Europe has taken a decisive step towards securing its place in the global chip race with the launch of NanoIC, the largest pilot line established under the European Chip Act.
The €2.5 billion facility opened at IMEC in Leuven is set to transform semiconductor manufacturing in Europe by enabling the development of chips beyond the 2-nanometer node and accelerating the transition from research to industrial production.
Strategically boosting Europe’s chip ambitions
NanoIC is one of the most significant public-private investments ever made in semiconductor manufacturing in Europe.
Of the total funding, €700 million will come from the EU, a further €700 million from national and local governments, and the remainder from industry partners, including ASML.
The facility will focus on developing cutting-edge chip technologies that will power artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, advanced medical systems, and future 6G mobile networks.
The opening comes at a pivotal time for Europe’s digital strategy. NanoIC is now operational, almost four years after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first announced the Chip Law, and as the EU simultaneously consults with the industry on possible changes to Chip Law 2.0.
From research breakthroughs to industrial realities
NanoIC is designed to bridge the long-standing gap between laboratory research and mass production.
This allows companies and researchers to test new chip designs, manufacturing processes, and equipment on a near-industrial scale before embarking on mass production.
This “lab to fab” approach is the basis of the Chips for Europe initiative, which aims to strengthen Europe’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Importantly, NanoIC is the first facility in Europe to implement state-of-the-art extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, enabling chip design and manufacturing beyond the 2-nanometer threshold.
This will bring Europe’s semiconductor manufacturing capabilities closer to the global technology frontier.
Part of the broader tipping law ecosystem
NanoIC is one of five pilot lines funded under the Chip Act, along with FAMES, APECS, WBG and PIXEurope.
These initiatives represent a combined EU and national investment of EUR 3.7 billion. The recent inauguration of FAMES on January 30th and the subsequent launch of NanoIC marks an important step in turning European research excellence into industrial strength.
Open access and pan-European cooperation
Sponsored by IMEC, NanoIC operates on an open access model. Start-ups, SMEs, researchers and large corporations can all utilize this facility, fostering innovation across the ecosystem.
The project brings together leading research institutions including CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer, VTT, CSSNT and Tyndall National Laboratory in Ireland.
By opening its doors to trusted partners, NanoIC aims to increase its competitiveness, attract global talent and strengthen Europe’s semiconductor sovereignty for decades to come.
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