Nanoelectronics laboratory takes shape

IMEC has officially inaugurated its new nanoelectronics laboratory.

Last Friday IMEC inaugurated its new nanoelectronics laboratory in the presence of the Flemish Minister for Science and Technological Innovation Dirk Van Mechelen, Belgian Minister of Economy Fientje Moerman, Flemish Minister of Economy, International Policy and E-government Patricia Ceysens, European Research Commissioner Philippe Busquin and of about 160 national and international partners.

IMEC used the celebration to announce a new core research partner in its sub-45nm research platform, and excellent financial results for its fiscal year 2003.

IMEC again succeeded in achieving an increase in revenue, proving IMEC's sound growth dynamics since its founding in 1984.

Today's announcements illustrate the success of IMEC's business model to globally tackle the increasing intellectual and financial complexities of technology.

The new nanoelectronics research facility will enable IMEC to maintain its world-leading role in research in nano-scaled technologies.

Started under construction in early 2003, the facility represents a total investment of Eur 84 million.

Of that total, Eur 37.2 million represents a grant from the local government, and the remaining Eur 46.8 million was obtained as a loan, financially supported by the European Investment Bank (EIB), from Fortis Bank.

Situated adjacent to the existing IMEC campus, the new facility includes a three-level fabrication structure, as well as office accommodation for more than 400 people and a central utility building.

The fab has a total work surface of 16,280m2 and includes a plenum, a 3200m2 ballroom-style clean room, with 2200m2 of space sitting on a vibration-controlled waffle table, a clean subfab and a utility fab.

The clean room, suitable for full 300mm wafer processing, is now ready for equipment installation.

"The presence of local officials, the European Commission and worldwide partners at the inauguration of our new facility proves the strong belief in IMEC's initiative to set up a centralised research platform for global nanoelectronics research", stated Prof Gilbert Declerck, President and CEO of IMEC.

"Our facility will strengthen the competitiveness of Flanders, Belgium and Europe by further developing high-tech knowhow and will serve as a unique place where experts from research institutes, semiconductor companies, material and equipment suppliers around the world will jointly tackle the increasing technological complexities of the nanoelectronics era".

In 2003, IMEC achieved 6% higher revenues from contract research compared with 2002, making up some Eur 111 million.

Of the total, 54% of the contract revenue comes from collaborations with international industry, 26% from collaborations with Flemish industry and the remainder comes from European Commission-, ESA- and local government-funded projects.

In the course of 2004, IMEC's total budget is expected to rise to approximately Eur 160 million including a Eur 34 million subsidy from the Government of Flanders.

IMEC's establishment rose to 1300 in 2003, including some 380 guest researchers and industrial residents.

IMEC's scientists again delivered top-level research with results recognised worldwide.

Proof are the large number of submitted (62) and granted (61) patents; the publication of 1299 scientific papers and conference contributions, of which 847 were realised in collaboration with Flemish universities; the large number of invited papers (74) and the awards (12) that IMEC researchers received for the outstanding quality of their research, posters, scientific papers or theses.

"I'm very proud of our achievements in 2003.

Our nanoelectronics research facility became a reality.

Combined with the top-level research of our scientists, this will ensure our future as a centre of excellence", said Prof Declerck.

"With the celebration of IMEC's 20th anniversary, we are happy to announce that we have laid the foundations for a new chapter in IMEC's history in which worldwide collaboration will play a crucial role".

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