhanced information and data about the observed materials.
Mediator
The president of the Cabildo, Rosa Dávila, describes “this funding achievement as a significant success and excellent news for Wooptix, allowing it to further its growth and development from Tenerife.” She recalled her visit in early January to the facilities of Samsung Spain in Madrid, where she was accompanied by Minister of Innovation, Research and Development, Juan José Martínez, “to forge robust collaborative alliances that will drive the technological evolution of Tenerife.”
“We have an unparalleled environment conducive to technological project development, complemented by one of the most advantageous tax regimes in Europe.” This is enabled by the benefits arising from the CANARY SPECIAL AREA (ZEC) and the INVESTMENT RESERVATION (RIC). Dávila noted that Samsung, “is a critical partner for the island’s future.” The island president concluded: “Tenerife possesses the resources and foresight essential for spearheading technological transformation within the Canary Islands, generating skilled employment while preserving local talent.”
Connection
It is noteworthy that Tenerife is well-connected globally via a fibre optic network supported by eleven submarine cables, providing connectivity comparable to that of any major continental region. It also boasts first-rate technological infrastructure, including one of Spain’s most powerful supercomputers and a state-of-the-art data centre situated at the Iter.
Meeting
This week, Juan José Martínez, along with the director of the PCTT, Olga Martín, hosted high-ranking representatives from Samsung during their visit to the island. Martínez expressed, “we have explored collaborative opportunities to strengthen Tenerife’s technological ecosystem.” He underscored the importance of uniting local talent, advanced infrastructures, and collaboration with global leaders to “enhance Tenerife’s appeal as a hub of innovation, aiding in the diversification of the economy.”
Transmitter
Samsung’s representatives acknowledged Tenerife’s leadership in innovation initiatives and its technological framework. They also conveyed their interest in joint projects that would foster technological and economic progress in the region. In this context, Juan José Martínez asserts that “Tenerife’s scientific and technological park is establishing itself as a reference hub for promoting innovation, talent development, and economic advancement on the island.” Moreover, “it encourages business innovation and technological entrepreneurship.” Situated in a strategic locale, “it provides cutting-edge infrastructure and a collaborative setting ideal for innovative firms, startups, and research institutions.”
Sequel
Wooptix has been in operation for nine years as an offshoot of ULL and currently employs over thirty professionals at the PCTT located in La Laguna. The company is experiencing continuous growth and leads the field of adaptive optics research to enhance astronomy. Furthermore, they have developed Phemet®, a laboratory tool designed for shaping blank and printing wafers, ahead of the upcoming fully automated alpha-tool, set to launch this year.
