Strengthening Design, Packaging & Equipment
On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, the official launch of the ChipNL Competence Centre (ChipNL CC) will take place at the Noviotech Campus in Nijmegen.
As the national hub of the Dutch semiconductor industry, ChipNL CC connects startups, scale-ups, and SMEs with expertise, talent, and capital, and opens doors to international collaboration.
The launch event brings together industry, academia and policy leaders to discuss how the Netherlands and Europe can strengthen their position in chip design, heterogeneous integration and equipment innovation within the framework of the European Chips Act 2.0.
Programme
Walk-in 09:30 – 10:00
Opening and introduction of the ChipNL Competence Centre
Elly Zwartkruis – Managing Director, ChipNL Competence Centre
Official opening and overview of ChipNL CC’s mission to connect Dutch semiconductor stakeholders to European expertise, talent and funding.
Introduction to the Design Platform
Romano Hoofman – Strategic Development Director, IMEC
Presentation of the European Design Platform and its role in driving collaboration and innovation in chip design.
Deep dive – Competence Chip Design
Introduction by Bratislav Tasic – Department & Programme Manager, NXP
Panel discussion: If chip designers are replaced by AI, what should we do now and how should we respond?
Moderator: Anna Paar – Brainport Development
Panellists: Giuseppe Garcea (Axelera AI), Christiaan Baaij (QBayLogic), Bratislav Tasic (NXP), Aida Todri Sanial (TU/e)
Coffee break – 11:00
Deep dive – Competence Heterogeneous Integration
Introduction by Martijn Heck – Professor of Integrated Photonics, TU/e
Exploring the interaction between semiconductors and photonics as a foundation for future technologies.
Panel discussion: Towards a successful heterogeneous integration approach based on the Dutch strengths
Moderator: Martijn Heck – TU/e
Panellists: Sander Roosendaal (Synopsys), Jan Leideman (DEMCON), Rob Hendriks (FononTech), Willem van Driel (TU Delft)
Interactive consultation: Chips Act 2.0
Anna Paar – Brainport Development
Real-time Mentimeter session to collect input from participants on priorities for the next phase of the Chips Act.
Panel discussion: Internationalisation Ambitions
Moderator: Naomie Verstraeten – Chief Innovation & Technology Officer, Brainport Development
Panellists: Ben Ruck (Ministry of Economic Affairs & Climate Policy), Mark Luke Farrugia (ChipNL Competence Centre), Toine Cleophas (BOM), Arian Zwegers (European Commission)
Launch of the ChipNL Competence Centre
Elly Zwartkruis – ChipNL Competence Centre
Official moment marking the start of ChipNL CC’s activities and European collaboration mission.
Networking lunch and closing 13:15 – 14:00 | An opportunity to connect with peers, share insights and explore future collaborations.
Why attend
Learn about the ambitions and roadmap of ChipNL CC
Explore collaboration opportunities between industry, academia and government
Join discussions on chip design, integration and AI
Network with peers from the Dutch and European semiconductor community
Registration is closed, as we have reached the maximum number of participants.
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