Leuven: The European Union has inaugurated its largest Chips Act pilot line, NanoIC, at IMEC Leuven, marking a pivotal moment for the semiconductor development and manufacturing sectors in Europe. This newly opened facility represents a significant investment in the future of European technology, with a total funding of £2.5 billion. Of this, £700 million has been provided by the EU, matched by contributions from national and regional governments, with the remainder sourced from ASML and various industry partners.
According to Cyprus News Agency, NanoIC is the first in Europe to employ the advanced Extreme Ultraviolet lithography machine, a technological leap that will enable the design and production of chips using technology that extends beyond two nanometres. This development is crucial for advancing semiconductor manufacturing capabilities in Europe, supporting the growth of AI, autonomous vehicles, healthcare innovations, and 6G mobile technology.
The facility was officially opened by Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and Flanders' Minister-President Matthias Diependaele. NanoIC will serve as a testing ground for researchers and companies to experiment with new chip designs, equipment, and processes at a scale close to industrial production, thereby facilitating the transition from 'lab to fab'. This is a core component of the Chips for Europe initiative, part of the broader Chips Act, aimed at enhancing Europe's role in the global semiconductor supply chain. The initiative is also intended to bolster Europe's industrial base, improve competitiveness, and aid in retaining and attracting talent within the sector.