The European Union has invested €700 million in NanoIC, a semiconductor pilot line under the European Chips Act.

NanoIC, located at the imec research hub in Leuven, is an open pilot line for prototyping and testing advanced chip technologies.

The facility provides access to beyond-2-nanometre system-on-chip technologies, early-stage process design kits, and advanced toolsets.

The European Union has formally inaugurated NanoIC, a semiconductor pilot line backed by a €700 million investment under the European Chips Act, marking a significant milestone in the region’s efforts to boost its semiconductor industry.

NanoIC aims to accelerate the development of advanced chip technologies and strengthen Europe’s position in the global semiconductor landscape. Situated at the research hub imec in Leuven, NanoIC is designed as an open pilot line where companies, research institutes, and startups can prototype and test cutting-edge components before commercial deployment. Unlike traditional closed fabs, the facility offers access to beyond-2-nanometre system-on-chip (SoC) technologies, early-stage process design kits, and advanced toolsets that bridge the gap between laboratory research.

The launch of NanoIC is expected to have a significant impact on the European semiconductor industry, enabling companies to develop and test new technologies in a collaborative environment. As the industry continues to evolve, the facility is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of chip development in Europe, with the potential to attract investments and partnerships from major players in the industry, such as Nvidia, Ring, and OpenAI. With the European Chips Act providing a significant boost to the region’s semiconductor ambitions, NanoIC is well-positioned to drive innovation and growth in the years to come.