To secure the technological leadership of the Netherlands in the semiconductor sector, a clear focus is required on three strategic technology areas: heterogeneous integration, metrology & inspection, and new IC architectures based on chiplets. This is the key finding of the report "Semicon Deepdive: Setting New Ambitions", presented on April the 3rd by the Invest-NL Deep Tech Fund at the TNO Semicon Event in Eindhoven.
The global dependence on a small number of players in the semiconductor industry highlights the need for a strong European and Dutch chip sector. The Netherlands already holds a solid position with global leaders such as ASML and a vibrant ecosystem of innovative deep tech startups and scale-ups.
Download the report 'Semicon Deep Dive: Setting New Ambitions'
Focus for Future Growth
According to the Deep Tech Fund of Invest-NL, now is the time to make sharp choices based on international technology developments and the strength of the Dutch ecosystem. Together with nine other EU countries within the European Semicon Coalition, efforts are being made to strengthen the European chip industry.
To ensure the technological leadership of the Netherlands in the field of semiconductors, focus is needed on three strategic technology areas: advanced packaging, metrology & inspection, and new IC architectures based on chiplets. Advanced chip packaging efficiently integrates chiplets, leading to better performance and lower costs. Metrology & inspection ensure the quality and reliability of semiconductor products through precise measurements and defect detection. New IC architectures based on chiplets offer flexibility and scalability, enabling innovative and energy-efficient solutions. This focus strengthens the financing of new businesses and the earning capacity of the Netherlands within Europe. Investments from larger European funds are needed to support the scaling phase of deep tech startups.
Investment and Collaboration
By providing risk-bearing capital to high-potential companies and working closely with public and private stakeholders in the ecosystem, Invest-NL is helping to turn deep tech innovations into reality. In addition to capital, collaboration is essential. Two weeks ago, TNO, Techleap, and Invest-NL announced an alliance to jointly promote technology development, entrepreneurship, and scaling.
TNO Semicon Event
The report is being formally presented on Thursday April the 3rd to Serpil Tascioglu, Director of Top Sectors & Industrial Policy at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, during the TNO Semicon Event at the High Tech Campus in Eindhoven. The event brought together around 300 key decisionmakers, engineers, and policymakers from the semiconductor industry and knowledge institutions. Speakers included representatives from ASML, Intel, Nearfield Instruments, the European Commission, Brainport Eindhoven, and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.
