Chips form the foundation of modern society. They enable everything from medical diagnostics and energy systems to communication networks and advanced manufacturing. As digitalisation, artificial intelligence and connected technologies continue to grow, the global demand for chips is expected to increase significantly in the coming years.
This rapid growth also brings new challenges. Semiconductor production depends on complex global supply chains, scarce materials and energy-intensive processes. Recent disruptions have highlighted vulnerabilities in supply security, while geopolitical developments and sustainability concerns add further urgency.
At both the European and national level, strengthening the semiconductor ecosystem has therefore become a strategic priority. The central challenge is to develop chip technologies that are not only more powerful, but also sustainable, resilient and aligned with societal needs.
Chip tech research at the University of Twente
The University of Twente contributes to this challenge through a strongly integrated approach to chip technology. By combining expertise in design, materials, equipment and applications, we develop technologies that can be translated into real-world solutions.
Our work is structured around three core technological pillars: chip design, chip equipment and chip materials. These are complemented by a fourth pillar focused on chip tech transfer, which connects technological innovation to societal impact through themes such as sustainability, ethics, human capital and valorisation.
This combination allows us to not only advance key enabling technologies – such as integrated circuits, photonics, quantum technologies and energy-efficient computing – but also to ensure that these innovations are scalable, responsible and relevant for society.
Find an expert
Our researchers work across disciplines and at different levels of the technology stack, from fundamental materials research to system-level integration and application development. Their expertise spans areas such as integrated circuits, photonics, quantum technologies, high-tech equipment and emerging fields like organ-on-chip systems.
Education in chip technology
The University of Twente is dedicated to educating the next generation of experts for the global semiconductor ecosystem. Our study programmes are centred around challenge-based learning, connecting students directly with real-world industrial and research problems.