Netherlands Launches ChipNL Centre for Semiconductor Innovation
Eindhoven, Thursday, 26 December 2024.
The Netherlands has inaugurated the ChipNL Competence Centre with €12 million funding to enhance semiconductor innovation, collaboration, and talent development, strengthening its global competitiveness.
Strategic Investment and European Collaboration
The ChipNL Competence Centre, launched on December 23, 2024, represents a significant investment in the Netherlands’ semiconductor future, with €12 million in funding jointly provided by the European Commission and the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs [1][2]. This initiative is part of a broader European strategy, with ChipNL being one of 27 centers expected to be established across 24 Member States and Norway [2]. The four-year project will receive €8 million from the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and €4 million from the EU [4].
Comprehensive Industry Support
The centre brings together key players in the Dutch semiconductor ecosystem, including Brainport Development, ChipTech Twente, High Tech NL, TNO, JePPIX, and imec [1][2]. A distinctive feature is its support for semiconductor manufacturing equipment, chip design, photonics, and quantum integration [1]. The initiative particularly focuses on enabling SMEs, startups, and multinationals to access European pilot lines for testing and validating new technologies [1].
Innovation and Skills Development
A core mission of the ChipNL Competence Centre is strengthening the semiconductor talent pipeline through collaboration with EU Skills Initiatives and the Microchip Talent reinforcement plan (Project Beethoven) [1]. The centre serves as a national hub for research, development, and cooperation between industry, government, and knowledge institutions [3]. Regional development organizations OostNL, InnovationQuarter, and BOM are actively involved in business development, fundraising, and identifying innovation opportunities [1].
European Strategic Positioning
The establishment of ChipNL aligns with the European Chips Act’s broader objectives, positioning the Netherlands as a crucial player in Europe’s semiconductor landscape [1][2]. The centre will provide vital support in securing funding from the EU Chip Fund and assist organizations in accessing relevant markets [1]. With more than €170 million expected to be invested across all European centers, a second call for proposals is planned for early 2025 [2].