EUR 76 million aid for first-of-a-kind semiconductor testing equipment facility in Germany approved
The Commission has approved a EUR 76 million German measure to support QuantumDiamonds GmbH in establishing a new semiconductor testing equipment facility in Munich. The project, known as IPF-ATEST, will develop and manufacture advanced metrology and inspection systems based on novel quantum sensing technologies, enabling high-resolution and 3D testing of semiconductor chips. The facility will be the first of its kind in the European Union and is expected to strengthen the resilience and strategic autonomy of the EU semiconductor value chain, in line with the objectives of the European Chips Act.
The Commission approved the measure under Article 107(3)(c) TFEU and based on the principles set out in the European Chips Act, and found that the aid is necessary, appropriate and proportionate to facilitate the development of a new economic activity in Europe. In addition to creating manufacturing capacity for advanced semiconductor testing equipment, the project will contribute to security of supply, foster cooperation with research institutions, support SMEs and start-ups, and help develop a highly skilled workforce.
For further information, see the Commission’s PR.