The Arnhem-Nijmegen region is an important link in the semiconductor industry in the Netherlands and therefore also in an international context, according to Van Huffelen. 'As a region, we can make a distinctive contribution to this important sector in three areas: chip design, advanced packaging and AI. These range from relatively simple to more complex chips. As a university, we are already contributing to this, and we see further opportunities for development and growth in this area.'
Smart and sustainable growth
The semiconductor industry is so important because it is expected to grow and develop both in quantity and complexity. Van Huffelen: 'More and more chips are needed, but above all, more energy-efficient chips. Data usage consumes too much energy and water to grow “normally”; it must become smarter and more sustainable. In addition, Europe wants to become much more autonomous in this area, compared to other global players. This geopolitical context contributes to enormous opportunities, including for this region, to grow our knowledge, expertise and capabilities.'
The region's ambition is to at least double its growth over the next ten years. “Personally, I think it could even triple or quadruple in size; we should dare to have that ambition. But that means we all need to work together. And it's not just companies that are important in this regard. It's also governments, such as provincial and municipal authorities, which have to arrange space and infrastructure. And knowledge institutions.”
Neuromorphic computing
Radboud University's role in the development of the semiconductor sector is that of a knowledge partner. ‘We have leading expertise in a number of areas. For example, when it comes to designing more energy-efficient chips. We are strong in neuromorphic computing, which will enable us to organise the computing capacity of chips in a different way, making them much more energy-efficient and therefore more environmentally friendly.’
Within Radboud University, neuromorphic computing is being worked on in various places, including in collaboration with companies and in combination with AI. Researcher Johan Mentink plays an important role as the figurehead of Neuromorphic Computing NL (NC-NL), which aims to ensure that the Netherlands remains an international leader in this important technology.
Advanced packaging and applications
Radboud researchers are also contributing to advanced chip packaging: the smarter integration of different functional components into a single compact and energy-efficient whole. This is being done at the Applied Materials Science department, among others.
Various researchers are working on how to apply advanced chips effectively in practice, says Van Huffelen. ‘Take, for example, the work we do in the OnePlanet context. There, we contribute to applications in healthcare, to make diagnoses easier and better. And as a knowledge partner, we are also involved in the development of photonic chips to measure nitrogen emissions more accurately, for example.’
AI and digital security
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a prerequisite for developing smarter chips; Radboud researchers are contributing to this, such as in the ICAI labs. AI plays a role from design to application. Responsible use of new possibilities is another topic that is high on the agenda for Radboud researchers, says Van Huffelen.
This involves digital security, an area in which the university has long been renowned. Researchers are now collaborating with NXP, for example, on the security of the future: post-quantum cryptography.
Talent development
Scientific research is an important driver of innovation, including in the semiconductor sector, Van Huffelen summarises. ‘And, of course, we have a very important contribution to make when it comes to educating students. We need to train enough people, offer internships and ultimately place them in companies in this region. We have received additional funding for this from the Beethoven funds. And to ensure a good match, we do this in collaboration with companies. It should be clear: anyone interested in contributing to this rapidly developing sector has a bright future ahead of them here.'
