Imec Negotiating 750 Million Euro Grant from European Commission

The Flemish research center Imec, which specializes in computer chips, is currently negotiating a grant of up to 750 million euros with the European Commission. This money will be used to build a new cleanroom, and the Flemish government is willing to double the amount. ASML, a chip machine builder, is also prepared to lend equipment worth millions of euros.

What is a Cleanroom?

A cleanroom is a shock and dust-free space and is necessary for the production of the latest (nano) chips. It is an expensive investment, and Imec cannot bear it alone. This is why they are asking for help from the European Commission.

European Chips Act

The European Chips Act requires that the investments are properly explained. The Flemish government is willing to double the final amount, and this is an investment on top of the annual Flemish subsidy of 120 million euros. This is not a subsidy, as Imec will pay back the money via a rental contract.
Imec has a network of partners, including ASML, which is willing to lend equipment worth millions of euros. The two concluded a partnership not so long ago to develop new processors together. Part of the collaboration is the installation of an experimental production line with ASML equipment at Imec.
The negotiations with the European Commission are still ongoing, and the outcome is yet to be seen. If Imec successfully concludes the negotiations, the Flemish government will double the amount, and the chip machine builder ASML is already prepared to lend equipment.
This is an important step for Imec, as the new cleanroom will allow them to get started with the latest (nano) chips. The outcome of the negotiations will determine the future of the Flemish research center.