NanoIC Launches: Europe’s €2.5 Billion Bet on Next-Gen Chips

2/9/2026

In a defining moment for European industrial sovereignty, the European Union has officially launched NanoIC, the crown jewel of its Chips Act initiative. Located at the prestigious IMEC research hub in Leuven, Belgium, this pilot line represents a massive €2.5 billion commitment to securing Europe’s future in the global semiconductor race. The timing is symbolic: the facility opens its doors almost exactly four years to the day after President Ursula von der Leyen first announced the European Chips Act. A Financial and Technological Powerhouse The scale of NanoIC is unprecedented. The project is fueled by a blend of public and private capital: €700 million from the EU, another €700 million from national and regional governments, and the remaining billion-plus provided by industry titans like ASML. This investment has a singular focus: conquering the realm beyond two nanometers. NanoIC stands as the first facility on European soil to deploy the most advanced Extreme Ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines. This capability is not just an upgrade; it is a necessity for designing the ultra-powerful chips required for the next generation of artificial intelligence, autonomous vehicles, advanced healthcare systems, and 6G mobile technology. Bridging the Gap: From Lab to Fab Inaugurated by Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever, and Flanders' Minister-President Matthias Diependaele, NanoIC is designed to solve a critical bottleneck: the transition from research to mass production. Known as the "lab to fab" model, the facility allows companies and researchers to test new chip designs and processes at a near-industrial scale. This reduces the risk for manufacturers and accelerates the time-to-market for breakthrough technologies. An Ecosystem of Open Innovation Built on the principle of open access, NanoIC is not an exclusive club. It welcomes a diverse ecosystem ranging from agile start-ups and SMEs to large multinational corporations. While hosted by IMEC in Belgium, it is a truly pan-European endeavor. The partnership network includes heavyweights like CEA-Leti (France), Fraunhofer (Germany), VTT (Finland), CSSNT (Romania), and the Tyndall National Institute (Ireland). NanoIC is a key pillar of the broader "Chips for Europe" initiative, joining other pilot lines like FAMES (inaugurated on January 30), APECS, WBG, and PIXEurope. Together, these five lines represent a combined investment of €3.7 billion, bridging Europe’s research excellence with industrial application. As the European Commission begins engagement on the "CHIPS Act 2.0" revision, NanoIC serves as tangible proof of Europe's determination to retain talent, attract investment, and strengthen its position in the volatile global semiconductor supply chain.