Chips Competence Center Bulgaria

ongoing

The C3BG project proposal is aligned with strategic European initiatives such as the European Chips Act and the Digital Europe Programme, aimed at strengthening Europe’s semiconductor capabilities and enhancing technological sovereignty. The center is a pivotal part of the broader Chips for Europe Initiative, which seeks to establish a network of competence centres across the EU, contributing to Europe’s goal of capturing 20% of the global semiconductor market by 2030. This initiative is also tied to the Digital Compass Policy Programme 2030, which highlights the need for Europe to reinforce its technological leadership in key sectors like semiconductors. The consortium behind C3BG includes major academic, industrial, and research institutions, with Technical University of Sofia, Sofia Tech Park, and Sofia University serving as key partners. These institutions are further supported by professional organizations such as the Cluster of Microelectronics and Industrial Electronics Systems (CMIES, Interuniversity Microelectronics Centre (imec) in Belgium,) and the National Center for Mechatronics and Clean Technologies (NCMCT), as well as Affiliated partners like Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR) in Germany, providing world-class expertise in semiconductor research. The creation of the center will facilitate access to Electronic Design Automation (EDA) tools, pilot lines, and essential resources for startups and SMEs, as outlined in the Chips Joint Undertaking Work Programme 2023-2027, which emphasizes the importance of open access to design platforms and cutting-edge semiconductor infrastructure. The collaboration with EURO HPC – Supercomputer Discoverer (AE) enhances the center’s ability to conduct high-performance simulations and data processing, vital for the development of advanced semiconductor technologies.