The microchip sector is of great importance. For our phones, cars, and devices in the home. But also for medical equipment and industry. Twente is home to a relatively large number of companies and scientists who are at the forefront of the development of chip technology. The chip sector in Twente is now getting a boost with the joint plans of TNO and the University of Twente (UT). Three so-called Joint Innovation Centers (JICs) will be located on the UT campus. With the positive decision by the Twente Board, both the funding of the Province of Overijssel and that of the Twente Board will become available. The announcement during the annual Twente Board Event was thus ratified on 5 November.
Overijssel and the Twente Board are each contributing 1.5 million euros to the Joint Innovation Centres of research institute TNO and the University of Twente. The intention is that this will be matched with 1.5 million euros in assignments from, or cooperation with, the regional business community. This brings the total public-private contribution to the joint plans to 4.5 million euros. The JICs focus on photonic chips, medical technology (organ-on-a-chip) and digital systems for predicting maintenance of civil infrastructure. Over the next five years, the three Joint Innovation Centers will grow to a combined size of approximately 40 jobs.
Strengthening the region
There is a need for public-private partnerships among companies in Twente that bridge the gap between academic research, applied research and industrial application. Not only because of strengthening the innovative power, but also because of attracting and retaining talent in the region. Similar initiatives elsewhere show that such JICs attract and further develop talents that then move on to the regional industry. In addition, JICs play a central role in involving regional industry in participating in national and international (EU) research and innovation programmes (in particular, many SMEs find it difficult to do this on their own).
The three JICs focus on the following sectors:
JIC 1: Integrated photonics
The University of Twente has an internationally distinctive strength in a subfield of integrated photonics: technology for SiN chips. The mission of this JIC is to co-create and integrate (together with industry) SiN chips for socially relevant applications. These include the telecom sector, the medical industry, agro/food and security/defence. This JIC will also strengthen further cooperation with Brainport and with the chip companies in Nijmegen.
JIC 2: BioMicroSystems
Microsystems in which cells and tissues are placed (Organ-on-Chip) make it possible to test medical treatments, new medicines and biotechnological innovations more quickly. This contributes to a healthier and safer world. The mission of this JIC is to bring Organ-on-Chip technology to actual application. To achieve this, the relevant value chain must be brought to joint innovation: from the supplying industry to the organisations that want to use this new technology. This JIC builds a bridge to complementary activities in Brainport and Leiden.
JIC 3: Digital Lifecycle Management
This JIC aims to improve and accelerate the realisation, management and renovation of assets with digital monitoring and models. This includes high-tech equipment and systems (e.g. in the manufacturing industry, in the medtech industry and in defence) as well as civil infrastructure, homes and other buildings. Twente, for example, has a strong representation of companies in the construction sector for which this is relevant, but is also facing a significant construction challenge.
