The Leuven-based technology company Imec has raised 2.5 billion euros to strengthen its position as a pioneer in the global chip industry. The money comes from both the government and the private sector. Imec will use the billions to build a new so-called 'clean room'.
Massive investment in Leuven tech company Imec to ensure EU develops vanguard chip technology
Colin Clapson
Published:
The Europeans are counting on Imec to play a crucial role in the European Union's strategy to strengthen the European chip industry and see off competition from Asia and the United States. Today, the company is announcing €2.5 billion in new investments. It is one of the largest investments in our country in recent years.
Imec is a global player when it comes to chips. The research centre forms a bridge between innovative research into new technologies conducted at universities and concrete applications in industry. In Leuven (Flemish Brabant), companies will be able to explore the most advanced chip technology for future use in their products.
Clean room
The 2.5 billion euros in investments will allow Imec to build a third new 'clean room'. That is a completely dust- and vibration-free room needed to work with chips that requires nanoscale precision.
What is Imec?
Imec is the world's largest independent research centre in nanoelectronics and digital technology. Its focus is on semiconductors, better known as chips. Imec works with universities and companies to find solutions for smart healthcare, sustainable energy and artificial intelligence, etc.
"The investment will enable us to accelerate the pace of innovation, strengthen the European chip ecosystem and boost economic growth in Europe and Flanders," says CEO Luc Van den Hove.
EU Chips Act
Chips have long ceased only being important for the operation of computers and smartphones. They are also crucial in cars and dishwashers. Technology is also in full use in healthcare and drug development.
Just over half of the total investment cash comes from the authorities. Flanders and Europe will jointly invest €1.4 billion. Most of that money comes from the EU, which wants to commit fully to chip technology through the EU Chips Act.
Only last year European Commission president Ursula Von der Leyen visited Imec (photo top) to show the value the EU attaches to these developments.