Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e) has signed a strategic collaboration agreement with imec , a world-leading nanoelectronics and semiconductor R&D hub headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, with more than 20 years of activity at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven. The partnership aims to further intensify joint efforts in advanced chip and nanotechnology, elevating the existing collaboration to a new level and strengthening TU/e's broader semiconductor ecosystem, including partners such as ASML, KU Leuven, and UnternehmerTUM.
The agreement establishes a framework to accelerate research collaboration and develop a shared strategy, enabling researchers from both institutions to drive innovation in next-generation chip technologies.
Strengthening Europe's position
Through this partnership, both parties contribute to enhancing Europe's position in the global semiconductor industry. The collaboration aligns with broader national and European ambitions, including the EU Chips Act, the Dutch Beethoven programme, and the Wennink report, all aimed at enhancing Europe's innovation capacity and strategic autonomy.
TU/e and imec have a long-standing history of collaboration, with numerous past and ongoing research projects across multiple domains. This agreement builds on that foundation, elevating the partnership to a level of strategic relevance by deepening the relationship and making future cooperation more ambitious and impactful.
The strategic direction and research agenda will be overseen by a joint steering committee at the executive level. In addition, TU/e and imec will establish a valorization committee to accelerate and strengthen the societal and economic impact of research outcomes.
Leading in chips and hightech systems
This collaboration is one of the examples that give concrete form to TU/e's ambition to become the leading university in Europe in the field of chips and hightech systems.
"Europe needs to connect innovation ecosystems, where industry, academia and public partners collaborate closely, share people, knowledge and infrastructure, and develop advanced technologies across strategic value chains. This connected approach is essential for strategic relevance in chips and for building a stronger, more self-reliant semiconductor ecosystem to secure Europe's economic and technological future. It is how we accelerate progress and create lasting impact", said TU/e Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts.
Active in semicon for more than fifty years
TU/e has been active in semiconductor technology for more than fifty years. Currently, over 700 researchers are working on areas such as semiconductors, quantum technology, photonics, hightech equipment and advanced materials within the recently established Casimir Institute , the university's institute for future chips and hightech systems.
The university is not standing still in pursuing its ambitions and strengthening its role within the semiconductor ecosystem. This new strategic partnership builds on a series of recent initiatives, including long-term collaborations with ASML , featuring a decade-long partnership and the development of a next-generation cleanroom on campus, as well as partnerships with KU Leuven and RWTH Aachen University .
TU/e is also actively involved in key initiatives such as the Photonic Chips Pilot Line at the High Tech Campus Eindhoven, the ChipNL Competence Center , and the European Chip Design Platform. Additional announcements are expected later this month, further supporting the implementation of the Chips Act 2.0 .
