Wallonia Microelectronics Competence Center (ChipsWIN)

ongoing

CHIPSWIN will establish a Chips Competence Center in Wallonia, Belgium, to bridge the gap between advanced semiconductor research and industrial deployment, focusing on the support of SMEs and startups, capitalising on Wallonia semiconductor expertise through the entire value chain from substrates and thin materials to advanced sensors, circuits and microsystems. Key objectives include facilitating access to business / technical expertise and experimentation facilities (incl. EU Design Platform, Pilot Lines, Chips CCs…) to support companies in improving design capabilities and skills development, and assisting them to access the Chips Fund. A core focus will be on training professionals in semiconductor simulation, circuit design, chip fabrication and testing, to develop a large skilled workforce and thus better meet industry demands, with an emphasis on the sustainability of semiconductor development and production. Much of this support will take the form of hands-on activities, accompanying users from the design of the value proposition, the definition of specific prototyping experiments, to their practical realisation. CHIPSWIN will foster collaborations between research and industry, promoting knowledge transfer and innovation, elevating Technology Readiness and Commercial Readiness Levels of microsystems developments, from 3-4 to 6-7. CHIPSWIN will strengthen the regional and European semiconductor ecosystem, enhance competitiveness, and contribute to Europe's strategic autonomy. CHIPSWIN unites 3 key players in the Walloon semiconductor ecosystem. UCLouvain, as lead partner, will provide large technical expertise and experimental facilities. WSL will support business development, efficient networking between startups and technico-commercial coaching. Imagine microelectronics will act as a business catalyst for industry knowledge and expertise. This partnership creates a comprehensive support system for the semiconductor sector in Wallonia and beyond.