Europe has taken a decisive step towards strengthening its presence in the global chip industry with the launch of NanoIC, a groundbreaking pilot line established under the European Chips Act. The €2.5bn facility, located at IMEC in Leuven, is set to revolutionize semiconductor manufacturing in Europe by enabling the creation of advanced chips beyond the two-nanometre node and accelerating the journey from research to industrial production.
A strategic boost for Europe’s chip ambitions
NanoIC represents a significant investment in European semiconductor manufacturing, with contributions from the EU, national and regional governments, and industry partners like ASML. The facility’s focus on developing cutting-edge chip technologies essential for various sectors, including artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, advanced healthcare systems, and future 6G mobile networks, marks a pivotal moment for Europe’s digital strategy. As the EU considers a potential revision of the Chips Act, NanoIC’s operational launch signifies a critical milestone in Europe’s quest to enhance its semiconductor capabilities.
From research breakthrough to industrial reality
NanoIC serves as a crucial link between laboratory research and high-volume manufacturing, allowing companies and researchers to test new chip designs, manufacturing processes, and equipment at a near-industrial scale. This ‘lab to fab’ approach is integral to the Chips for Europe initiative, which aims to strengthen Europe’s position in the global semiconductor supply chain. By deploying the most advanced Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, NanoIC enables chip design and fabrication beyond the two-nanometre threshold, positioning European semiconductor manufacturing closer to the global technological frontier.
Part of a wider Chips Act ecosystem
NanoIC is part of a network of five pilot lines funded under the Chips Act, including FAMES, APECS, WBG, and PIXEurope, representing a combined investment of €3.7bn. The recent inauguration of FAMES and the launch of NanoIC signify a significant step in translating Europe’s research excellence into industrial strength, paving the way for increased innovation and competitiveness in the semiconductor industry.
Open access and pan-European collaboration
Hosted at IMEC, NanoIC operates on an open-access model, allowing start-ups, SMEs, researchers, and large corporations to utilize the facility and foster innovation across the ecosystem. The project brings together leading research organizations from across Europe, aiming to enhance competitiveness, attract global talent, and fortify Europe’s semiconductor sovereignty for years to come.
