Sanchez, IMEC CEO discuss new semiconductor R&D center in Malaga

MADRID, Oct. 2 (Xinhua) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and IMEC CEO Luc Van den Hove met on Wednesday to advance plans for establishing a new semiconductor research and development center in Malaga, a project aimed at strengthening Spain’s position in the high-tech semiconductor sector and fostering innovation in advanced chip manufacturing.
Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (IMEC), a leading global semiconductor research firm, signed an agreement with the Spanish government in July 2023 to create a research hub in Malaga focused on advanced chip manufacturing. The future center will develop new 300mm wafer prototyping processes and explore innovative chip applications in healthcare, biology, photonics, augmented and virtual reality, and precision engineering.
During their meeting at Moncloa Palace, Van den Hove updated Sanchez on the project’s progress and expressed interest in integrating IMEC into Spain’s scientific and semiconductor ecosystem to foster a strong European R&D collaboration. The strategic priorities of the European Union in the semiconductor industry were also discussed.
Van den Hove also visited the 50,000 square meter plot in Malaga’s technology park where the new center will be built, local media reported. ■