Imec successfully concludes 2009 thanks to strengthened global open innovation

Despite the severe economical downturn, 2009 was a satisfying year for imec. Imec’s total revenue amounted to 275 million euro, including 222 million euro coming from collaboration with the global industry. 44.7 million euro was granted to imec Belgium by the Flemish government, to guarantee imec’s long term research and investment in new research initiatives, and imec the Netherlands at Holst Centre received 8 million euro from the Dutch government.

2009 was the year in which the industry’s belief in the feasibility of EUV grew strongly – a belief underpinned by our results. Using EUV lithography, we fabricated the world’s first functional 22nm SRAM cell. An extremely small memory cell, but representing a huge technical and logistical challenge. That we could make it work, and that we were the first, is a testimony to the scientific expertise and operational excellence of our people, but also to our world-class equipment. Of course, this result is a stepping stone for more; expect to see new results in 2010.

In 2009, imec also focused on diversification, echoing the evolutions in the nanoelectronics industry. Continued transistor scaling for example, brings new exciting applications to nanoelectronics. In 2009, imec developed a micro-nail chip enabling intimate contact with neurons. Imec’s micro-nail chip can stimulate neurons and read their signals. The chip will be used in the Neuroelectronics Research Flanders initiative to unravel the human brain. NERF has been founded in 2009 by imec, VIB and K.U.Leuven in 2009 and supported by the Flemish Government.
Another apparent evolution is the industry’s increasing demand for heterogeneous microsystems, a research domain in which imec has built up an extensive expertise. And finally, 2009 was also marked by the successful kick-off of imec’s solar cell research program, endorsed with collaborations with important players such as Schott Solar, Total, GDF Suez and Photovoltech.

Imec’s headcount amounts more than 1,750, among which more than 550 residents and guest researchers. Imec realized more that 1,750 conference papers and publications and important papers, often in collaboration with universities worldwide.

Luc Van den hove, President and CEO at imec: “Innovative organizations are in constant movement. Imec is no exception to that. In 2009, we worked hard to combine the strengths of our diverse expertise, independent of the location where research is performed. More and more innovation depends on combining knowledge in diverse disciplines (technology, design, applications, packaging,...) This is our way to prepare for the future, to tackle the technological and the economical challenges ahead. Because we are convinced that open innovation and global collaborations are the key to progress.”