The European Union has opened a new test line for semiconductor production at the IMEC research institute in Belgium. Marking a major step in efforts to strengthen Europe’s position in the global chip industry. The project has received €2.5 billion in funding from the EU, national governments, and companies, including the Dutch chip machine manufacturer ASML.
According to the European Commission, this is the largest pilot project created under the Chips Act, which aims to double the EU’s share of global semiconductor production to 20 percent by 2030. At present, Europe produces only a small share of the world’s most advanced chips.
The new NanoIC pilot line is intended to help close that gap by providing access to ASML’s most advanced equipment. The facility will allow companies and research institutions to work together on chip technologies smaller than 2 nanometres. The goal is to support the transition of new chip innovations from laboratory research to commercial manufacturing.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
