TLDR
- The EU has launched NanoIC, its largest Chips Act pilot line, with €700 million in funding to advance semiconductor capabilities.
- NanoIC will use extreme ultraviolet lithography to produce semiconductors beyond two nanometres, crucial for AI and 6G tech.
- The facility at IMEC Leuven allows open access for start-ups, researchers, and large organizations to collaborate on chip designs.
- The EU aims to increase semiconductor production to 20% of global output by 2030, with NanoIC playing a key role.
- NanoIC’s €2.5 billion investment includes funding from the EU, national governments, and industry partners like ASML.
The European Union has launched NanoIC, the largest pilot line under its Chips Act initiative. The €2.5 billion project aims to enhance Europe’s semiconductor capabilities. The EU has committed €700 million, with additional funding from national governments and industry partners.
NanoIC to Boost Europe’s Semiconductor Manufacturing Capabilities
The NanoIC facility at IMEC Leuven will be Europe’s first to deploy the latest extreme ultraviolet lithography machine. This technology will allow for the manufacturing of semiconductors beyond two nanometres.
The project aims to improve the development of next-generation semiconductor technologies, crucial for AI, autonomous vehicles, healthcare, and 6G mobile technologies.
The NanoIC facility will help Europe compete with global semiconductor leaders, allowing institutions and companies to test chip designs at a near-industrial scale.
The facility provides open access, enabling start-ups, researchers, and large organizations to collaborate on new chip designs. The partnership between the EU, IMEC, and several other organizations ensures that the facility can rapidly scale and contribute to the European semiconductor ecosystem.
European Union Investment and Strategic Collaborations
The €700 million in EU funding is part of a €2.5 billion total investment in the NanoIC project. This collaboration includes national and regional government contributions, along with investments from industry partners such as ASML.
The Chips for Europe initiative, supported by NanoIC, aims to strengthen Europe’s position in the global semiconductor market and attract talent to the region. The opening of NanoIC marks a step in Europe’s plan to develop a self-sustaining semiconductor industry.
The facility’s open-access approach allows multiple stakeholders to benefit from advancements in semiconductor manufacturing. By 2030, the European Union aims to produce at least 20% of the world’s semiconductors, with this facility playing a key role in meeting that target.
