Leading the Way in Specialised Microelectronics in Europe

Finland’s Role in Strengthening the European Chip Industry

Finland is making significant strides in enhancing its position in the European chip industry, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the sector. This move is not only vital for Finland’s long-term economic sustainability but also crucial for staying abreast of the latest technological advancements required for developing critical technologies.

The Finnish expertise in specialized microelectronics, including radio frequency (RF), micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), integrated photonics, materials and process development, integration technologies, and superconducting quantum technology, is invaluable to the European chip industry. These areas represent the deep technological knowledge that underpins the advanced manufacturing processes in the chip industry.

Driving Growth Through Key Technologies

The chip industry’s growth is being fueled by emerging technologies like 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), smartphones, automotive electronics, and factory automation. These trends are expected to lead to a substantial increase in semiconductor chip production in the near future.

Furthermore, the quantum technology market and the photonics market are projected to experience significant growth. Recognizing the need to stay technologically ahead, Nordic countries are engaging in strategic collaborations to maintain their competitive edge.

Building a Resilient Finnish Chip Ecosystem

Finland has made substantial investments in its chip industry to enhance sectoral development and integration into European value chains. Despite its relatively small size on a global scale, Finland’s chip ecosystem is robust, comprising sectors such as semiconductors, photonics, and quantum technology.

The Semiconductor Branch Group, Photonics Finland, and InnovationQ play central roles in fostering industrial cooperation within the Finnish chip ecosystem. These groups, while distinct in their focus areas, share common goals of advancing chip technologies and fostering growth opportunities for Finnish companies in European and global markets.

A recent growth strategy called ‘Chips from the North’ by the Semiconductor Branch Group aims to triple revenue and employment in the Finnish semiconductor sector within a decade. This sector is critical for Finland’s overall competitiveness and underscores the importance of expertise in developing and applying critical technologies.

Finland’s strengths in the semiconductor sector lie in specialized microelectronics, enabling the development of increasingly complex manufacturing modules and innovative technological solutions. By leveraging these strengths, Finland is poised to make a significant global impact in selected sectors.

Collaborative efforts with the support of the EU, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, and Business Finland have led to the establishment of four Chips JU pilot lines – FAMES, APECS, NanoIC, and PIXEurope. These initiatives aim to enhance Finland’s chip manufacturing capabilities and secure long-term access to critical technologies, further integrating the country into the European chip ecosystem.

New Investments in VTT’s Cleanroom Facilities

VTT’s Micronova facilities and the upcoming Kvanttinova hub in Otaniemi, Espoo, will host new equipment and processing capabilities focused on developing specialized chips for data storage and transfer applications. These investments will provide businesses and the ecosystem access to advanced processing capabilities, fostering innovation and growth in Finland.

Additionally, Finnish companies can leverage European pilot line technologies through VTT, strengthening the country’s processing capabilities and expanding collaborations in European processor technologies.

Finnish Participation in European Chips JU Microelectronics Pilot Lines

VTT is actively involved in Microelectronics Chips JU pilot lines, focusing on novel processes and devices for specialized microelectronics. In the FAMES pilot line, VTT is developing RF BAW filter processing to support new telecommunication bands, while also working on FeFET-based non-volatile memory technology in the APECS pilot line.

In the NanoIC pilot line, VTT is assessing RF performance in the 2nm CMOS technology developed by IMEC. These initiatives highlight Finland’s commitment to advancing microelectronics technologies and contributing to the European chip industry’s growth.

PIXEurope: Advancing Photonics in Europe

Photonics is another area where Finland excels, with integrated photonics manufacturing technology available at VTT and the University of Tampere. Through the PIXEurope pilot line, VTT is investing in capabilities to fabricate complex photonics chips and hybrid integration, enabling a wide range of applications from telecommunications to sensors.

VTT’s focus on further developing its 3µm thick SOI integrated photonics platform will enhance optical losses, integration density, and wavelength range. These advancements will drive innovation in photonics technologies and applications.

European Quantum Pilots: Leading the Way in Quantum Technology

Finland has a strong tradition in superconducting quantum technology and is home to global market leaders in this field. As quantum technology gains prominence in chip development, Finland’s participation in European quantum pilots, particularly in the SUPREME pilot, is a significant investment in advancing critical technologies.

VTT is spearheading the SUPREME pilot, developing scalable fabrication processes for superconducting quantum chips and Josephson junctions. The focus is on enhancing coherence, repeatability, and integration processes to drive the development of European quantum technology.

Collaborative Strengths of the Nordic Countries

Finland’s contributions to the European chip ecosystem are part of a broader trend in the Nordic countries. With deep research traditions, high-quality education, and strong public-private partnerships, the Nordic countries are well-positioned to become key players in microelectronics, photonics, and quantum technology.

Collaboration among Nordic countries is essential for leveraging their complementary strengths and expanding collective innovation and influence in critical technologies. By working together, these countries can drive growth, foster innovation, and capitalize on emerging opportunities in the global chip industry.

Authors

Piia Konstari, Director, Microfabrication Services, VTT

Pekka Pursula, Director, Microelectronics and Quantum Research, VTT

Please note, this article will also appear in the 24th edition of our quarterly publication.