Imec opens 2.5 billion euros chip pilot line as Europe looks to strengthen AI hand

Europe took a step to strengthen its hand ‍in the global chip race on Monday as Belgian research firm imec opened “NanoIC”, ⁠a 2.5 billion euros ($2.95 billion) pilot line aimed at developing ultra-advanced semiconductors under the EU’s Chips Act.

Europe is home to major chipmaking equipment champions – including ‌Dutch lithography ‌leader ASML – but produces and designs only a small slice of the most advanced chips, ‌leaving it largely on the sidelines of the AI-driven boom that has lifted U.S. and Asian players.