Europe Develops Game-Changing Printed Electronics to Challenge Asia's Semiconductor Dominance

2026-03-24 semicon

Delft, Tuesday, 24 March 2026.
TNO’s breakthrough printed electronics technology could revolutionize Europe’s semiconductor independence, offering a stunning 80% reduction in CO₂ emissions compared to traditional manufacturing. The Dutch research organization has successfully spun off multiple companies, including TracXon and Perovion Technologies, proving that Europe can mass-produce electronics with 90% less material usage and zero water consumption. This roll-to-roll printing process, similar to newspaper production, creates flexible circuits for automotive applications and recyclable smart patches that could transform everything from building facades to vehicle integration, positioning Europe to reclaim market share from Asia’s current 95% dominance in circuit board production.

Revolutionary Manufacturing Process Transforms Electronics Production

The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) has developed printed electronics technology that fundamentally reimagines how electronic devices are manufactured [1]. Led by researcher Stephan Harkema, this initiative focuses on creating thinner, lighter, and more sustainable alternatives to traditional circuit boards [1]. The technology operates similarly to newspaper printing, using a roll-to-roll production method that enables faster and cheaper manufacturing compared to conventional semiconductor processes [6]. TNO engineer Iris has been at the forefront of developing innovative applications including smart patches, recyclable circuit boards, and flexible circuits specifically designed for the automotive industry [2]. This breakthrough represents a significant departure from traditional silicon-based electronics production, offering substantial advantages in both manufacturing efficiency and environmental impact [1].

Spin-off Companies Prove Commercial Viability

TNO’s research has successfully transitioned from laboratory development to commercial reality through multiple spin-off companies. TracXon, a TNO spin-off, has demonstrated that Europe can compete with Asian manufacturers by achieving roll-to-roll production of millions of printed electronics devices per year [3]. The company’s breakthrough manufacturing process delivers a CO₂ footprint five times lower than traditional methods, uses ten times less material, and requires zero water in the production process [3]. CEO Ashok Sridhar explains how decades of TNO research laid the foundation for establishing a new European electronics industry [3]. Meanwhile, Perovion Technologies launched on March 10, 2026, building on over ten years of technological development at TNO to commercialize roll-to-roll perovskite photovoltaic technology [5][6]. This spin-off focuses on flexible perovskite solar cells that are lighter, cheaper, and more versatile than traditional silicon panels, capable of being produced on flexible foils [6].

Market Disruption and European Independence

The printed electronics revolution directly challenges Asia’s overwhelming dominance in the global electronics market, where 95% of all printed circuit boards currently originate [3]. TNO’s technology enables Europe to establish domestic production capabilities while addressing critical sustainability challenges in the semiconductor sector [1]. Perovion Technologies exemplifies this shift, with plans to construct the world’s first roll-to-roll factory for perovskite solar cells in the Netherlands, with completion expected around 2030 [6]. The company’s CEO Stefan van de Beek emphasizes that the technology builds upon roughly ten years of development within TNO and Solliance, stating that the current phase involves taking established research and converting it into an industrial blueprint [6]. Hans Boumans, TNO Ventures director, highlights how this approach demonstrates the conversion of research into concrete innovations while building a strong European industry for flexible solar cells [6].

Diverse Applications and Future Manufacturing Plans

The versatility of printed electronics technology extends far beyond traditional circuit board applications. Perovskite solar cells can be integrated into surfaces where standard panels prove unsuitable, including lightweight roofs, building facades, vehicles, and even historic buildings [6]. Van de Beek explains that these flexible foils can simply be adhered to flat roofs, unlike traditional panels that are often too heavy for such applications [6]. The manufacturing process mirrors newspaper printing techniques, enabling rapid scaling and cost-effective production [6]. Perovion Technologies operates from a pilot production line at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven and is currently seeking investors for an initial funding round to develop industrial blueprints over an 18-month period [6]. A subsequent investment round of approximately €25 million will support factory construction, with solar cell production targeted for 2030 [6]. TNO’s broader industrial collaboration involves working annually with around 3,000 organizations, including multinationals, small and medium enterprises, universities, and government entities [7].

Bronnen

printed electronics sustainable semiconductors