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Pioneering Chip Technology at the University of Twente

Chips are the backbone of our modern society, powering everything from quantum technology and artificial intelligence to self-driving cars and biomedical research. The University of Twente stands at the forefront of this technological revolution, driving advancements in computer chip design, materials and chip production, organs-on-chips, integrated photonics and quantum photonics. Our innovators address current challenges and shape our future!

Integrated circuit design

Integrated circuits are crucial to modern electronics. They power applications from communication to artificial intelligence. Even the whole internet as we know it runs on integrated circuits. The global chip shortage significantly impacts our economy, but the University of Twente is working on innovative solutions to mitigate this issue. While digital processing dominates, the analogue interface with the natural world remains vital. The University of Twente excels in this analogue and radio frequency domain and leads global advancements in this field.

Photonics and Quantum Photonics 

The University of Twente is a hub for integrated photonics research. Our research ranges from photonic crystals and quantum security solutions to advanced customised mirrors and the tiniest lasers for chip applications. In Twente, we develop affordable, light-based sensors capable of large-scale cancer screening and water pollution monitoring.

Energy-Efficient Computing

To tackle rising energy consumption in information technology, the University of Twente is developing new chip technologies that integrate electrical, optical, and magnetic effects for energy-efficient computing. Our university leads the NL-ECO initiative, which involves academic and industrial partners. It aims to create sustainable, energy-efficient computing solutions.

Organs-on-Chips 

In addition to digital and quantum chip technology, the University of Twente leads biomedical research with innovative chips that mimic human organs. These organs-on-chip are crucial for studying disease mechanisms and testing health products, reducing the reliance on animal models. Just as USB interfaces standardise computer equipment, the University of Twente is pioneering the development of a universal organ-on-chip interface.

The future is here

This is all made possible by the largest academic cleanroom in the Netherlands. The MESA+ NanoLab open-access infrastructure for academic research as well as R&D activities and pilot production by companies and fosters technological innovations. Take a step into the future with the University of Twente, where we are pioneering in the world of chip technology.

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Wilfred van der Wiel (on the left)

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