Finance
Imec opens 2.5 billion euros chip pilot line as Europe looks to strengthen AI hand
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 9, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 9, 2026
Quick Summary
Imec opens a €2.5B chip pilot line in Belgium to boost Europe's AI capabilities, part of the EU's Chips Act to enhance semiconductor production.
Imec Launches €2.5 Billion Chip Pilot Line to Boost Europe's AI Capabilities
Europe's Strategic Move in the Semiconductor Industry
By Nathan Vifflin
Investment Breakdown
Feb 9 (Reuters) - Europe took a step to strengthen its hand in the global chip race on Monday as Belgian research firm imec opened "NanoIC", a 2.5 billion euros ($2.95 billion) pilot line aimed at developing ultra-advanced semiconductors under the EU's Chips Act.
Key Quotes from Industry Leaders
WHY IT'S IMPORTANT
Future Expectations
Europe is home to major chipmaking equipment champions - including Dutch lithography leader ASML - but produces and designs only a small slice of the most advanced chips, leaving it largely on the sidelines of the AI-driven boom that has lifted U.S. and Asian players.
NanoIC is designed to close part of that gap. Rather than building a full commercial factory, Europe is betting on a shared research model that lets firms and labs prototype beyond-2nm process steps and integration before committing billions to volume manufacturing.
CONTEXT
The European Chips Act, unveiled in 2022, aims to double the EU's share of global semiconductor production to 20% by 2030. NanoIC will host ASML's most advanced tool, the High NA EUV machine, alongside its full suite of accompanying tools.
BY THE NUMBERS
2.5 billion euros: The total investment for the NanoIC pilot line, comprising of 1.4 billion in public funding from the EU's Chips Joint Undertaking and the Flemish government and 1.1 billion in private contributions from industry leaders, with ASML representing the largest share.
KEY QUOTES
"We are all very proud and thankful that this is happening at the heart of Europe and will allow Europe to play an even more critical role in the global semiconductor ecosystem" said ASML chief executive Christophe Fouquet in a statement.
"The NanoIC pilot line will play a crucial role in strengthening Europe's industrial fabric in the AI era", imec CEO Luc Van den hove said.
WHAT'S NEXT
imec expects the delivery of ASML's High NA EUV tool in March.
($1 = 0.8483 euros)
(Reporting by Nathan Vifflin in Gdansk; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
Key Takeaways
- •Imec launches a €2.5 billion chip pilot line in Belgium.
- •The project is part of the EU's Chips Act to boost semiconductor production.
- •ASML's High NA EUV tool will be a key component of the pilot line.
- •Europe aims to double its global semiconductor market share by 2030.
- •The initiative focuses on developing ultra-advanced semiconductors.
Frequently Asked Questions about Imec opens 2.5 billion euros chip pilot line as Europe looks to strengthen AI hand
1What is the EU's Chips Act?
The EU's Chips Act is a legislative framework aimed at increasing semiconductor production in Europe, targeting a 20% share of the global market by 2030.
2What is AI?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn. AI is used in various applications, including data analysis and automation.
3What is a pilot line?
A pilot line is a small-scale production facility used to test and develop new manufacturing processes or products before full-scale production begins.
