The Belgian nanoelectronics research institute IMEC starts with the expansion of its research labs with 2,800m2 including the extension of its state-of-the-art clean room at its Leuven campus. With this extension, IMEC will expand its research on sub-32nm CMOS, on low-cost and high-efficiency solar cells, and on biomedical electronics. IMEC also plans to build a new office building starting later this year.
IMEC starts with the expansion of its research facilities with 2,800m2
This 2,800m2 extra lab space includes 1,200m2 ultra-clean processing area as an extension of its current 300mm clean room. The clean room will be 450mm-ready so that IMEC’s advanced process technology research continues to follow industry standards. Also about 1,600m² of new lab space will be realized to extend both its research on silicon and organic solar cells and on biomedical electronics.
Today, IMEC employs about 1650 people. With this extension, IMEC hopes to create about 300 extra jobs the coming years for many different profiles, including researchers and operators, lab assistants in several domains (engineering, chemistry, etc.).
The total cost of the extension amounts to 70 million euro. The Flemish Government invests 35 million euro and IMEC will cover the remaining 35 million euro through a loan.
“In 2009, IMEC lights 25 birthday candles. Thanks to the unbridled commitment of our researchers and the continuous vision and support of the government of Flanders, we succeeded in putting Flanders on top of the world in nanoelectronics research. IMEC today is addressing the major challenges of our planet: environment, energy and the ageing population. Concrete programs in areas such as solar energy, smart-grid, energy scavenging and in several biomedical and medical applications address those challenges. We are proud that we can further expand IMEC’s activities so that we continue to offer valuable R&D programs to the industry that will contribute to Flanders, Europe and the world of tomorrow;” said Gilbert Declerck, CEO of IMEC.