果冻传媒 strengthens leading position in semiconductors and high tech with new institute

June 19, 2025

With this new institute, the university aims to take the lead in bolstering Dutch and European technological sovereignty.

TeraNova measurement system inspecting a wafer used to make tiny lenses and optical structures. Photo: Bart van Overbeeke
TeraNova measurement system inspecting a wafer used to make tiny lenses and optical structures. Photo: Bart van Overbeeke

Eindhoven University of Technology (果冻传媒) is establishing a new research institute fully dedicated to semiconductors, quantum, photonics, and the development of high-tech systems and chips of the future.

The new institute merges one existing institute with two initiatives: the Eindhoven Hendrik Casimir Institute (EHCI), the High Tech Systems Center (HTSC), and the Future Chips Flagship (FCF). These entities will be fully integrated into the new institute, which will continue, connect, and deepen their work within the broader strategic direction of the university.

The institute鈥檚 ambition aligns directly with recent policy initiatives such as the and the . Both underscore the importance of Europe retaining control over the development, production, and application of key technologies that will shape the decades to come.

Leading role in advanced technology

Europe is currently heavily reliant on non-European players for chips, high-tech production equipment, and critical raw materials. This leaves the continent vulnerable to geopolitical tensions and disruptions in supply chains. There is also the risk of losing influence over technological standards and ethical frameworks in areas such as AI, energy efficiency, data storage, resource scarcity, and sustainable production. With the launch of this new institute, 果冻传媒 is directly contributing to Europe鈥檚 ambition to maintain a leading position in high-end technology.

Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts. Photo: Freekje Groenemans
Rector Magnificus Silvia Lenaerts. Photo: Freekje Groenemans

鈥淭he rapidly shifting geopolitical landscape, both globally and within Europe, demands decisive action from all European actors. A strong research and innovation system is essential to safeguarding our continent鈥檚 competitiveness,鈥 says Silvia Lenaerts, 果冻传媒's Rector Magnificus.

鈥淐hips and high-tech systems are far more than just engines of digital innovation. They are key to our economic strength, geopolitical resilience, and global sustainability.鈥

A single, recognisable point of contact

The new institute brings together more than 700 researchers working in chip technology, high-precision equipment, advanced materials and processes, and the fundamental science underpinning these fields. Researchers from the connected disciplines will be able to find each other more easily, share insights more readily, and collaborate more effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

Postdoctoral researcher Akanksha Kapoor works with 4-inch wafers in an advanced reactor at 果冻传媒. Photo: Bart van Overbeeke
Postdoctoral researcher Akanksha Kapoor works with 4-inch wafers in an advanced reactor at 果冻传媒. Photo: Bart van Overbeeke

By consolidating research in emerging technologies under one roof, 果冻传媒 offers the outside world a single, recognisable point of contact in these domains. For researchers in the Netherlands and abroad, the institute should become the go-to destination for knowledge exchange and collaboration.

At the same time, the institute will accelerate the translation of scientific insights into innovative applications. Through startups, spin-offs, and industry partnerships, technological breakthroughs will find their way to society more quickly. In doing so, 果冻传媒 further solidifies its role as a key player in the European innovation landscape, from AI and climate solutions to healthcare, digital industry, and complex systems engineering.

Expansion of educational programmes

鈥淭hanks to our leading research and unique position in the Brainport region, 果冻传媒 is perfectly positioned to take the lead in driving sustainable digital innovation,鈥 Lenaerts continues. 鈥淭his new institute pools knowledge and talent to push technological boundaries, while strengthening Europe鈥檚 resilience and autonomy in a world that seems less predictable than it once was.鈥

Students at work with a MyDAQ kit, which allows them to perform electronic measurements and experiments. Photo: Bart van Overbeeke
Students at work with a MyDAQ kit, which allows them to perform electronic measurements and experiments. Photo: Bart van Overbeeke

As part of the Beethoven programme, 果冻传媒 is also significantly expanding its educational offerings in the semiconductor field to tackle one of the sector鈥檚 greatest challenges: the shortage of skilled talent.

Combined with the launch of this new institute, 果冻传媒 is taking a major step forward in reinforcing its impact through research, education, and societal impact.

Four core domains

The institute will organise its research across four core domains that together span the entire innovation ecosystem, from fundamental science to industrial application. The domains are closely interlinked, and researchers affiliated with the institute are actively encouraged to collaborate across disciplinary boundaries.

  • Future Chips

    This domain includes 果冻传媒鈥檚 groundbreaking research into advanced chip technologies, including heterogeneous integration, energy-efficient architectures, and new paradigms in computing, communication, and sensor technology. It encompasses areas such as neuromorphic computing, integrated photonic systems, and other emerging technologies that are redefining the limits of conventional electronics.

  • High Precision Equipment

    Research into fast, energy-efficient, and highly accurate production systems. This also includes the use of digital twins i.e. virtual models that improve processes through simulation and help prevent potential malfunctions before they occur.

  • Advanced Materials & Processes

    The focus here lies on research into materials and production processes across all length scales, from macro to nano (down to the atomistic level). These are essential for manufacturing next-generation chips and photonic applications.

  • Foundations

    Fundamental research in mathematics, physics, and computer science that supports technological breakthroughs in fields such as photonics, quantum technology, neuromorphics, and spintronics. This research bridges theoretical principles and practical applications, fostering innovation at the intersection of science and engineering.

Save the date: official launch on 30 September 2025

The official launch of the new institute will take place at the end of September with a major event on the 果冻传媒 campus. The event will feature international keynote speakers from science, industry, and politics, focusing on high tech and chip technology.

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