29m for 6G chiplet packaging line in Finland

VTT in Finland has secured a substantial €29 million funding for the APECS packaging pilot line dedicated to 6G and RF chiplet devices. The Advanced Packaging and Heterogeneous Integration for Electronic Components and Systems (APECS) is among the select pilot lines backed by the EU Chips Act. APECS aims to advance the development of dependable packaging solutions for microchips, exploring innovative combinations of semiconductor materials and technologies, with a specific focus on chiplet integration.

"In the APECS project, VTT will concentrate on the radio frequency technologies essential for the 6G network, alongside the research and demonstration of optical microsystems and chip packaging techniques," explains Tauno Vähä-Heikkilä, Vice President of Microelectronics and Quantum Technologies at VTT.

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Furthermore, VTT is actively involved in other prominent pilot lines such as FAMES, NanoIC, and PIXEurope. The FAMES and NanoIC initiatives are overseen by CEA-Leti of France and imec of Belgium, respectively. Alongside APECS, these pilot lines will be housed in Kvanttinova, benefiting from a substantial €79 million support from the Finnish government, with €29 million specifically allocated for APECS.

Kvanttinova stands as a pivotal RDI Hub in microelectronics and quantum technology, a collaborative effort between VTT, Aalto University, and the City of Espoo. Equipped with a shared-use cleanroom, Kvanttinova empowers domestic companies to innovate, develop, and pilot microelectronics components and systems, facilitating their scaling up for production. The commencement of the first semiconductor processes in Finland is anticipated towards the conclusion of 2026.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding the establishment of the PIXEurope pilot line for photonic chips, spearheaded by ICFO, the Institute of Photonic Sciences in Barcelona. "Collectively, these four pilot lines—APECS, FAMES, NanoIC, and PIXEurope—will play a pivotal role in bolstering the growth of the Finnish and European semiconductor industry, fostering stronger connections between Finnish enterprises and European value chains," emphasizes VTT's Research Manager Pekka Pursula.