Europe has taken a decisive step to secure its place in the global chip race with the launch of NanoIC, the largest pilot line created under the European Chips Act.
Opened at IMEC in Leuven, the €2.5bn facility is set to transform semiconductor manufacturing in Europe by enabling the development of chips beyond the two-nanometre node and accelerating the journey from research to industrial production.
A strategic boost for Europe’s chip ambitions
NanoIC represents one of the most significant public-private investments ever made in European semiconductor manufacturing.
Of the total funding, €700m comes from the EU, a further €700m from national and regional governments, and the remaining investment from industry partners, including ASML.
The facility will focus on developing cutting-edge chip technologies that underpin artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, advanced healthcare systems and future 6G mobile networks.
The opening comes at a pivotal moment for Europe’s digital strategy. Almost four years after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen first announced the Chips Act, NanoIC is now operational as the EU simultaneously consults industry on a potential ‘Chips Act 2.0’ revision.
From research breakthrough to industrial reality
NanoIC is designed to bridge the long-standing gap between laboratory research and high-volume manufacturing.
It allows companies and researchers to test new chip designs, manufacturing processes and equipment at a near-industrial scale before committing to mass production.
This ‘lab to fab’ approach is a cornerstone of the Chips for Europe initiative, aimed at strengthening Europe’s role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
Crucially, NanoIC is the first facility in Europe to deploy the most advanced Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, enabling chip design and fabrication beyond the two-nanometre threshold.
This places European semiconductor manufacturing capabilities closer to the global technological frontier.
Part of a wider Chips Act ecosystem
NanoIC is one of five pilot lines funded under the Chips Act, alongside FAMES, APECS, WBG and PIXEurope.
Together, these initiatives represent a combined EU and national investment of €3.7bn. The recent inauguration of FAMES on 30 January, followed by NanoIC’s launch, marks a key phase in translating Europe’s research excellence into industrial strength.
Open access and pan-European collaboration
Hosted by IMEC, NanoIC operates on an open-access model. Start-ups, SMEs, researchers and large corporations can all use the facility, encouraging innovation across the entire ecosystem.
The project brings together leading research organisations, including CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer, VTT, CSSNT, and Ireland’s Tyndall National Institute.
By opening its doors to trusted partners, NanoIC aims to boost competitiveness, attract global talent and reinforce Europe’s semiconductor sovereignty for decades to come.
