imec Secures €2.5bn for Cutting-Edge 1nm Chiplet Pilot Line in Europe

Imec, a renowned research institution in Belgium, has announced plans to establish a cutting-edge pilot line dedicated to the development of 1nm CMOS SoC and chiplet technologies. This ambitious project comes with a substantial investment of €2.5 billion, signaling a significant leap forward in semiconductor innovation.

The NanoIC pilot line will specifically focus on sub-2nm CMOS technology, a crucial area for advancing semiconductor processes. This technology is expected to be instrumental in supporting the Intel 16A process, which features incredibly small components measuring as little as 1.6nm and below. The pilot line will also prioritize the prototyping of chiplets, a key technology that holds immense potential for future applications.

The funding for this groundbreaking initiative was unveiled at the imec technology forum (ITF) in Antwerp. A substantial portion of the investment, €1.4 billion, is anticipated to be sourced from Horizon Europe and Digital Europe through the Chips Joint Undertaking (Chips JU), in collaboration with the Flanders state government. While the grant agreement with Chips JU is still pending, it is expected to be finalized later this year.

Imec has strategically partnered with leading institutions and organizations across Europe to bring the NanoIC pilot line to fruition. Collaborators include Leti in France, Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft in Germany, VTT in Finland, CSSNT in Romania, and the Tyndall Institute in Ireland. These partnerships underscore the collaborative nature of this ambitious project and the collective effort to drive semiconductor innovation forward.

The remaining €1.1 billion of the investment will be contributed by industrial partners, including prominent names like ASML, a renowned lithography equipment manufacturer. Imec's strong relationships with industry giants such as Intel, Rapidus, Qualcomm, and various foundries have paved the way for this significant investment. These partnerships have been instrumental in advancing process development over the past decade.