Breaking News : ASML and imec, a leading research and innovation hub in nanoelectronics and digital technologies, have signed a new five-year strategic partnership to accelerate semiconductor advancements while prioritizing sustainability.
This collaboration marks a significant step in reinforcing Europe’s leadership in chip manufacturing, aligning with the EU Chips Act and supported by the Chips Joint Undertaking, the EU Digital Europe Programme, and national governments.
“This agreement marks the next step in our longstanding cooperation with imec. It reflects our shared ambition to develop cutting-edge semiconductor solutions while investing in technology that benefits society at large.”
Christophe Fouquet, ASML President & CEO, ASML
Key Focus Areas:
🔹 Development of next-gen semiconductor technologies, including sub-2nm chips, silicon photonics, memory tech, and advanced packaging
🔹 Integration of ASML’s full suite of EUV & DUV lithography and metrology systems into imec’s state-of-the-art pilot line
🔹 Advancing AI-driven semiconductor applications for future innovations
🔹 Investment in sustainable initiatives that drive environmental and societal benefits
The partnership will leverage ASML’s complete product portfolio—including 0.55 NA EUV, 0.33 NA EUV, DUV immersion, YieldStar optical metrology, and HMI single- and multi-beam technologies—installed in imec’s NanoIC pilot line. This advanced infrastructure will serve as a global hub for semiconductor R&D, providing full-stack innovation for AI-driven applications across industries.
A key expansion in this collaboration is ASML’s investment in funding imec’s research funnel, supporting innovative ideas with tangible environmental and societal benefits.
“For over 30 years, ASML has been a crucial partner in advancing patterning solutions. By incorporating ASML’s entire product portfolio, we will further enhance our pilot line’s capabilities, offering the semiconductor ecosystem the most advanced R&D to tackle AI-driven challenges. The explicit focus on sustainable innovation makes this partnership even more valuable.”
Luc Van den hove, President & CEO of imec
This partnership, backed by funding from the Flemish and Dutch governments as well as the EU, underscores Europe’s commitment to pioneering semiconductor advancements while fostering sustainable innovation.
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