Switzerland launches the SwissChips initiative to strengthen the domestic semiconductor industry
Tech
14 February 2024
This strategic program aims to fortify Swiss research and innovation in semiconductor technologies, microelectronics, and integrated circuit (IC) design.
In an effort to secure its digital sovereignty and maintain its competitive edge in the global semiconductor industry, Switzerland has launched the SwissChips initiative.
The SwissChips Initiative comes at a critical time when Switzerland’s position in the semiconductor sector faces potential challenges due to intensified domestic production efforts abroad and the nation’s partial exclusion from key EU research and innovation programs. Such exclusions have significantly limited Swiss access to vital European research infrastructure necessary for pioneering chip design, prompting a strategic response to safeguard the country’s standing in this high-stakes domain.
With a collaborative effort led by the State Secretariat for Education, Research and Innovation (SERI), the Swiss Center for Electronics and Microelectronics (CSEM), EPFL, and ETH Zurich, the SwissChips Initiative is poised to invigorate the Swiss semiconductor landscape. The program, set to run initially from 2024 to 2026, will see a joint investment of CHF 26 million from SERI and CHF 7.8 million each from CSEM, EPFL, and ETH Zurich.
Sustaining Switzerland’s innovative prowess and technological independence
Under the stewardship of Prof. Christoph Studer, who leads the Integrated Information Processing group at ETH Zurich, SwissChips is dedicated to promoting a robust Swiss network in semiconductor research and development. The initiative’s infrastructure and technological resources will be made available to all Swiss universities, universities of applied sciences, and research institutions, ensuring a comprehensive and inclusive approach to advancing the nation’s capabilities in this critical field.
The launch of SwissChips marks a significant milestone in Switzerland’s commitment to maintaining its innovative strength and technological independence in the semiconductor industry. By fostering strong research collaborations and providing access to state-of-the-art infrastructure and technology, Switzerland aims to meet the challenges posed by global market dynamics and secure its future as a leader in semiconductor technologies and IC design.
