QuantumDiamonds GmbH will establish the first European production site for semiconductor metrology and inspection systems based on novel quantum sensors, backed by €76 million in direct grant funding approved by the European Commission. The German measure supports QuantumDiamonds’ ‘IPF-ATEST’ project, focused on developing advanced systems for high-resolution and 3D testing of modern chips. This investment aims to strengthen the EU’s position in the semiconductor value chain, aligning with objectives outlined in the European Chips Act. The Commission found the aid is in line with Article 107(3) of the Treaty on the Functioning of the EU, enabling member states to support economic development; this approval represents the fifth project pre-selected from Germany’s call for innovative semiconductor investment projects.
€76 Million Aid Approved for QuantumDiamonds’ IPF-ATEST Project
The facility, located in Munich, will focus on developing systems capable of high-resolution and three-dimensional testing of advanced microchips, a capability increasingly vital as chip designs grow in complexity. This represents a significant step towards securing domestic capacity for critical chip testing infrastructure. This approval is the fourteenth decision made by the Commission supporting semiconductor manufacturing, bringing the cumulative total of approved aid to approximately €14.2 billion across different member states and technologies. The Commission stated in a November publication outlining the call for proposals that investments in new advanced production facilities in the semiconductor sector are important to safeguard the EU’s security of supply and supply chain resilience, while generating significant positive impacts on the wider economy. This move underscores a growing recognition of the strategic importance of semiconductor technology and the need for increased European investment to compete globally.
Past approved measures account for cumulative aid of around €14.2 billion, provided by different Member States, and supporting the manufacturing of different semiconductor technologies and applications.
EU Chips Act Framework Enables German Semiconductor Investment
QuantumDiamonds GmbH will establish the facility in Munich, focusing on advanced testing capabilities for modern chips, specifically high-resolution and 3D inspection, a critical step in ensuring the quality and reliability of increasingly complex integrated circuits. This investment builds directly on the framework established by the European Chips Act, signaling a coordinated effort to bolster the EU’s semiconductor independence. The approved measure, a direct grant, stems from Germany’s November call for innovative semiconductor investment projects, with QuantumDiamonds’ ‘IPF-ATEST’ project selected as a key recipient. This facility’s unique focus on quantum-based metrology distinguishes it from existing testing infrastructure, promising a new level of precision in identifying defects and ensuring performance. This approval marks the fourteenth decision by the Commission supporting semiconductor projects, totaling approximately €14.2 billion in aid across different member states and technologies.
