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.