Tampere University secures significant EU funding for setting up a semiconductor pilot line
Tampere University is a partner in the WBG Pilot Line, which focuses on developing wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors and testing and integrating WBG chips. WBG is next-generation semiconductor technology with a wide range of applications, for example, in motor control systems, battery management systems, fast charging systems, photovoltaic inverters, power supply systems and 5G base stations.
Tampere University’s budget for the MBG Pilot Line is €40 million. Funding will be provided by both the Finnish government and the European Commission for setting up the System-in-Package Fabrication (SiPFAB) pilot line in Tampere. The SiPFAB pilot line provides an environment for testing MBG chips and integrating and packaging chip systems. The grant proposal was prepared in collaboration with the City of Tampere’s Chips from Finland initiative.
President of Tampere University Keijo Hämäläinen says that the EU grant represents one of the largest ever investments in the development of academic research and innovation infrastructures in Finland.
“In the next few years, we will continue to expand the University’s expertise in semiconductor technology. Tampere will become a major hub of semiconductor expertise in Europe that will attract both academic professionals and new businesses.”
According to Petri Räsänen, director of Business Tampere’s Chips from Tampere programme, the funding decision places Tampere right at the heart of chip development in the EU. “Hosting the pilot line was an important goal in the Chips from Tampere programme, and we are delighted that this goal was achieved so soon. The pilot line will enable us to create next-generation chip solutions for electrification, safety and data communications. The next step will be the establishment of a competence centre for building semiconductor expertise.”
EU will carry out contract negotiations with all the selected research consortia with the goal of signing the necessary agreements before the end of 2024.
With the adoption of the Chips Act, the EU seeks to strengthen Europe’s competitiveness in the global semiconductor industry, increase the resilience of semiconductor supply chains, and accelerate the digital and green transitions. The Chips Act will reduce the risk of future chip shortages and reinforce Europe’s technological leadership and innovation in the field of semiconductors.
Press release: Chips JU concludes the selection of four new pilot lines to be implemented in Europe
Inquiries:
Director Pauli Kuosmanen
Research and Innovation Services
Tel. +358 50 3045 934
pauli.kuosmanen [at] tuni.fi
