asml and imec team up for next-gen chip tech

2025-03-13 asml

Eindhoven, Thursday, 13 March 2025.
asml and imec are joining forces in a five-year partnership. The goal is to drive semiconductor innovation and sustainability. asml’s advanced tools, including euv machines, will be installed at imec’s pilot line. This collaboration aims to boost europe’s position in the global semiconductor arena. The partnership will get financial support from the chips joint undertaking, the flemish government, and the dutch government. The focus will be on solving key production challenges and developing cutting-edge nanoelectronics.

strategic implications for asml

This partnership reinforces ASML’s technological leadership in the semiconductor industry [1]. By providing imec with access to its complete product portfolio, including advanced EUV systems, ASML solidifies its position at the forefront of semiconductor innovation [1][3]. The collaboration allows ASML to refine its technologies based on imec’s research outcomes, potentially leading to enhanced system performance and new applications [4]. The agreement also aligns with ASML’s strategy of investing in technology and innovation, which benefits society [1]. ASML’s CEO, Christophe Fouquet, emphasized the importance of this collaboration for developing solutions for the semiconductor industry [1].

market position and order book

The partnership with imec could positively influence ASML’s market position and order book [GPT]. Access to cutting-edge ASML machines allows imec to develop faster, smaller, and more powerful computer chips [5]. Positive results from imec’s research with high-NA EUV machines could increase demand for ASML’s advanced lithography systems [2]. Furthermore, the collaboration strengthens ASML’s ties within the European semiconductor ecosystem, potentially attracting more European customers and solidifying its market share [1][3]. The partnership also demonstrates ASML’s commitment to sustainable innovation, aligning with growing investor interest in environmentally responsible companies [3][8].

advancing semiconductor technology

The collaboration aims to accelerate innovation in areas like silicon photonics, memory, and advanced packaging [3]. These advancements are crucial for developing future AI applications and enhancing semiconductor capabilities [3]. By working with imec, ASML gains valuable insights into the next generation of chip manufacturing, which can guide its product development and maintain its competitive edge [4]. The partnership further supports the development of sub-2nm technologies, positioning ASML as a key enabler of future semiconductor scaling [1]. The availability of ASML’s 0.55 NA technology at imec is part of the Next Gen-7A project, highlighting the collaborative effort to push technological boundaries [1].

european semiconductor independence

This partnership contributes to Europe’s ambition for greater independence in semiconductor manufacturing [5]. By fostering innovation within Europe, ASML and imec are helping to reduce reliance on Asia and the U.S. for advanced chip technologies [5]. Public funding from the Chips Joint Undertaking, the Flemish government, and the Dutch government underscores the strategic importance of this collaboration for the European Union [1]. The NanoIC pilot line, supported by multiple European countries, will benefit from ASML’s tools, further strengthening Europe’s semiconductor research and development capabilities [1]. This initiative aligns with the broader goal of bolstering Europe’s position in the global semiconductor value chain [1].

Bronnen

Semiconductor R&D Strategic Partnership