Imec Launched €2.5B NanoIC Pilot Line Under Chips Act to Advance EU AI Chips

Belgian research consortium imec opened the €2.5 billion NanoIC pilot line under the EU’s Chips Act, aiming to advance beyond-2nm semiconductor development and strengthen Europe’s position in the AI-driven chip race. The facility will house ASML’s High NA EUV lithography tools and operate on a shared research model to support prototyping at scale before full-volume manufacturing. The NanoIC initiative aligns with the Chips Act’s goal of boosting the EU’s semiconductor production share to 20% by 2030. Financing includes €1.4 billion from the Chips Joint Undertaking and the Flemish government, and €1.1 billion in private contributions from industry leaders, with ASML representing the largest stake. imec expects delivery of ASML’s High NA EUV tool in March 2026.