#Czech Republic #European Chips Act #Brno #Czech Semiconductor

New Chapter in Europe's Semiconductor Landscape

A significant milestone has been reached for Europe's semiconductor industry with the recent establishment of the Czech Semiconductor Centre (CSC) in Brno. This initiative marks a critical step towards enhancing the region's independence in chip production and design, focusing particularly on fostering innovation and supporting the growth of European fabless companies.

The Czech Semiconductor Centre is strategically situated in Brno, a city recognized for its robust backdrop in chip design. As the national competence centre under the European Chips Act, CSC is set to serve as a linchpin in the effort to fortify Europe’s semiconductor autonomy. Led by the Brno University of Technology in partnership with Czech Technical University in Prague, onsemi, Codasip, the Czech National Semiconductor Cluster, and the innovation agency JIC, the CSC aims to develop a European hub of excellence in various facets of chip design, education, and nurturing talent, especially within small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

What sets the CSC apart is its commitment to providing comprehensive support for European fabless companies. This includes offering mentorship, financial guidance, access to advanced design tools, prototyping platforms, and facilities for small-scale chip production. Such resources are vital for the success of SMEs in the semiconductor field, allowing them to innovate without the heavy reliance on international supply chains.

Brno's unique positioning in the semiconductor sector is further reinforced by its expertise in electron microscopy. Impressively, one-third of all electron microscopes utilized globally originate from this city. Petr Strelec, the director of Thermo Fisher Scientific's Brno site, asserts that this concentration of microscopy skill not only enhances Brno's local semiconductor industry but also bolsters Europe's overall manufacturing resilience. As Brno is home to prominent companies like Thermo Fisher Scientific, Tescan, and Delong Instruments, these organizations significantly contribute to the local economy, exporting a staggering 93% of their production and committing to substantial research and development investments.

Enhancing Europe’s semiconductor ecosystem is more critical now than ever. In 2023, South Moravia became the first Czech region to join the European Semiconductor Regions Alliance, further solidifying the area’s significance in the semiconductor arena. Karel Masarik, director of the CSC and the founder of the RISC-V technology company Codasip, emphasizes that the local semiconductor landscape is integral to Europe’s strategy for diminishing its dependency on non-European chip manufacturing.

The CSC will focus on various objectives, including strengthening local talent development, enhancing educational programs related to semiconductor engineering, and stimulating entrepreneurship within the sector. The ultimate goal is to establish a self-sustaining semiconductor ecosystem that not only meets local demands but also addresses broader European needs.

Additionally, the drive towards greater independence involves cooperation with various international entities to share expertise and technology while scaling up research initiatives. Leveraging Brno’s strengths in intellectual property design and electronic design automation, the CSC is well-equipped to support innovative startups aiming for widespread market impact.

In conclusion, the Czech Semiconductor Centre stands as a testament to Europe’s determination to reclaim autonomy over its semiconductor supply chain. With a strong foundation built on cooperation, innovation, and skill development, Brno is poised to emerge as a pivotal player in the global semiconductor landscape, paving the way for a sustainable and independent European future in chip production and design.