- Leading European research labs will receive $2.72 billion in funding under the European Chips Act to set up a pilot line to develop and test future generations of advanced computer chips.
- The European Union’s $46.69 billion Chips Act was announced in 2023 to support domestic European chipmaking, a counterbalance to plans by China, the U.S. and other governments to shore up their own industries following shortages during the COVID pandemic.
- Leuven, Belgium-based research hub imec will host the pilot line for the sub-2 nanometre chips to help European industry, academics and start-ups access chip manufacturing technology that would otherwise be too expensive for any one of them to test or use in development.
Imec announced it will receive $2.72 billion in funding from the European Chips Act. The funding aims to establish a pilot line for developing and testing advanced computer chips, particularly those under 2 nanometres. This initiative is part of the EU’s $46.69 billion Chips Act, aimed at supporting European chipmaking and countering efforts by other countries to bolster their industries. The pilot line at imec will provide access to expensive chip manufacturing technology for European industry, academics, and start-ups.
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European R&D line
The European R&D line is poised to advance the development of next-generation, more sophisticated chips. It will be equipped with machinery sourced from both European and international equipment and materials firms. Imec CEO Luc Van den Hove expressed that this investment will enable them to double volumes and learning speed, thus accelerating innovation, reinforcing the European chip ecosystem, and fostering economic growth across Europe.
Also read: South Korea boosts chip sector with $7 billion support
NanoIC pilot line supports Europe
The NanoIC pilot line is set to benefit various industries across Europe, such as automotive, telecommunications, healthcare, and more. Funding totaling $1.52 billion is being provided by several EU programs and Belgium’s Flanders government, along with significant contributions from industry players like ASML, offering $1.19 billion, according to Imec. Additional participating research laboratories include CEA-Leti in France, Fraunhofer in Germany, VTT in Finland, CSSNT in Romania, and the Tyndall Institute in Ireland.
