Imec, a renowned research center in Leuven, Belgium, has secured a significant €2.5 billion investment to establish a cutting-edge pilot line for developing and testing next-generation chips smaller than 2 nanometers. This initiative is part of the European Chips Act, aimed at strengthening Europe's semiconductor industry and reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers.
The funding for this pilot line is a combination of public and private investments. The Flemish government and the European Commission are contributing €1.4 billion, while the remaining €1.1 billion comes from private sources, including ASML, the Dutch chip-making equipment manufacturer.
The pilot line will serve as a crucial link between chip innovation and European industry, enabling companies to explore the potential of advanced chip technology for their future applications. By collaborating with global suppliers, Imec aims to position Europe at the forefront of chip technology and enhance its competitiveness in the global market.
Luc Van den hove, CEO of Imec, emphasised the significance of this investment, stating that it will enable Imec to remain at the cutting edge of chip development and better meet market demands. Flemish Minister-President Jan Jambon also expressed his support, highlighting Imec's pivotal role in strengthening European industry.
The initiative is expected to attract further investments from European and global industries for pilot projects, further solidifying Europe's position in the semiconductor sector.
