Imec research center strengthens presence in US

In the coming years, Leuven-based imec will actively collaborate with the American universities of Indiana State Purdue University and the University of Michigan. This was announced by the research center on Friday. This collaboration is part of chip technology-related research and is in line with imec’s research priority.

Imec has been working with universities and industry for forty years to drive advanced chip technology and deep technological innovation. In addition to the operations in Florida, imec is now taking the next steps to join the academic world in the US. “These collaboration agreements allow Purdue and Michigan to build on four decades of chip research,” said Luke van den Hove, CEO of imec. “But the opportunities are of interest to imec as well, as these activities are fully aligned with our current strategic priorities. And by anchoring locally with our US research partners, we bring on board a wealth of additional knowledge that will benefit the global microchip ecosystem that imec brings together.”

Flemish Prime Minister Jan Zambon (N-VA) inaugurated the R&D lab on the campus of Purdue University in Indiana on Friday. A team of IMEC and Purdue researchers will develop new materials that will form the basis of next-generation computer chips. “The interest of American universities in joining Leuven-based imec underlines Flanders’ role as a driving force for innovation in the chip industry,” says Zambon. “Thanks to these cooperation agreements, imec can. The existing research activities in Florida significantly strengthen its presence in the United States. We can be proud of that,” he said.

An intention to collaborate with the University of Michigan has been announced. The campus, at the heart of the US auto industry, will focus on the development of semiconductor materials and chip structures that primarily benefit the automotive industry.