Bochum starts international cooperation for microelectronics of the future!

Bochum starts international cooperation for microelectronics of the future!

Microelectronics is one of the decisive technology areas that shape our everyday life and enable economic progress. In view of the crises of recent years, the need for new cooperation to ensure this key technology is becoming more and more urgent. In this context, the Ruhr University Bochum plays a central role in this context by being part of an international network with Japanese, European and American partners, which is devoted to the development of advanced semiconductor technology with nuclear control. On February 14, 2025, this was further advanced at the 1st German Japanese Plasma Processing Workshop for Advanced Microelectronics in Bochum, where a 17-member delegation from Japan was visited.

Especially Prof. Dr. Günther Meschke emphasized the added value of the exchange with international plasmoratorios, which is of great importance for microelectronic production. Research focuses, among other things, on the use of two-dimensional materials, which consist of one or a few atomic layers, which are becoming increasingly important when making chip production. In order to produce these materials in a controlled manner, special plasmas are required.

collaboration and promotion of innovation

As part of the cooperation to implement the European Chips Act, international cooperation was intensified. The aim is not only to transfer findings from basic research to industry faster, but also to establish the direct connection between plasma science and the development of microelectronic components. This could lead to significant innovations in semiconductor production.

The Bochum research institution, which is known as a leading institution in the field of plasma sciences, has already started to use plasma technologies for modern 2D microelectronics components. The Japanese Delegation's journey is supported by the Japan Science and Technology Agency's aspire program, which promotes international exchange and initiates mobility programs for young Japanese researchers. Sub-projects such as "Establish of International Collaboration Networks for Advanced Atomic Layer Processing" aim to further strengthen international cooperation within the Plasmommunity and the microelectronics community.

opportunities by the European Chips Act

An essential part of the current efforts is the chips act initiated by the EU Commission, the aim of which is to increase the market share of the EU from global chip production from around 9 % to 20 % by 2030. In view of a doubling of the world market for chips by 2030, new technologies are required, especially in the areas of energy -efficient electronics, high -performance calculators, 6G as well as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.

To support this initiative and to ensure the Chip availability, several measures are provided, such as the intensification of research into new semiconductor components and the monitoring of global supply chains. The research factory microelectronics Germany (FMD) plays a central role in this context as a contact person who is intended to promote the technology transfer between science and industry and strengthen the competitiveness of European microelectronics.

The cooperation between various research organizations in Europe, such as the Fraunhofer Society, CEA-Leti, and IMEC, is considered crucial to further develop technologies that reduce the dependency on external supply chains. In the cooperation between research and industry, there is great potential for future progress in microelectronics.

The latest developments in Bochum and the strategic initiatives in Europe show clearly: The future of microelectronics is internationally networked and benefits from common knowledge and resources.