Project offers access to nanoelectronics infrastructure

ASCENT will share best scientific and technological practices, form a knowledge-innovation hub, train new researchers in advanced methodologies and establish a research network of technology designers, modellers and manufacturers.

The three partners will provide researchers access to advanced device data, test chips and characterisation equipment. This access programme will enable the research community to explore new developments in the industry and address the challenges created by an ever-evolving world.

The partners’ respective facilities are world-class, representing over €2bn of combined research infrastructure with credentials in advanced semiconductor processing, nanofabrication, heterogeneous and 3D integration, electrical characterisation and atomistic and TCAD modelling. This is the first time that access to these devices and test structures will become available anywhere in the world.

The project will engage the industry directly through an Industry Innovation Committee and feed back the results of the open research to device manufacturers, providing them with the information they need to improve the next generation of electronic devices.

Dr. Kieran Drain, CEO, Tyndall National Institute, said: “We are delighted to co-ordinate the ASCENT programme and to be partners with world-leading institutes CEA-Leti and imec. ASCENT has the capacity to change the paradigm of European research through unprecedented access to technologies. We are confident that ASCENT will ensure that Europe remains at the forefront of global nanoelectronics development.”

“The ASCENT project is an efficient, strategic way to open the complementary infrastructure and expertise of Tyndall, Leti and imec to a broad range of researchers from Europe’s nanoelectronics modelling-and-characterisation sectors,” commented Marie-Noëlle Semeria, CEO, Leti. “Collaborative projects like this have synergistic affects that benefit everyone involved, while addressing pressing technological challenges.”

“In the frame of the ASCENT project, Tyndall, imec and Leti join forces in supporting the EU research and academic community, SMEs and industry by providing access to test structures and electrical data of semiconductor technologies,” said Luc Van den hove, CEO, imec. “This will enable them to explore new opportunities and compete on the global stage for the development of advanced nano-electronics.”