Imec
About the company
Imec is a world-leading research and innovation hub in advanced semiconductor technologies. Leveraging its state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure and the expertise of over 6,500 employees, imec drives innovation in semiconductor and system scaling, artificial intelligence, silicon photonics, connectivity, and sensing.
Imec’s advanced research powers breakthroughs across a wide range of industries, including computing, health, automotive, energy, infotainment, industry, agrifood, and security. Through IC-Link, imec guides companies through every step of the chip journey - from initial concept to full-scale manufacturing - delivering customized solutions tailored to meet the most advanced design and production needs.
Imec collaborates with global leaders across the semiconductor value chain, as well as with technology companies, start-ups, academia, and research institutions in Flanders and worldwide. Headquartered in Leuven, Belgium, imec has research facilities in Belgium, across Europe and the USA, and representation on three continents. In 2024, imec reported revenues of €1.034 billion.
Project contribution
Imec is Europe’s leading nanoelectronics research center and a central partner in the 14AMI project, which aims to reach the 14 Ångström technology node. Imec spearheads development of a novel transistor architecture called Complementary FET (CFET) – essentially stacking n- and p-type transistors in 3D – to achieve unprecedented miniaturization beyond today’s cutting-edge chips. Within 14AMI, imec leads the integration of these CFET devices and aims to demonstrate one of the world’s first functional CFET chips at angstrom-scale dimensions.
Imec also leads the project’s push for sustainability in semiconductor manufacturing. For example, it is co-developing new eco-friendly chipmaking materials (like PFAS-free photoresists) to eliminate harmful chemicals. It is also analysing manufacturing steps to reduce the carbon footprint of chip fabrication. As the project’s integration hub, imec’s 300 mm pilot fabrication line in Leuven tests and integrates all new 14AMI technologies on wafers. This allows 14AMI innovations – from lithography modules to CFET process flows – to be validated quickly in a realistic fab environment and optimized through rapid feedback. Through its leadership and facilities, imec ensures the 14AMI consortium can turn ambitious 14 Å node concepts into practical solutions, helping to secure Europe’s technological leadership in next-generation semiconductors.