Overview
The NanoIC facility is designed to accelerate the development of advanced chip technologies and strengthen Europe’s position in the global semiconductor landscape.
Location and Partnerships
Located at imec’s research hub in Leuven, NanoIC operates as an open pilot line where companies, research institutes, and startups can prototype cutting‑edge components before commercial deployment.
Officials from the European Commission, imec leadership and industry partners—including ASML—marked the launch, underscoring its role in Europe’s semiconductor sovereignty strategy.
Technology Offerings
Unlike traditional closed fabs, NanoIC provides access to:
- Beyond‑2‑nanometre system‑on‑chip (SoC) technologies
- Early‑stage process design kits (PDKs)
- Advanced toolsets that bridge laboratory research and industrial application
Strategic Importance
The investment is part of the €2.5 billion EU Chips Act programme, a collaborative effort between national governments and private partners to make Europe more competitive in next‑generation electronics.
Target Markets
NanoIC’s capabilities address critical markets where performance and efficiency are paramount:
- Artificial intelligence
- 6G communications
- Autonomous systems
- Health technologies
Benefits for SMEs and Research Organisations
By lowering barriers to access, NanoIC diversifies Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem and enables product development without the massive upfront costs of commercial fabs.
Chips Act Context
The pilot line is a tangible outcome of the “Chips for Europe” initiative, alongside other pilot lines focused on packaging, wide‑bandgap materials, and photonic integrated circuits.
Future Outlook
Opening facilities like NanoIC to a broad set of stakeholders is expected to speed the transition from research breakthroughs to commercially viable technologies, reduce reliance on Asian and U.S. supply chains, and cultivate talent across the continent.