Austria establishes competence center within the framework of the European Chips Act

A strong signal for the semiconductor industry: The European Commission approves the application of the “Silicon Alps Cluster” for an Austrian chip competence center. As a shareholder in the cluster, AT&S is thus playing an active role in achieving the objectives of the European Chips Act.

Leoben, November 28, 2024 – With an investment volume of more than 43 billion €, the European Union is sending a strong signal for the future of the semiconductor industry as part of the European Chips Act. The aim is to double Europe’s global market share from the current 10% to 20%. The focus is also on the “Chips for Europe” initiative, which aims to drive technological progress and innovation. A central aspect is the creation of a network of competence centers to pool technical expertise, enable experimentation and support companies – especially start-ups and SMEs – in developing and optimizing their design and manufacturing skills.

AT&S, as one of the shareholders of the “Silicon Alps Cluster”, is pleased to announce that the cluster has officially received the approval of the European Commission for its application as “AT-C³ – the Austrian Competence Center for Chips” as well as for “aCCCess – The Alliance of Chips Competence Centers for Enhanced Semiconductor Services”. The funding volume amounts to more than 8 million € for the period from 2025 to 2028.

“As a shareholder of the Silicon Alps Cluster, we at AT&S are very pleased about this approval. It is a significant success for the location and our strong microelectronics ecosystem in the south of Austria. It is particularly pleasing that topics such as advanced semiconductor packaging and power electronics have also been centrally anchored, areas in which AT&S is a well-known global player with its technologies,” emphasizes Peter Griehsnig, CTO of AT&S.

AT-C³ is being established as a central contact point for chip development in a consortium of leading organizations (SAL, MCL, PCCL, AIT, TU Graz) of the Austrian semiconductor ecosystem under the leadership of the Silicon Alps Cluster. The aim is to strengthen the country’s innovative power, shorten development cycles and facilitate access to European open foundries for fabless companies. At the same time, start-ups in the field of electronic system and component manufacturing (ESBS) are to be promoted and the shortage of skilled workers reduced through targeted further training measures.

“With the new AT-C³ competence center, Austria is positioning itself as an essential partner in the European semiconductor ecosystem and is thus actively contributing to achieving the goals of the European Chips Act to expand international competitiveness and innovative strength. We are proud that AT&S is actively contributing to the success of this initiative through its participation in the Silicon Alps Cluster,” emphasizes Peter Schneider, Spokesman of the AT&S Management Board.

The AT-C³ will act as a “one-stop store” for industry and research to facilitate access to European chip pilot lines, design platforms, design services, the ENCCC (European Network of Competence Centers in Chips) and the Chips Fund. It is expected that this will also accelerate the development of new technologies and products. In addition, the center will offer training and education programs to effectively address the skills shortage.

AT & S Austria Technologie & Systemtechnik Aktiengesellschaft – Advanced Technologies & Solutions
AT&S is a leading global manufacturer of high-end IC substrates and printed circuit boards. AT&S industrializes leading-edge technologies for its core business segments Mobile Devices & Substrates, Automotive & Aerospace, Industrial and Medical and high-performance processors for VR and AI applications. AT&S has a global presence with production sites in Austria (Leoben, Fehring) and plants in India (Nanjangud), China (Shanghai, Chongqing) and Korea (Ansan near Seoul). A new high-end production site for IC substrates is currently being established in Malaysia (Kulim). In Leoben, a European competence center including series production for IC substrate technologies is being built. Both sites will start production in the financial year 2024/25. The company employs more than 13,500 people.