How RTOs are Shaping the Future of Europe’s Semiconductor Industry
The second IPCEI ME/CT webinar, held on November 5, 2024, gathered experts from leading Research and Technology Organizations (RTOs) to discuss their role in Europe’s semiconductor industry. With nearly 100 participants in attendance, the event highlighted how RTOs drive innovation by bridging research with industrial application, addressing the unique needs of Europe's semiconductor landscape. Below, we summarize the key points presented by each speaker.
Impact of Leading RTOs on the European Semiconductor Ecosystem – Bruno Paing (CEA)
Bruno Paing from CEA-Leti provided an in-depth view of how RTOs are shaping Europe’s semiconductor industry. Through his presentation, Paing underscored the critical function of RTOs like CEA, Fraunhofer, and imec in bridging the gap between research and industrial application, and he highlighted their role within the larger European Association of Research and Technology Organisations (EARTO).
According to Bruno Paing, RTOs such as those under EARTO’s network—including over 350 organizations across 31 countries—are uniquely positioned to move innovations from the lab to the marketplace. By combining advanced research capabilities with infrastructure tailored for high-tech development, RTOs accelerate the Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) of projects, enabling European companies to innovate faster and meet industrial demands with reduced risk. Bruno Paing pointed out that RTOs do not operate in isolation; instead, they are deeply embedded within industry, providing pathways to production through collaborations with companies of all sizes, from SMEs to large corporations.
As an example, CEA-Leti itself supports this mission with its extensive infrastructure, including 11,000 m² of cleanroom space and a portfolio of 3,200 patents. This allows CEA to work closely with over 300 industrial partners, translating research into scalable solutions that meet market needs. Paing shared specific initiatives, like the European Processor Initiative (EPI), that showcase how CEA accelerates Europe’s capabilities in high-performance computing and positions the continent to compete globally.
Paing also introduced Fraunhofer’s contributions, emphasizing its leadership in Germany and its focus on sustainable technology innovation. Through programs like Green ICT and research into next-generation networks like 5G and 6G, Fraunhofer supports European industries in advancing resource-conscious and highly efficient solutions.
Similarly, imec plays an important role in semiconductor advancements, especially in fields like CMOS and photonics. Projects like GENESIS illustrate imec’s commitment to reducing the environmental impact of semiconductor manufacturing, while simultaneously pushing forward the technical boundaries of what’s possible with advanced integration.
Bruno Paing concluded that, collectively, CEA, Fraunhofer, and imec, along with the broader EARTO network, represent a robust infrastructure for Europe’s technological independence. Their collaborations and achievements exemplify how RTOs drive industrial innovation, support economic growth, and reinforce Europe’s strategic position in the global semiconductor landscape. Through their work, RTOs are not only advancing specific technologies but are also cultivating a resilient, competitive ecosystem that allows European industries to thrive.
The Role of Italian RTOs in Driving Innovation for SMEs and Beyond – Lorenza Ferrario (FBK)
Lorenza Ferrario, representing Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), illustrated the importance of Italian RTOs and their contributions to fostering innovation across multiple sectors. FBK, along with the National Research Council of Italy (CNR), offers advanced research and development capabilities, specifically targeting the needs of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). By connecting academic research with industrial applications, Italian RTOs serve as a bridge to innovation for many European companies.
Lorenza Ferrario provided a detailed overview of FBK’s specialized facilities, which include a 700 m² cleanroom for CMOS and MEMS technologies and additional labs for sensor fabrication and micro-assembly. These resources allow FBK to develop sophisticated solutions, from power electronics and photonics to environmental sensors. In collaboration with CNR, FBK supports companies by offering a “toolbox” of technology transfer opportunities, enabling SMEs to leverage cutting-edge research and infrastructure without incurring the prohibitive costs of independent R&D.
Additionally, Ferrario discussed the importance of public-private partnerships within Italy’s “It-fab” network, a strategic alliance aimed at enhancing the capabilities of local SMEs. Through this network, Italian RTOs offer training, consulting, and access to advanced research facilities. These collaborations foster sustainable innovation, allowing companies to explore fields like biodegradable sensor development, renewable energy solutions, and hybrid integration technologies that are increasingly relevant in today’s market.
Key Takeaways
The webinar highlighted how RTOs are essential in shaping the future of Europe’s semiconductor industry. By focusing on applied research, world-class infrastructure, and strong industry partnerships, RTOs provide invaluable resources for developing and maturing technologies from lab to market.
Bruno Paing emphasized CEA-Leti's role in advancing semiconductor technologies through extensive infrastructure and collaborations, supporting a fast-track path for companies from innovation to industrialization. Lorenza Ferrario presented the work of Italian RTOs in empowering SMEs with access to high-level research and public-private partnerships, driving growth in niche sectors that strengthen Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem.
With such impactful work, RTOs are indispensable for fostering innovation and technological sovereignty in Europe. Their contributions create a competitive edge for European companies, enabling them to scale and compete globally. A recording of the webinar is available for those who wish to delve further into the valuable insights shared by these industry leaders.