Imec Launches €2.5 Billion Pilot Line to Lead Global Race for Sub-2nm AI Chips

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 17:49:08 +0000

Leuven, Monday 9 February 2026 Europe has officially escalated its position in the global semiconductor race with the launch of NanoIC, a €2.5 billion pilot line at the Imec research hub in Leuven. Inaugurated on 9 February 2026, this facility represents a strategic pivot towards technological independence, designed to bridge the gap between academic research and industrial manufacturing. The most compelling aspect of this initiative is its focus on sub-2 nanometre technology; by hosting ASML’s cutting-edge High NA EUV lithography tools, NanoIC will enable the prototyping of the ultra-advanced chips necessary for future AI and 6G applications. This move is calculated to reduce the EU’s reliance on foreign supply chains for the most critical components of the digital economy.

New €830 Million European Facility Targets Ultra-Low-Power Chip Innovation

Sun, 01 Feb 2026 10:16:36 +0000

Grenoble, Sunday 1 February 2026 Europe’s semiconductor ambitions advanced this week with the inauguration of the first EU Chips Act pilot line. The €830 million facility targets chip designs consuming 40 per cent less power.

EU Chips Act on Silicon Polder

Imec Launches €2.5 Billion Pilot Line to Lead Global Race for Sub-2nm AI Chips

New €830 Million European Facility Targets Ultra-Low-Power Chip Innovation