The Netherlands is set to host a European pilot plant for photonic chips, a new generation of chips that use light instead of electrons to process information. Backed by €380 million in public investment from Europe and 11 participating countries, this initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s semiconductor industry. Of the total funding, €133 million is expected to be invested in the Netherlands, with Eindhoven and Enschede selected as locations for the pilot plant. Key institutions like TNO, Eindhoven University of Technology, and the University of Twente are driving the effort.
The European Chips Act underpins this development, targeting a 20% global market share for Europe in semiconductors. The pilot plant will focus on extremely low-volume production to refine processes before scaling. The University of Twente and spin-offs like LioniX International and Quix Quantum will leverage this infrastructure to innovate. Future plans include the establishment of New Origin, a production facility for silicon nitride photonic chips, capable of manufacturing 25,000 200-mm silicon wafers annually.
• €380 million public investment for photonic chip pilot plant.
• €133 million allocated to the Netherlands.
• Eindhoven and Enschede identified as plant locations.
• Pilot plant to focus on early-stage photonic chip production.
• New Origin aims for mid-to-high volume production of silicon nitride chips.
• European Chips Act targets 20% semiconductor market share globally.
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“This recognition and investment mark a significant milestone,” said Prof. Guus Rijnders of the University of Twente. “It enables us to innovate faster and translate research into market-ready products in line with the European Chips Act.”