Imec opens new chip pilot line in Leuven

The Belgian research centre imec has opened a new pilot line in Leuven to help develop the next generation of computer chips. The project, called NanoIC, has received €2.5 billion in funding from the European Union, national governments and private companies, including ASML.

The new pilot line will focus on making transistors smaller than two nanometres. These tiny parts are the building blocks of computer chips. The more transistors a chip contains, the faster and more powerful it becomes. Some of the components are tens of thousands of times thinner than a human hair.

NanoIC will use Europe’s most advanced chip-making machine, known as extreme ultraviolet lithography. This technology is key for future developments in artificial intelligence, self-driving cars, healthcare and 6G mobile networks.

Imec’s chief executive, Luc Van den hove, said advanced chips are essential for Europe’s digital future. “If Europe wants to stay at the front of innovation, we must have access to the world’s best semiconductor technology”, he said.

The pilot line will be open to companies and researchers from across Europe. They will be able to test new designs and production methods before moving to large-scale manufacturing. This is expected to strengthen Europe’s chip industry and reduce dependence on suppliers outside the continent.

European Commission vice-president Henna Virkkunen said the project shows that Europe’s ambitions in chip technology are becoming reality. Belgian prime minister Bart De Wever and Flemish minister-president Matthias Diependaele also described the centre as vital for Europe’s technological independence.

NanoIC is part of the EU’s Chips Act, which aims to boost research, production and skills in the semiconductor sector. The new pilot line is designed to turn laboratory research into real products and strengthen Europe’s position in the global chip market.

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