EU Invests €133 Million in Dutch Photonic Chip Facilities

The European Union will invest €133 million ($142 million) in pilot production facilities for photonic semiconductors in the Netherlands, part of a broader €380 million initiative aimed at enhancing semiconductor production across Europe under the Chips Joint Undertaking. Photonic semiconductors, which utilize light for computing, offer advantages in speed and energy efficiency, making them crucial for data centers and automotive applications. Dutch economy minister Dirk Beljaarts emphasized the strategic importance of photonics for Europe's competitive edge in technology. This investment follows a call from major photonic chip executives for €4.25 billion in support to boost the industry against Asian and American competitors. Work on the facilities is expected to commence in 2025, led by the universities of Eindhoven and Twente alongside the Dutch knowledge institute TNO. The EU's commitment aligns with its aim to increase its share of global chip production to at least 20% by the end of the decade.