From chip design to quantum computers
Take Bruco Integrated Circuits in Borne. This company specialises in IC design and is known for giving designers broad responsibilities. From the initial idea to a working prototype, you go through the entire development cycle. Bruco collaborates closely with the University of Twente (UT) and regularly attracts PhD students and recent graduates.
Or consider Chain IC and QBayLogic. Chain IC focuses on designing innovative chips and collaborates with other companies in the Twente ecosystem. QBayLogic, a UT spin-off, develops chip designs for applications including laser communication. Both companies demonstrate how closely education, research, and industry work together in Twente.
Innovation with light
Twente is also a leader in photonics and quantum technology. A prime example is QuiX Quantum, a UT spin-off that recently raised €15 million in growth funding to build the world’s first universal photonic quantum computer. This highlights Twente as a hotspot for cutting-edge quantum research.
Another example is New Origin, which is developing a photonic chip factory in Enschede. Soon, the factory will produce silicon-nitride wafers for applications in data communication, sensors, and healthcare. Demcon also plays a key role, bringing photonic chip projects closer to the market.
Without Twente, no ASML
Twente’s impact goes beyond the region itself. It is often said: without Twente, there would be no ASML. Around one hundred companies in Twente supply components to the chip equipment manufacturer in Veldhoven – from Demcon in Enschede to VDL in Almelo and NTS Norma in Hengelo. ASML, the world’s largest chip machine manufacturer with a 92% market share, generated over €28 billion in revenue last year. A significant portion of that value flows back to Twente, showing how deeply the region is intertwined with the global chip industry.
Those interested in smart systems and IC design can also join companies such as AnSem (part of Cyient) or MEMSIC, or ItoM (part of Bosch). These companies specialise in advanced chip designs and circuits that are used in communication, automotive, and medical applications.
Plenty of opportunities
Twente’s ecosystem offers young engineers and researchers a unique opportunity to develop their talents. From chip design to quantum projects, working here means taking on responsibility early, contributing to groundbreaking technologies, and gaining experience that will open doors to a global career. For ambitious international students, the University of Twente provides a launchpad where you can grow quickly, work on world-class projects, and build a strong foundation in a sector that is expanding at lightning speed.
