The European Commission and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) have jointly allocated a budget of 12 million euros to the new ChipNL Competence Centre for the next four years. This four-year project aims to strengthen the Dutch semiconductor industry by promoting innovation, collaboration, and talent development, thereby further enhancing the global competitive position of the Netherlands and Europe in the field of semiconductor technologies.
A European initiative for innovation and growth
The ChipNL Competence Centre is part of the European Chips Act. Within this framework, the European Competence Centres function as national hubs for research, development, and collaboration between industry, government, and knowledge institutions. They contribute to accelerating innovation and technological solutions, promoting talent development, and strengthening the European value chain in semiconductors.
Dutch contribution to the European network of Competence Centres
The ChipNL Competence Centre is a collaboration between Brainport Development, ChipTech Twente, High Tech NL, TNO, JePPIX, imec, and the regional development agencies OostNL, BOM, and InnovationQuarter. The Dutch center focuses on supporting and connecting parts of the value chain with Dutch SMEs, start-ups, and scale-ups in the semiconductor sector and related application markets, with a focus on semiconductor manufacturing equipment, chip design, (integrated) photonics, quantum, and heterogeneous integration.
The ChipNL Competence Centre provides support to SMEs, startups, and multinationals in accessing European pilot lines, allowing them to test and validate new technologies in a controlled and advanced environment. In addition, an innovative design platform is being developed within the EU Chips Act to support the industry in designing and developing custom semiconductor solutions. The ChipNL Competence Centre facilitates access to this by providing support and knowledge.
To train the right talent for the future, the center collaborates with the EU Skills Initiatives and the Microchip Talent Enhancement Plan (Beethoven project). The talent program aims to promote new skills and strengthen the labor market for the semiconductor sector. Additionally, the ChipNL Competence Centre provides support in obtaining funding through the EU Chip Fund, specifically designed to stimulate innovative projects in the semiconductor industry.
These activities are complemented with support in the areas of technical expertise, business development, fundraising, and internationalization, as well as identifying innovation opportunities within the sector.
The ChipNL Competence Centre must further position the Netherlands as a hub for innovation in semiconductors and at the same time contribute to broader European objectives.
A boost for Dutch SMEs and startups in the semiconductor industry
With this subsidy, we can further support the Dutch chip industry to strengthen its knowledge position and competitiveness and consolidate its position within Europe. By providing companies access to pilot lines, the design platform, financing opportunities, and talent programs, the ChipNL Competence Centre offers a solid foundation for SMEs and startups to compete in the global market.
About the EU Chips Act
The EU Chips Act is a comprehensive legislative framework designed to strengthen Europe's capabilities in the semiconductor industry. By promoting collaboration, attracting investments, and building a network of competence centers, the law aims to safeguard Europe's leadership position in this strategically vital industry.