The European Commission approves support for a new Dutch knowledge centre for chips. It is about the ChipNL Competence Centre, whose kick-off took place last week. The centre aims to promote innovation in the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem.
It is a four-year project, aimed at strengthening the Dutch semiconductor industry. In doing so, it focuses on stimulating innovation, cooperation and talent development. This should further improve the competitive position of not only the Netherlands, but also Europe as a whole in the field of chip technology. ChipNL will receive a total of 12 million euro in support. Of this, 8 million euro comes from the Minister of Economic Affairs, while the remaining 4 million euro is available from the EU.
European Chips Act
The establishment of the centre is part of the European Chips Act. This is a European law that aims to boost the development and production of chips on European soil. Thus, the European Commission wants to reduce European dependence on foreign countries in chip production.
The reason for the Chips Act includes the shortage of chips that arose during the COVID-19 pandemic. A combination of high demand and problems in the supply chain resulted in large shortages of chips, leading to a lot of financial losses.
Network of 27 knowledge centres
ChipNL is part of a European network consisting of 27 centres of excellence. These knowledge centres will work together among themselves to promote the global competitiveness of the semiconductor sector. Brainport Development, ChipTech Twente, High Tech NL, imec the Netherlands, Oost NL, TNO and Eindhoven University of Technology are involved in ChipNL.
The Dutch centre focuses, among other things, on supporting and connecting different parts of the value chain with Dutch SMEs, start-ups and scale-ups in the semiconductor industry and related appliucation markets. The focus is on chip manufacturing equipment, chip design, (integrated) photonics, quantum technology and heterogeneous integration.
Innovation, collaboration and talent development
Specifically, it focuses on innovation, cooperation and talent development. For instance, SMEs, start-ups and multinationals will have access to European pilot lines through the ChipNL Competence Centre. This enables the testing and validation of new technologies in a controlled and advanced environment.
The centre is also working on a design platform to support industry in designing and developing customised semiconductor solutions. The ChipNL Competence Centre provides support and knowledge in this regard, facilitating access to this platform. TNO, imec and JePPIX are responsible for these activities.
To train the right talent, the centre works with the EU Skills Initiatives and the Microchip Talent Referral Plan (project Beethoven). The talent programme focuses on promoting new skills and should also strengthen the labour market for the semiconductor sector. Brainport Development and ChipTechTwente are responsible for these activities.
Support in obtaining funding
ChipNL also supports parties in obtaining funding through the EU Chip Fund. This fund aims to stimulate innovative projects in the semiconductor industry. ChipNL also provides support around business development, fundraising, internationalisation and identifying innovation opportunities within the sector. The Regional Development Companies (ROMs) OostNL, InnovationQuarter and BOM, together with High Tech NL, are the organisations responsible for these activities.
Author: Wouter Hoeffnagel
Image: Dimitris Vetsikas via Pixabay
