Working Together to Build an Innovative and Resilient Dutch Semiconductor Sector

The global chip industry is growing at a rapid pace and is expected to nearly double by 2030. The COVID-19 pandemic starkly revealed the vulnerability of European supply chains in this industry. With the EU Chips Act, the European Union is committed to strengthening the semiconductor industry, fostering innovation, and increasing technological autonomy.

Role of the ChipNL Competence Center

The ChipNL Competence Center (ChipNL CC) is the Dutch gateway for companies in the semiconductor sector, with a special focus on startups, scale-ups, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The ChipNL CC provides access to knowledge, technology, contacts, and international collaborations. In this way, we strengthen Dutch expertise in the fields of semiconductor manufacturing equipment, chip design, and heterogeneous integration, and we contribute to European strategic autonomy and competitiveness.

European Network of Competence Centers

The ChipNL CC is part of a European network of Competence Centers established under the EU Chips Act. These centers promote collaboration, innovation, and technological independence in the European semiconductor industry. A total of 30 national Chip Competence Centers are currently being launched, each with its own specializations and strengths.

The Competence Centers (CCCs) are a key element of this strategy, as they build bridges between research, industry, and infrastructure (such as pilot lines and the EU Design Platform).

Integration into the Dutch Context and European Cooperation

Dutch companies and research institutions gain access to this European semiconductor infrastructure through the ChipNL Competence Center. This means that the CCC:

• Connects Dutch companies for knowledge sharing and collaboration
• Connects companies with European centers for knowledge exchange
• Helps companies identify new Product-Market Combinations (PMCs)
• Assists in finding pilot lines and testing facilities in Europe
• Connects companies to the European Chip Design Platform to provide access to professional chip design tools
• Increase the international visibility of Dutch semiconductor expertise and facilitate collaboration with strategic partners

The ChipNL Competence Center stands out in Europe through its four areas of focus

1. Semiconductor Manufacturing Equipment: technology for chip production, such as lithography, etching, and metrology, with Dutch industry leaders such as ASML and ASM.
2. Chip Design: the design of integrated circuits for various applications, such as automotive and medical technology.
3. Heterogeneous Integration: combining different semiconductor components into powerful, compact systems for AI, 5G, and medical devices.
4. Photonics and Quantum Technology: chips that use light for data processing, with applications in high-speed communications and advanced sensor technology.

Our Ambition for the Netherlands

The ChipNL Competence Center Netherlands aims to strengthen the Dutch semiconductor sector and make it future-proof by:

1. Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration: Bringing together businesses, research institutions, and government agencies to make the best use of technological knowledge and expertise.
2. Accelerating innovation: Promoting innovative chip technologies in fields such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment, chip design, photonics, and quantum technology.
3. Talent Development and Retention: Investing in education and training to reduce the shortage of technical talent in the sector and retain young talent in the industry.
4. International positioning: Raise the international profile of the Dutch semiconductor sector and position it as a reliable partner within the European ecosystem.
5. Stimulating Economic Growth: Contributing to the Netherlands’ earning power by supporting the semiconductor industry as a key pillar of future economic growth.

Cooperation with Other European CCCs

In addition to positioning ourselves within the European network, we will implement an explicit exchange strategy with the CCCs in other countries. This means:

• Active collaboration with the CCCs in Germany, France, and Belgium (which are home to major semiconductor hubs).
• Access to European Pilot Lines and the EU Design Platform for Dutch companies.
• Organizing joint matchmaking events and workshops

This collaboration helps Dutch companies gain faster access to European testing facilities, shortens the time to market for innovative products, and encourages joint R&D projects.

Project Partners

The ChipNL CC is supported by a broad consortium of leading Dutch organizations in the high-tech and semiconductor industries. These seven organizations contribute knowledge, expertise, and capacity. Together, they second approximately 15 people who will form the ChipNL CC for a period of four years.

The partners and their roles are:

• Brainport Development(economic development agency & Project Coordinator) | Promotes innovation and economic growth in the Brainport region. Leads the implementation and strategy of the ChipNL CC.
• High Tech NL(Trade Association) | Connects the industry and supports the positioning and communication of ChipNL CC both nationally and internationally.
• ChipTech Twente(Cluster organization) | Specialist in chip design, photonics, quantum technology, and heterogeneous integration, with strong regional infrastructure and networks.
• Oost NL (Representing the Regional Development Agencies of the Netherlands ) | Focus on business development, funding, and the international growth of companies.
• TNO(Independent research institute) | Contributes expertise in the fields of chip design, equipment, and quantum technology.
• IMEC (Nanoelectronics and Digital Technologies R&D Center) | Expertise in ASIC design and manufacturing.
• JePPIX (Eindhoven University of Technology) (Platform for Photonic Integrated Circuits) | Supports companies in developing photonic and quantum solutions.

Role of High Tech NL within the ChipNL Competence Center

Within the ChipNL Competence Center, High Tech NL serves as the link between industry, research institutions, and the government. We are responsible for the project’s communication and promotion. Our role focuses on increasing visibility and fostering international collaboration within the semiconductor sector. In addition, we contribute to Business Community & Innovation Management to strengthen the Dutch ecosystem by building consortia and developing innovation programs in partnership with industry.

Stakeholders and Granting Agencies

• European Union (EU Chips Act, Digital Europe Program) – Co-funding and policy framework.
• Dutch Government,Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO)